On Saturday night, we watched the movies called "Amazing Grace" which is a powerful tale about William Wilberforce, and earlier form of Martin Luther King in Britain who in the late 18th century, as a member of the House of Parliament, helped to end the slave trade in Britain. However, this was no easy task- it took YEARS of his campaigning (probably close to 15) and some major changes in public attitude before he finally achieved his dream. It was interesting how he achieved it in that they passed a bill outlawing neutral freight ships to fly the American Flag. Many of these ships were their enemies, the French, but then many of these ships were also British slave ships. By helping to slow this process, he helped to change the attitudes so that 2 years later, the Anti-Slavery Bill could be passed. It is amazing the power that his words and the words of his supporters- and opposition- had on the effect. I also learned something interesting about the lyrics to the song, "Amazing Grace". They were penned by John Newton, a sailor on a slave ship who experienced a conversion after witnessing the cruelty and death of nearly 20,000 slaves. He later became a minister and wrote these lyrics based upon his experience.And then on Sunday, I went to the annual community and interfaith celebration in Palo Alto
honoring the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The title of this celebration was "Continuing Dr. King's Dream of Truth, Peace and Justice." I learned that Dr. King was born on January 15, 1929 and I finally realized why they have the holiday in January- it seems so simple, yet I never knew. I also found out that Jan. 15th was also the birthday of Joan of Arc, a woman who also fought for her people.Early in the program, a number was performed that really touched me- the title was "What Do You Do When You've Done All You Can- You Just Stand." What an appropriate song to commemorate the life of Dr. King, a man who did all that he could do and despite persecution, continued to STAND for what he believed in. This is such a great example for how we should all be in our lives- that we need to do all that we can and then STAND for that truth. It reminds me about the book for Pres. Hinckley- Standing for Something. Its that same idea.
The main speaker was Reverend Robert Olmstead who actually marched several times with Dr. King. It was amazing to listen to his stories about marching with Dr. King in Alabama, and how he, being a white man and a reverend, wore his collar and stood on the edges to help separate the mob from the rest of the peaceful protesters. While the mob was taunting them, the protesters sang "We Shall Overcome." Rev. Olmstead told of how Dr. King's grandmother read the Bible to him everyday- what an amazing woman of faith and the legacy and inspiration that she gave to this boy. When Dr. King was 5 years old, he said "When I grow up, I want to master big words". I have to say that he DEFINITELY did this, as he was a doctor of theology and wrote some of the most powerful words that have continued on to today with "I have a dream." Rev. Olmstead then said that he wanted to tell the story of another Reverend no one had ever heard of- Vemon Jones- preacher of the congregation before Dr. King. He too tried to rally his congregation to grow gardens to boycott the racist vendors and force them to look at the equality issue, he held protests, etc. but yet, he was arrested and his congregation decided to replace him with Dr. King. Rev. Olmstead told this story to illustrate that there are countless individuals who help to prepare and pave the way for this process to happen. Their labors are not in vain, but necessary for the great ones to come forward. How true this is of all aspects of life, that we truly are all in this together, and the efforts that we have may not seem to be making a difference, but in the long term, we are helping to pave the way for those great ones who will be following. Or maybe, we are the great ones. Either way, we are all interconnected with one another.
Rev. Olmstead quoted Henry David Thoreau who said “Do not worry if you have built your castles in the air. They are where they should be. Now put the foundations under them.” How true is that! I feel that sometimes, I tend to not set my goals or dreams too high because I feel that I could not reach them, but in reality, we should not settle or degrade our dreams- we should just work and build the foundations to support and achieve them.
Rev. Olmstead that Dr. King wasn't just a hero for African Americans, but that he is truly a WORLD hero and that we should look at him as seeking equality and justice for all. It was interesting because at the end of his talk, he asked the question "What way would be best for us to continue the legacy of Dr. King?" And his answer surprised and touched me. He said that he could talk about equality in health care, or ending the war in Iraq, or a whole number of other issues, but the one that is most important is THE POWER OF WORDS. Our most important thing right now is to teach the children and each other about the power of words. We need to spend more time reading to children, helping out at schools, tutoring, and truly teach them of the beauty and power of words. But, we need to be careful to make sure that these are words that "shape the soul and build the dreams of others" and we shouldn't leave it to someone else because we need to build the foundation. I love his advice because it is truly in helping those around us that we can make changes, one person at a time, and these can help to make a true difference in the world. I just found it such an inspiring meeting as to how I can continue to live the dream of Dr. King. I'm glad that there is such a holiday to remember the cause of standing for our dreams.
No comments:
Post a Comment