We are just 5 days into 2014. I guess it’s a little too early to know how 2014 will pan out? Still as I have contemplated the last 12 months and considered the possibilities of the year ahead, I kept being drawn to Martin Luther Kings words in his well know speech … “I Have a Dream” delivered on 28th August 1963, in which he called for an end to racism.
“I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today!
There were many obstacles to face. He did not see his dream come true but was moved to say … “Let us not wallow in the valley of despair, I say to you today, my friends. And so even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream. It is a dream deeply rooted in the American dream.”
On 3 April 1998, the night before he died, he was under threat but he was able to say … Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the Promised Land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land! And so I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man! Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord!!
I have a dream, that one day the world will turn from violence and greed, to love of God and all humankind. I have many dreams for the church and this parish! Sadly I confess that sometimes I am unable to see a way forward to the fulfillment of my dreams or our dreams. 2013 seems to have been a year of obstacles… for myself, for many of you and for us as a parish family.
Isaiah knew the concern of his people in exhile but he held to the word of God…
Arise, shine; for your light has come,
and the glory of the Lord has risen upon you.
2 For darkness shall cover the earth,
and thick darkness the peoples;
but the Lord will arise upon you,
and his glory will appear over you.
I still have a DREAM and I trust the Lord to see it through!
Love and Blessings
Reverend Shan