Sunday Reflection - Some Thoughts on Friendship

This week I received the following message from a friend – I thought it worth sharing with you

ON FRIENDSHIP

People come into your life for a reason, a season or a lifetime.

When you know which one it is, you will know what to do for that person.

When someone is in your life for a REASON,

it is usually to meet a need you have expressed.

They have come to assist you through a difficulty,

to provide you with guidance and support.

To aid you physically, emotionally or spiritually.

They may seem like a godsend and they are.

They are there for the reason you need them to be.

Then, without any wrongdoing on your part

or at an inconvenient time,

This person will say or do

something to bring the relationship to an end.

Sometimes they die. Sometimes they walk away.

Sometimes they act up and force you to take a stand.

What we must realize is that our need has been met, our desire

fulfilled, their work is done. The prayer you sent up has been answered

and now it is time to move on.

Some people come into your life for a SEASON, because

your turn has come to share, grow or learn.

They bring you an experience of peace or make you laugh.

They may teach you something you have never done.

They usually give you an unbelievable amount of joy.

Believe it, it is real. But only for a season.

LIFETIME - relationships teach you lifetime lessons,

Things you must build upon in order to have a solid emotional

Foundation.

Your job is to accept the lesson, love the person and put what you have

learned to use in all other relationships and

areas of your life.

It is said that love is blind but friendship is clairvoyant.

Thank you for being a part of my life,

Whether you were a reason, a season or a lifetime.

Peacesojourner

*****

And in the sweetness of friendship let there be laughter, and sharing of pleasures. For in the dew of little things the heart finds its morning and is refreshed. Kahlil Gibran

Friends always show their love. What are brothers for if not to share troubles? - Proverbs 17:17

Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work: If one falls down, his friend can help him up. But pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up. Ecclesiastes 4: 9-10

“The only way to have a friend is to be one."
- Ralph Waldo Emerson

photos by peacesojourner

Sunday Reflection - Let's Talk About Jesus

*****

When I first saw the picture above I found it amusing, however, later I started thinking about how many Christians seldom actually talk to another person about Jesus. Many people that I know who attend church regularly rarely talk publicly about their faith.

When Jesus was alive he said ‘go tell others what you have seen here’ - his followers were called the believers and they followed The Way. If they had been silent about the message of Jesus then all knowledge of him would have disappeared from history. The early believers spoke to others about Jesus even though many of them were ostracized and even killed for mentioning his name.

Why are so many of today’s Christians silent about the Good News of the coming of Jesus Christ?

What do you do? Do you talk in hushed tones about your faith beliefs or maybe you are silent about it?

Do you want to be able to talk with others about your Christian faith?

Here are some steps that you could take:

• Recognize that faith is a sensitive subject. Be prepared - remain calm, friendly, and welcoming.
• Make sure you are well informed about the Bible – this is very important.
• Wait for the appropriate time. The most agreeable circumstance is in a small group or one on one.
• When a discussion of faith is being held listen to the viewpoints of others without interrupting, objecting, or correcting. and calmly, say “You know that I'm a Christian, right? (they nod or whatever) Generally, the Christian belief is ________." Keep your response as brief as possible
• Remember your goal. Don't make this about you. Remember who you are - you are the face of Jesus that this person is seeing at that moment. Make sure you're presenting him accurately.
• Resist the temptation to quote a lot of scripture.
• A quiet, solid faith shows. If you can not be easily annoyed casual onlookers will know your faith is strong and deep. 



• As a Christian, stand for Jesus wherever you go. Make sure what you show people is a good example.
• Humility is so important. Tell them, "I can't speak for every Christian, only for myself. But for heaven's sake, don't follow me. Follow Him."
• If you show respect and kindness and have some understanding of Biblical principles you will be fine.

So, stop being a silent Christian – speak up!

peacesojourner

Grandma's Hands

GRANDMA'S HANDS

Grandma, some ninety plus years, sat feebly on the patio bench.

She didn't move, just sat with her headdown staring at her hands.

When I sat down beside her she didn't
acknowledge my presence and the longer I sat I wondered if she was OK.

Finally, not really wanting to disturb her but wanting to check on her
at the same time, I asked her if she was OK. She raised her head and looked at
me and smiled. 'Yes, I'm fine, thank you for asking,' she said in a clear voice.

'I didn't mean to disturb you, grandma, but you were just
sitting here staring at your hands and I wanted to make sure you were OK,'

I explained to her. 'Have you ever looked at your hands,' she asked. 'I
mean really looked at your hands?'

I slowly opened my hands and stareddown at them. I turned them over,

palms up and then palms down. No, I guess Ihad never really looked

at my hands as I tried to figure out the point she was making.

Grandma smiled and related this story: 'Stop and think
for a moment about the hands you have, how they have served you well throughout
your years. These hands, though wrinkled shriveled and weak have been the tools
I have used all my life to reach out and grab and embrace life.

'They braced and caught my fall when as a toddler I crashed upon the floor.
They put food in my mouth and clothes on my back.

As a child, my mother taught me to fold them in prayer.

They tied my shoes and pulled on my boots.

They held my husband and wiped my tears when he went off to war. 'They
have been dirty, scraped and raw , swollen and bent. They were uneasy and clumsy
when I tried to hold my newborn son.

Decorated with my wedding band they showed
the world that I was married and loved someone special.They wrote my
letters to him and trembled and shook when I buried my parents and spouse.

'They have held my children and grandchildren, consoled neighbors, and
shook in fists of anger when I didn't understand. They have covered my
face, combed my hair, and washed and cleansed the rest of my body. They have
been sticky and wet, bent and broken, dried and raw. And to this day when not
much of anything else of me works real well these hands hold me up, lay me down,
and again continue to fold in prayer.

'These hands are the mark of where
I've been and the ruggedness of life. But more importantly it will be
these hands that God will reach out and take when he leads me home. And with my
hands He will lift me to His side and there I will use these hands to touch the
face of Christ.'

I never looked at my hands the same again. But I
remember God reached out and took my grandma's hands and led her home.

When my hands are hurt or sore or when I stroke the face of my children
and husband I think of grandma. I know she has been stroked and caressed and
held by the hands of God. I, too, want to touch the face of God and feel
His hands upon my face.

When you read this, say a prayer for the
person who sent it to you.

Let's continue praying for one another. Sharing this with anyone you consider
a friend will bless you both. Passing this on to one not yet considered
a friend is something Christ would do.

-- Author Unknown

The Value of Friendship -

A friend sent these pictures to me by e-mail, she was thanking me for our friendship. The cards started me thinking about the value of friendship.

When I signed up for Facebook I was contacted by many people who wanted to sign up as my 'ff' (facebook friend) - this caused me to reflect about how many relationships that we have during a lifetime. I have discovered that we can find friends in so many places if we just leave ourselves open to the possibilities.

This card was sent to me by my dear friend Susana a couple of years ago.

She said that the two girls reminded her of our friendship.

I was very touched by her words.

I have it on my kitchen shelf and I smile when I see it every day.

I have not reached this stage of life yet but when that time comes I would love to have a friend with whom I could toddle off to the market and share my dreams and

current circumstances with.

Doesn't this look like fun - an impromptu dance on the promenade -

Why not?

We understand the warmth of being with friends at an early age-

these little girls are obviously enjoying being together.

The companionship of a beloved family pet is priceless!

I love to see people enjoying themselves - like the logo says "growing old is inevitable"

As for me I refuse to grow up - I'm having too much fun!

Since signing on to Facebook

many people have declared that I am their friend. I know erery one of them personally ,(except for two people who I accidentally signed on) :-)

I have precious memories of every one of them.

Some of the friendships have spanned many years when my friends and I were young mothers and raising our children together (that is what we did in those days). I was called auntie by most of my friend's children - and guess what? several of those children are now grown and have signed up as my 'friend'. (because we are) :-)

I have lived in several different states and countries and many old friends checked in with me. A few are newer friends I have made since living in New York, but for sure I have developed happy relationships with them as well. Not to mention my birth family who have known me since my life began.

It is good to make contact with everyone again - I try to keep up with the messages and I check in as often as I can.

As each one re-connects with me all of the memories are sweet.

Thank you to my family and friends.

Remembering Markus who died June 1, 2004

A tribute to Markus J. Johnson of Springfield, Massachusetts

He was an Army Pfc and on June 1, 2004 he died while serving in the

Al Anbar Province of Iraq when an Avenger rolled over.

He was 20 years old

He was awarded seven medals, including the Bronze Star

and the Purple Heart

Brig. Gen. Bo Temple presents Sandra L. Thomas, the mother of Army Pvt. Markus J. Johnson, a flag and her son's medals during Markus Johnson's funeral at the Massachusetts Veterans Cemetery in Agawam, June 12 2004. Beside Thomas are Markus Johnson's stepfather Lawrence Thomas, Jr., and aunt Katherine Johnson

Siblings Laura Thomas, left, Craig L. Johnson, Nathan L. Johnson

and Dwayne A. Johnson share a laugh as they remember their

brother, Army
Pfc Markus J. Johnson, during his funeral.

Military pallbearers carry the casket of Army Pvt. Markus J. Johnson

from Symphony Hall after the funeral

Tribute to a fallen warrior

Markus' parents and brother Nathan at a memorial event

on the first anniversary of his death.

*****

I would like to introduce you to Markus J. Johnson.

I was living in Massachusetts when I first met Markus. He was a young child and his aunt Kathy was a good friend of mine. She usually had Markus and his brothers with her when we would meet. His mother was in poor health and was confined to a wheelchair so he spent a lot of time with his aunt.

He was full of energy, asked a thousand questions and had a great sense of humor.
When he got older he made the decision to join the Army so that he could help his mother financially and like many of our young citizens Markus dreamed of pursuing a college education when he was discharged from the military.

Markus holds the distinction of being Springfield's first resident to sacrifice his life in support of Operation Iraqi Freedom and in the country's War on Terrorism. He was assigned to the 3rd Air Defense Artillery, 1st Infantry Division of the Army, based in Kitzingen, Germany and was 20 when he was deployed to Iraq.

Markus’ death was a shock to his family and friends and to the entire community. He was well known at the local Martin Luther King Community Center which he attended during his childhood and teen years. Hundreds attended his funeral.

I wanted to introduce you to Markus because his story is so typical of many of the young men and women who have died in the Iraq War. They wanted to help their families financially, pursue a higher education and to be of service to their country.

Markus’ mother and father have both died since the time of his death. His siblings have undergone the pain of losing their parents and their brother in the past eight years.

I remember Markus with fond affection and we all miss him very much.

We are proud of him and will never forget him.

*****

peacesojourner

Lilac Festival, Rochester, New York

May 11 to May 20, 2012

The Rochester Lilac Festival takes place every May in Highland Park

In 1892 under direction of the new superintendent of parks Calvin C. Laney, horticulturist John Dunbar began the park's lilac collection with 20 varieties, some of which were descendants of native plants brought over by early settlers.

Overseeing the parks design was Frederick L Olmstead (of Central Park fame),

his goal was to give the park a random and natural feel.

The festival is celebrating 114 years of welcoming visitors to view the lilacs

Many varieties of tulips and other spring flowers are also

blooming

There are over 500 different varieties of lilacs on display

In the late 1800's people started gathering at the park when the lilacs would bloom and in 1898, Rochester held it's first official Lilac Festival for a crowd of around three thousand. Today over half of a million people visit the 1,200 specimens that make up about 500 different varieties of lilacs covering over 20 of the parks now 155 acres.

This Festival is known worldwide and people travel from many states and countries to view.

The official activities come to a close this weekend, but don't be dismayed, if you haven't visited yet. You can still visit the park after that date, the lilacs have been there for over 100 years and they are not going anywhere. Just try to visit before the blooms finish.

When I visit and take in the sweet aroma of the lilacs I feel renewed energy and increased wonder at the amazing gifts that we are given by Mother Nature.

If you do stop by take some time and drive along the banks of Lake Ontario it is a beautiful scenic ride.

*****

photos by peacesojourner

May is National Bike Month

May is National Bike Month

The League of American Bicyclists (LAB) celebrates National Bike Month each year in May. It's a chance for people to consciously promote cycling and the many ways bicycling is such a fun and useful way to get around.

Here are 18 ideas on how to do to celebrate National Bike Month:

1. Plan a cycling vacation.
2. Organize a neighborhood bike parade.
3. Commute to work on a bike!
4. Attach playing cards to your bike wheel and ride around like you did when you were a child.
5. Rent a Classic Bicycling Movie and have a Screening .
6. All you need is a projector, screen/sheet, speakers, and a nice yard or open space.
7. Ask your employer to install bike racks at your workplace.
8. Write a letter to the editor of your local paper on the virtues of bicycling.
9. Wear spandex to your next board meeting.
10. Write your congressman about the importance of bicycling.
11. Rent a book on the history of bicycling from your local library.
12. Organize a group to clean the local bike trail.
13. Take a Family Ride on a Local Trail.
14. Attend a Mayor’s Bicycle Advisory Committee Meeting in your Town.
15. Write a “thank you” letter to your local advocacy group for the work they do.
16. Ride a different bike than usual: Try a tandem, a tricycle or a unicycle!
17. Teach a child to ride a bicycle.
18. Visit the Bike Museum in Buffalo New York

*****

In England, when I was fourteen, I dreamed of owning a bicycle. Not just any bicycle - the object of my desire was a 10 speed racing bike. My dad said I could have it if I got a job and earned the money. I agreed and he arranged for me to help with his friend’s local milk delivery service every morning. I was up and out at 5 a.m. before going to school. It was often raining very hard or freezing cold and I did so much walking that my favorite yellow socks quickly developed giant holes in the heels. I really did not enjoy the job at all but I was determined to earn the money.

I worked all winter and eventually earned almost enough money for the deposit to purchase the bike, so my dad went with me and co-signed the small loan. As soon as it was paid for I gave up the job and was in heaven over owning my own bicycle. I remember feeling very proud that I had earned the money by myself.

Years later I realized that I had been taught a very valuable lesson. The main one being that I had to work in order to get the things that I want in life and I have never varied from that philosophy. I also learned that I wanted to have an indoor job where I could be dry

and warm :-)

I am aware that this sounds like a "when I was a child I walked 10 miles to school in the snow" story - but this one is true :-)

I loved that bicycle – I rode it every day and on the weekends I would ride long distances to visit my great aunt. It was a silver, 10 speed racing bike – very modern for the times :-)

*****

Cycling is an excellent way to get exercise and also a very important way to save on energy and pollution to improve the air in this wonderful earth that we share.

So, if you can, make cycling more than a sport but a basic way of life for you and your children and enjoy the National Bike Month.

April 17h - War Tax Resistance Day

Many Anti War Tax Resisters will gather at the IRS building in Washington, DC today to give away resisted federal taxes to some worthy organizations that are working to alleviate some of the ills of the world. The demonstration is one of dozens around the country being held today on "Tax Day." War Tax Resistance protests have been going on at IRS HQ since the 1960’s.

War Tax Resisters are people of conscience who are saddened by the government's continued presence in Iraq and Afghanistan. In refusing to pay part or all of our federal taxes and re-directing that money, war tax resisters are intentionally violating the law to withhold our support of the illegal, immoral and unjust wars--as well as untold future wars our government may lead us into.

They join together at the IRS to publicly declare that they will not cooperate with our government's policy of advocating and enacting violent responses to international conflict. Not in our names will the U.S. government continue to uphold a military system that all too often threatens and takes lives around the world, while government programs that meet human needs are routinely cut or eliminated.

The current Military Budget is $1.3 trillion

Many of us will continue our war tax resistance until our government prioritizes human needs, peace, and social justice over international aggression, war and violence.

We say “NO” to war with our money. No to the continuing war and occupation of Iraq. No to the war in Afghanistan and no to drone attacks and increased fighting in Pakistan.

We say “No” to billions more dollars buying thousands more deaths and injuries, both military and civilian. There are people and programs that could benefit from a small percentage of the money that is spent by all governments on war.

War Tax Resisters have decided that we cannot wait for governments to end war. We are cutting off our individual connection to war by refusing some or all of the federal tax dollars that fund war.

• Some of us are living on low incomes so as not to pay for war.
• Some of us are refusing $100 in protest.
• Some of us are refusing 100% of any federal income taxes owed.
• If the government won't cut off the funds, we will.
• We mourn the loss of untold numbers of lives that have been lost in these wars.

*****

I am a pacifist and I take comfort in knowing that I do not personally give financially to the war effort. I made the decision to become a War Tax Resister 11 years ago. I deliberately have an income that is lower than the minimum rate before one pays tax. I live a very frugal lifestyle and I take advantage of almost every free cultural event in the community. Life is good.

One of the benefits of being a War Tax Resister is that I meet some of the kindest, compassionate people every day.

*****

"War tax resistance is a way of keeping at the front of my mind the killing and suffering wrought by the government's policies, and of voicing my profound disagreement with those policies."—Juanita Nelson (a War Tax Resister since WWII)

"War will exist until that distant day when the conscientious objector enjoys the same reputation and prestige that the warrior does today." - John F. Kennedy

6,422 Military Troops from the United States have been

killed in wars since March 19 2003.

peacesojourner

Triskaidekaphobia - is the fear of the number 13

POEM - It's Friday the 13th Tomorrow

It's Friday the 13th tomorrow.

A black cat just leapt in my path.

I'm not superstitious, but this might

explain why I'm failing in math.

By chance I walked under a ladder

a teacher had placed by the wall.

In class my umbrella popped open,

and that's why I tripped in the hall.

The salt spilled this morning at breakfast.

While walking I stepped on a crack.

I took off my shoes on the table.

It looks like my future is black.

This evening I busted a mirror

which means that the next seven years

are due to be filled with misfortune,

catastrophes, mishaps and tears.

With all the bad luck I'm confronting,

it seems that I'm probably cursed.

It may be the 13th tomorrow.

But Thursday the 12th is the worst.

--Kenn Nesbitt (student)

When I was a child, the adults in my family would quote all of the common superstitions. I decided that I would not pass the superstitions along to my children as I did not believe them. This week I was driving and a black cat ran across the street in front of me, my immediate reaction was "Oh no, bad luck." Why, if I don't believe it can that thought still be in my subconscious ?

Common superstitions can be described as beliefs that have no rational basis. Some superstitions may be just for fun while others may affect you deeply enough to affect your choices in life. None of them are based in fact, but many have roots deep in tradition and history. Most of us probably don't even know why we give a little shudder when we see a Friday the 13th looming on the calendar.

Many of our common superstitions come with a colorful history or story that may date back centuries. If you would like to know why you shouldn't walk under a ladder or whether a black cat is really a creature to avoid, read on for the best list of common superstitions that are still a part of our culture and where they came from.

1. Friday the 13th – Bad Luck
A fear of the number 13 is one of the most common superstitions around, and is so that many apartments and hotels omit the 13th floor and some airlines fly without a 13th row. The most popular thought on the origin of this superstition is that Judas was the 13th guest at the Last Supper and that Christ was crucified on a Friday.

2. Itchy Palm – Good Luck
There seems to be a lot of variations on this superstition, but the idea of having an itchy palm generally refers to someone who is greedy or has an insatiable desire for money.

3. Walking under a Ladder – Bad Luck
It's common sense to avoid walking under an open ladder for fear of something falling on you, but there are superstitious reasons for doing so as well. Consider the shape of an open ladder; a triangle that signifies life to some. When you walk though the triangle, you are tempting the fates.

4. Breaking a Mirror – Bad Luck
Most will tell you that the agreed upon time span for bad luck is 7 years. 7 years is also how long it takes to fully rejuvenate the entire physical body.
Since a mirror was thought to be a reflection of the soul, breaking a mirror was harmful to the soul. To counter the ill effects, you can take the mirror outside and bury it in the moonlight.

5. Finding a Horseshoe – Good Luck
Some people believe that this is the luckiest of all symbols, especially if it is found with the open end pointing toward you.

6. Opening an Umbrella Inside – Bad Luck
Umbrellas that shade us from the deified sun are considered magical. When the umbrella is opened inside and out of the way of sun's rays it offends the sun god. It may even signify impending death or ill fortune for both the person who opened it and the people who live within the home.

7. Knock Twice on Wood – Reverses Bad Luck
The origin of this common superstition dates back to a time when some cultures believed that gods lived in trees. When one would ask for a favor from these gods, he would lightly touch the bark of the tree. To say thank you after the favor had been granted, he would knock lightly one more time.

8. Tossing Spilled Salt over your left Shoulder – Good Luck
Salt has always been considered a valuable substance capable of purifying and warding off evil spirits. By tossing spilled salt over your left shoulder, you are driving away the evil spirits lurking with the intent to cause misfortune.

9. Black Cats – Bad Luck
This is a tough one for cat lovers to swallow, but in the Middle Ages it was thought that witches kept black cats as companions. Some people even believed that these kitties could turn into witches or demons after 7 years.

10. Saying "God Bless You" – Good Luck
Blessing someone after he sneezes is actually a common superstition. In the 6th century, people were congratulated for sneezing because it was thought they were expelling evil spirits. Early Romans believed that a good sneeze could release your soul into the world, and a "bless you" would keep it safe.

How Superstitious Are You?
Do you take great care with mirror glass? Would you never even dream of walking under a ladder? Well, aside from seeming eccentric in your avoidance of some pretty harmless things, you're also probably very superstitious. Though some people take certain age old beliefs as seriously as they do the law, there are varying degrees of superstition.

A few other familiar examples:

-The number 13 is "unlucky" and the numbers 7 and 9 are "lucky."
-It will bring you bad luck if you step on the cracks in a sidewalk.
-Finding a four-leaved clover will be a boon to your fortune.
-Triskaidekaphobia [tris-kahy-dek-uh-foh-bee-uh] is the fear of the number 13.
-Paraskevidekatriaphobics — people afflicted with a morbid, irrational fear of Friday the 13th

*****

My children have never heard me repeat a superstition to them as I wanted to break the cycle of believing in them. As I write this I wonder if I was successful - I'm guessing that they heard them from other sources anyway. That's how superstitions work!

Martin Luther King Jr. - Assassinated April 4, 1968

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

January 15, 1929 – April 4, l968

Place of birth: Atlanta, Georgia. His grandfather began the family's long tenure as pastors of the Ebenezer Baptist Church in Atlanta, serving from 1914 to 1931; his father also served, and from 1960 until his death Martin Luther acted as co-pastor.

While in college in Boston he met and married Coretta Scott. Two sons and two daughters were born.

Movement: African-American Civil Rights Movement and Peace movement.

Major organizations: President of Southern Christian Leadership Conference (SCLC) 1957

Notable prizes: Nobel Peace Prize (1964)

Presidential Medal of Freedom (1977, posthumous)

Congressional Gold Medal (2004, posthumous)

Alma mater: Morehouse College, Crozer Theological Seminary,Boston University

Religion: Baptist

Influences: Abraham Lincoln, Mahatma Gandhi, Benjamin Mays, Hosea Williams, Rosa Parks, Bayard Rustin, Henry David Thoreau, Howard Thurman, Leo Tolstoy.

In 1954, Martin Luther King became pastor of the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church in Montgomery, Alabama. 


At the age of thirty-five, Martin Luther King, Jr., was the youngest man to have received the Nobel Peace Prize. When notified of his selection, he announced that he would turn over the prize money of $54,123 to the furtherance of the civil rights movement.


Dr. King's April 4, 1967 speech "A Time to Break Silence: Declaration of Independence from the Vietnam War" was profound and a stark warning against endless war.
He said “I am convinced that if we are to get on the right side of the world revolution, we as a nation must undergo a radical revolution of values. We must rapidly begin the shift from a 'thing-oriented' society to a 'person-oriented' society. When machines and computers, profit motives and property rights are considered more important than people, the giant triplets of racism, materialism and militarism are incapable of being conquered. .... 
A nation that continues year after year to spend more money on military defense than on programs of social uplift is approaching spiritual death." (MLK, April 4, 1967)

The speech was delivered in the Riverside Church in New York City, to the clergy and laymen concerned about Viet Nam.

On the evening of April 4, 1968, while standing on the balcony of his motel room
in Memphis, Tennessee, where he was to lead a protest march in sympathy with striking garbage workers of that city, he was assassinated. He was killed exactly one year to the day after his greatest speech – against the War on Viet Nam. (in case one misses the symbolism)

The King family publicly stated that the federal government killed Dr. King and that James Earl Ray was just a patsy who was framed (Dexter King even met with Ray in his prison and they sought, without success, to get Ray the trial he never had).
In December 1999, after Ray's death in prison, the King family won a federal lawsuit against some of the perpetrators of the assassination. The jury found that the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was the victim of a murder conspiracy - not a lone gunman. This astounding jury verdict is rarely mentioned by the media. The facts are fairly straightforward, confirmed by a federal jury verdict and endorsed by the King family.

The best way to celebrate Dr. King’s legacy is to work for a world beyond militarism, for non-violence and economic justice.

Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.'s 1967 Speech Against War and Injustice - Timely Today. You can find complete copies of the speech on line, also on youtube. Please take the time to view them. You will see that if you change the words Viet Nam to Iraq and Afghanistan, the speech could be relevant today.

Today marks the 44th anniversary of his assassination.

They slew the dreamer - long live the dream.