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learning from Dr. King


Psalm 15:2  NASB
He who walks with integrity, and works righteousness, And speaks truth in his heart.

This past week and weekend was a real hit as I had the opportunity to spend time learning with and from 40 people from around the country who are part of Raceway Ministries.  Much of what we talked about centered on relationships.  I was reminded that when we get so busy finishing tasks we often miss the most important things around us.  Those things aren’t things; they are people.

I learned much and will share some of that in the days ahead.  Today we remember one of the greatest Americans to live.  Martin Luther King, Jr spoke up for people who could not speak for themselves.  I agreed with much of his heart and his desire to see our nation embrace more people and stand stronger together.  We are indebted to Dr. King and to many others who stood when we couldn’t and when many wouldn’t stand.

I’d like to share some quotes from Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr that have influenced me:

·      The time is always right to do what is right.
·      Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.
·      The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
·      We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.
·      Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
·      The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: 'If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?' But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: 'If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?'
·      Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.
·      I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.

That is only a few of the quotes that stick out.  Several of them have been added to my desire to do the same, to speak up for those who cannot speak up for themselves.  That is no easy task, but it is an important one.

The last several weeks I have used Mondays to share what is on my mind from the last few weeks, and I am going to share some more of the mind dump.  May these thoughts help us think deeper and even get closer to God.

·      Listening to others share their story often helps us remember that we are not alone.
·      Addiction sucks.
·      There are things in life that just blow my mind.  I sat through a session about sex trafficking, and to hear that this industry, sad that it is called that, is growing by big time and hurting more people.  We need to be aware of what is happening.
·      Our good choices often end in us and those around us being blessed.  In turn bad choices end in us and others struggling.
·      It is always right to encourage someone to explore their God-given potential.
·      To serve with great people that make me smile is a very good thing.
·      I like snow.  I want more.  Soon.  What fell today has already melted.
·      I miss my dad.
·      God is always at work in me, my family and in the people I encounter.  And it is rarely about me.  Life is best lived when lived for the good of others.
·      Getting good gas mileage makes me smile.  My truck gets about 19 miles to the gallon on a trip, and the rental car I had on the trip to Atlanta this past week got 35 miles to the gallon.  
·      It is a new year, and I like some of the new things happening around me.  It is seen in the money we are raising for the new roof on the office building at our new campus.  We are 1/3rd of the way to our $25,000 goal.
·      Celebrating the achievement of others is always good.

May God shine through you each day so others see your potential and how great our God is.  Have a great week!

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