On this memorial of September 11, I, along with millions of Americans, pause and allow that dark day of death to seep into my living and breathing. In a memorial service in my home town earlier today, our mayor shared moving words from Martin Luther King, Jr.'s speech, "Where Do We Go From Here?"
Fitting words for a nation healing from ten year old wounds.
As we released 1200 white balloons into the gloomy sky, I felt a catch in my throat as I worked to get out the words to Let There be Peace on Earth.
Yes! Let There Be Peace on Earth and let it begin with me.
Excerpt from "Where do We Go From Here?" MLK Jr.
I'm
concerned about justice. I'm concerned about brotherhood. I'm concerned
about truth. And when one is concerned about these, he can never
advocate violence. For through violence you may murder a murderer but
you can't murder murder. Through violence you may murder a liar but you can't
establish truth. Through violence you may murder a hater, but you can't
murder hate. Darkness cannot put out darkness. Only light can do that.
And
I say to you, I have also decided to stick to love. For I know that
love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems. And I'm going
to talk about it everywhere I go. I know it isn't popular to talk about
it in some circles today. I'm not talking about emotional bosh when I
talk about love, I'm talking about a strong, demanding love... I have decided to love. If you are seeking the highest good, I
think you can find it through love. And the beautiful thing is that we
are moving against wrong when we do it, because God is
love. He who hates does not know God, but he who has love has the key
that unlocks the door to the meaning of ultimate reality.
God Bless America.
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