August 28, 2013
When Martin Luther King’s speech took place fifty years ago today, I was four months shy of being born. That doesn’t mean his words don’t carry as much weight for me or others not born in that era because they do! Reverend King’s speech has stood as a hallmark of all speeches – ever.
While we’ve come a long way in America, I truly believe many people won’t ever rise to the occasion of seeing the fulfillment of that dream. We’re born with a sin nature and to some degree we’re a replica of what our parents were. Some of us have disrobed ourselves from our parent’s racist ideologies, but sadly many have not. The LDS Church is a classic example of that. The bottom line is that you’re never going to convince people not to hate.
While there are many members of the Church who aren’t racist they’re still holding onto the ideologies of a racist doctrine, thereby never ridding themselves or their children of that ugly sin. It’d be difficult at best to raise a kid in Mormonism and not reflect its racist tendencies.
Leigh Anne Touhey (think The Blindside) once said “unfortunately we can’t outlaw stupid” and while I had to laugh at her statement I also have to agree. Racism begins when parents talk negatively about other races within or without earshot of their kids. It begins when the child takes its first breath.
One of the best days of my life was when I threw a birthday party for one of my girls and invited every kid in their class. My living room was filled with black, Asian, white and Indian kids. It looked like a veritable rainbow of God’s creation and it’s one of the most cherished memories I have. Today I see that ugly curse of racist hatred has been wiped right out of the next generation with my children and the relief I feel is inexpressible!
Hatred and racism covers a broad scope of life. You can be black and be racist or you can call yourself Christian and hate your brothers and sisters in Christ because they don’t have the same name over the doorway. We deal with that here at LAM every single day.
What we need to do is keep the word of God in our hearts. Whenever you’re insulted because you believe in Jesus or you’re spat upon because of your race, our reaction to such things speaks volumes.
Not long after I got saved (maybe a month) I was sitting in a Sunday school class at my church and because I asked a question that some people in the class thought I should’ve known I was laughed at. Grown adults making fun of other adults…not a pretty scene.
The teacher answered my question and a few moments later someone behind me handed me a piece of paper and all it said was “memorize Acts 5:41”. I did just that and I’m still grateful for that man’s kindness to this day.
“And they departed from the presence of the council, rejoicing that they were counted worthy to suffer shame for his name.”
Martin Luther King’s son spoke at the Mall in DC today and to summarize his words he said this issue is about having God’s agape love in us and projecting that into society. He said that while you can pass all the laws you like it doesn’t matter. The law in your own heart is what keeps you chained in life. Amen brother, amen! You can’t outlaw stupid and you can’t force anyone into liking you because you feel your way is the only way. Life doesn’t work that way.
What does work is His love; agape love!
My dream is the same dream I had yesterday and the same dream I’ve had all my life. I want for the LDS Church to remove their racist scriptures and I want for them to repent, publicly denounce & apologize they’ve taught such ugly things.
That is my dream.
With Love in Christ;
Michelle Grim
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