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Today is the day when we remember and honor the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Back in 1963, when Dr. King delivered his “I have a dream” speech to throngs of people who made pilgrimage to Washington DC, he reminded and inspired listeners that the United States could become a country where all citizens would be treated with dignity, honor, and respect. Dr. King spoke eloquently and passionately about his dream for a better and more united America, where race and the color of one’s skin would no longer be a target for racial injustice. Dr. King wrote:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal….and when this happens, and when we allow freedom ring, when we let it ring from every village and every hamlet, from every state and every city, we will be able to speed up that day when all of God's children, black men and white men, Jews and Gentiles, Protestants and Catholics, will be able to join hands and sing in the words of the old Negro spiritual: Free at last. Free at last. Thank God almighty, we are free at last.”
Fifty-eight years later, it is sadly evident that our country is still sharply divided when it comes to issues regarding race, racial justice, and racial equality. But this week, we in the United States are on the cusp of a new beginning and that alone is reason to have hope for our collective futures. Even with all the hatred and vitriol that has spilled across this land, the future does look brighter and we do have the chance to actively engage in a new beginning, where love and mutual respect are again rekindled throughout this country.
We on Rock Point are committed to welcoming all people to this beautiful sanctuary of sacred healing. For those of us who are fortunate enough to work here, we recognize just how powerful this land can be in terms of transforming the lives of other people. So often, our guests will comment about just how much this sacred place means to them and how much Rock Point has changed their lives. And consequently, our lives are changed as well. As we move into the next chapter our lives as Americans, we on Rock Point remain committed to honoring the dignity of every human being who visits this very special place. We want Rock Point to be a place and an organization that promotes love, dignity, respect, and healing for all people….and we invite you to do the same. Dr. King did have a dream for this country and I personally believe it is not too late to make that dream a reality. We will all have a part to play in making that possibility become a reality. Let’s all get on board. Let us all be the change.
Rev. Paul Habersang
Executive Director
Rock Point Commons
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