Lincoln Memorial - Washington DC, USA. I walked to the top step of the Lincoln Memorial in Washington, DC and sat down facing the Reflecting Pool and the Washington Monument. Below me, I noticed people photographing a spot on the landing. I walked down to see what was so interesting. I read the inscription:
I tried to imagine the crowd of 250,000 people that stood before Dr. King, with millions more watching on television. He was the 16th speaker that day, standing atop the memorial steps of America’s 16th president (Abraham Lincoln). His entire speech lasted 6 minutes and 45 seconds, yet his words have endured for half a century.
Near the end of the speech, noted African American gospel singer, Mahalia Jackson, shouted to King from the crowd,
"Tell them about the dream, Martin."
King departed from his prepared remarks and started "preaching" improvisationally, punctuating his sentiments with "I have a dream." At one point, he exclaimed,
““I HAVE A DREAM THAT MY FOUR LITTLE CHILDREN WILL ONE DAY LIVE IN A NATION WHERE THEY WILL NOT BE JUDGED BY THE COLOR OF THEIR SKIN, BUT BY THE CONTENT OF THEIR CHARACTER. I HAVE A DREAM TODAY...””
God is looking for men and women who will fight injustice and stand against evil.
Dare to ask God to use you to bring justice and mercy in the lives of others.
This week’s devotion is published in honor and memory of the fiftieth anniversary of the assassination of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., who is still influencing the world today.