Monday; January 16

If you were to read much of modern day’s commentary about the Civil Rights movement you would probably question why it had to be written in the first place.  From a historical perspective, it is easy to decry the influences that perpetuated what was happening, but living through them wasn’t as simple.  I grew up in the South – in Florida and Georgia – during the 1960s and 1970s.  In fact, my elementary school was integrated in 1969.  In retrospect, many of the people when and where I grew up didn’t necessarily grasp some of the philosophies and messages being presented by the Civil Rights movement. 

As I look back on American life during the last sixty years (especially as I look into my life) I believe we have grown.  No, things are not perfect nor balanced; but I feel that we have matured in our thinking – at least I have.  Things that I felt in those early years have grown into the more mature beliefs I hold and the lifestyle I lead as an adult.  I cannot go back and unsay the things I have said, nor can I completely erase all the influences that have shaped me; but what I can do is vow to do better.  As I reflected on this, I was drawn to a New Testament principle, “When I was a child, I used to speak like a child, think like a child, reason like a child; when I became a man, I did away with childish things.” (I Corinthians 13:11).  The Apostle Paul used this concept to apply to Christian love, but I think it will work well as a principle of society.

Are we holding on to thoughts and feelings that are hampering our growth?  Let’s seek maturity – and when we do our actions will be transformed by our development.

          Think About It!


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