January 8th, 2014
Dear Honey Run Guests,
I’ve been to the Mountaintop; But If Not; I have a Dream; these are just a few examples of the work and influence of Martin Luther King Jr. I have traveled to Montgomery Alabama and toured the Dexter Avenue Baptist Church and the Rosa Parks museum. These two sites educate and inspire while breaking your heart in bewilderment as to how man can mistreat his brother in such horrific acts. As a white northern suburban male I have heard about the civil rights movement and I certainly have watched countless leaders opine on the television about how the minority is mistreated, but there is no personal connection for me. I have never experienced racism first hand. I do not know what it is like to be judged solely by the color of my skin. Even with these exposures I was not motivated to delve deeper into the understanding of the movement. Then in January 2009 I found myself on a mission trip to Uganda and being separated from the group I traveled on my own with a couple of local guides. We stopped at a store to pick up supplies and I realized I was the only white person in the vicinity and suddenly I was aware of what it feels like to be watched. Everyone on the street and in the store stared at me and watched my every movement. The difference being they were looking at me because I was different not in a suspect manner. This gave me a glimpse of understanding of what our African American citizens face daily in America. What I can’t relate to is the hatred that so many bigoted people exude.
Martin Luther King Jr. was an amazing minister and activist. In researching him in preparation for this newsletter I listened to a number of his speeches and sermons on-line. I was amazed at the power, conviction, and faith he conveyed in the spoken word and I gained great inspiration from each of his sermons. While we have a holiday for him, and almost every city has a boulevard named after him, we as a culture are missing a mountain of hope from the man who preached God’s second great commandment to Love your neighbor as yourself. Martin Luther King Jr. was not just an activist for African Americans he was and is an activist for all of America. His works teach us to stand up for what is right and above all honor God’s will over unjust government rules. He stated this best in his sermon But If Not in 1967 (If you have a chance please listen to his But If Not sermon and learn for yourself whether you are an If person or a Though).
On January 1st we celebrated the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. It’s hard to believe that it has been such a short time since we allowed the unthinkable practice of slavery in this country. My prayer is that we all honor Martin Luther King Jr. on January 20th by loving our neighbor and reflecting on how we can continue to work together to perfect our union in nonviolent ways and live according to the golden rule.
I wish you and your family a happy and prosperous 2014. I hope to see you at Honey Run soon.
Sincerely,
Jason
I really enjoyed reading this newsletter.
Jason I cannot put in words how wonderful it is to hear people become aware of where we live and what occurred in the past.
My husband and I have experienced first hand what racism is and we found standing on the foundation and strength of what
Dr. Martin Luther King fought for gives us hope for a better future for all God’s people.
Thank you for enlightening those who have not read for themselves. My husband and I will be staying at your facility and now I am proud to be coming!
Here is something else to look up and read about it is called black Wall Street it existed prior to our New York Wall Street today.
The Simmons
Very well put Jason. I appreciate your insights and glad that you shared them. Loving your neighbor as yourself has many dimensions. It really shouldn’t be that hard. And we are fortunate that there are courageous leaders like Martin Luther King, Jr. who take great risk to instill that concept in our society and inspire generations to do the same.
Amen to that. And “they” always eliminate those who call for equality and peace. Jesus, Ghandi are on that list.
Hi Jason! The words in your newsletter rang out with clarity and resonance!
One of Martin Luther King’s quotes I have always found solace in is ~
“I have decided to stick to love . . . Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
Jason, may the light in your heart shine on all of the collective endeavors at Honey Run! We love the renewal and reprieve we find there.
Cheers to peace and plenty in 2014!
Thank you for this refreshing letter!
I read “The Autobiography of Martin Luther King Jr.” It gave me a greater understanding of the man and the times. He was an amazing human being!
Your newsletter dedicated to the inspirational man Martin Luther King Jr makes me love your retreat even more. Well done!
Well written and expressed. Thanks for sharing your thoughts. Your mission trip must have been a godd experience.
Jason, Your Jan newsletter should be published in all local newspapers. I was always taught to respect all people.
God truly has touched your soul through this journey, and believe me you were chosen to share this with so many who would never give this a first yet alone second thought. I’ve lived it and thank you for the courage to overcome.
Very inspiring and incredibly true. It is sad that his dream is still not realized.
very often we don’t speak our minds and our hearts because we are afraid of what someone might say. Thank you for sharing your inspirational message and encouraging others to do the same.
I just returned from a two day stay at The Inn and it was a refreshing and wonderful experience. i was looking at the website and discovered the newsletter and your reflections on Martin Luther King Day. I wanted to express my admiration for the piece and my gratitude for your putting it out. I look forward to following your work in coming newsletters.
as an african american man, i can say with the deepest and greatest respect and love, thank you for hearing…
but most of all thank you for doing.
Jesus Is Lord