Words by Bishop Davis

Words are so powerful. Words can heal or destroy. Words can build up or tear down. Words can bring wholeness or fragmentation. Words can produce forgiveness or hate. Words can prolong darkness or usher in the light. Strong words from a person of strength are a marvelous thing.  An entire culture can be changed by words.

At a time when we inaugurate our first African-American President, it seems right somehow that we do so the day after Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. Dr. King’s words helped change the hearts of a generation and paved the way for the historic events of this week.

Perhaps it would be good for us to hear again some of Dr. King’s powerful words.

“Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it.
Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it.
Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.”

“I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will
have the final word in reality.  That is why right, temporarily
defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant.”

“We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.”

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in
moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands
at times of challenges and controversy.”

Words – powerful and true. Let us pray for President Obama and his family in these days to come. Let us give God thanks for the privilege of living in freedom.

Bishop Lindsey Davis