In 1963 Dr. King spoke many words that have transformed our world. Words that were powerful and words that are still being put into place today almost 50 years later. Each week as I pastor a small church here in NW OKC I pray to see the fulfillment of the dream Dr. King spoke of.
You see, we have a president of color and we have color mixed in many areas of our society. Our schools, our work place, our parks, and our sports! Yet for some strange reason when it comes to Sunday morning, there is a great divide. People of color tend to go with their color. Yet in one part of the speech that Dr. King wrote he says some words that I think we need to pray for and seek. He writes…
“With this faith we will be able to work together, to pray together, to struggle together, to go to jail together, to stand up for freedom together, knowing that we will be free one day.”
Dr. King I want to see your dream. I want to see men and women of diverse color praying together and struggling together. I want to see men and women of diverse color worshiping the God who made all the colors. I want us to listen to one another’s struggles and work together to solve the issues that are still at hand. I want to see the local church filled with all the colors God created. Only by the power of God and the presence of God will we see true brothers and sisters of color worshiping together in one place.
Each week, one of my greatest joys as a pastor is the getting to worship in a place where the dream of Dr. King is a reality. Yesterday, our church was full of color. We had such diversity in skin color and in social status. I am so proud of our people for loving and accepting each person regardless of their color or income level. Yet, I want to see this all over this great country. I want to see the dream of Dr. King come true in each and every church.
Our road to this place of diversity has not been easy. I have seen the sickness of racism as people have left our church because of the fear of diversity. I have heard the echoes of racism as people have voiced their concerns to me as a pastor. I have seen fear in the eyes of people who love when their sporting team has a person of color or they go on a mission trip to help the poor, yet for some reason cannot handle when their church is filled with people of color and poor people. This does not make sense. My Bible still reads, “For God so loved the world…” I think this includes the rich and poor, as well as all those of skin color.
May it be that the men and women of God rise up together and break this Sunday morning barrier. May our church be filled with diversity. May we strive to worship the God of all colors together. May it be that we repent of the sin of racism and become radical inclusive of all men and women regardless of color. Dr. King I want to see your dream.
Praise God and amen brother!!! I love the diversity in our church. What more, God loves that there are no barriers. Tattooed, rich, poor, dressed-up, dressed-down, differing opinions, and on and on it goes. The people come to hear Jesus preached. They have come to be loved and accepted right where they are. Just as I came to Jesus, crying out in my mind, “Is there someone who will just accept me and love me just as I am?” That is Real Church. Where pastor and people struggle, praise and worship together… Bring on the diversity and may we never cease to be amazed at God!
Thank you Tommy for follow Gods call on your life as a young man. I love this message!
Beautiful! Love this so much! Wish we were able to be there to see it grow & change every week but so excited to get to hear what is happening. Tommy, as always I love your heart. I have seen it shine for many years now & I so appreciate the passion & desire you have to serve our God well. I know without doubt that He says “Well done”! From the first time we talked about the building, you desired to bring all people into God’s house to worship & learn together. You have honored God & He is honoring your work, desire, & dedication. So proud to call you my pastor & my friend! Can’t wait to hear what’s next!