Shed A Little Light: Observing MLK Day

Thanks, readers, for sharing your observations of Martin Luther King day. I’ve enjoyed your pictures and your words of wisdom. I love the ways people capture the spirit of this day in art, song and story. And mostly, I enjoy seeing how communities of faith, and communities in general gather around on this day to listen and learn, to sing and celebrate, to mourn and cast a hopeful vision forward together. Here are some inspiring glimpses from MLK day around the country.

Margaret Sumney, an English teacher in a low-income area of Mississipi, had her 6th Graders draw profiles of Dr. King. They shared their own "dreams" here. Powerful, insightful words. — Margaret Sumney, an English teacher in a low-income area of Mississipi, had her 6th Graders draw profiles of Dr. King. They shared their own “dreams” here. Powerful, insightful words.

This is the MLK March in downtown Phoenix. It is kind of a big deal because the state of Arizona did not recognize this day as a holiday until pretty recently. Like, embarrassingly recent. But--steps forward! Thankful for the witness of these good leaders and citizens. — This is the MLK March in downtown Phoenix. It is kind of a big deal because the state of Arizona did not recognize this day as a holiday until pretty recently. Like, embarrassingly recent. But–steps forward! Thankful for the witness of these good leaders and citizens.

Central Christian Church in Lexington, KY, has held this community-wide worship service on the Sunday before MLK day for as long as i can remember. This is the vantage point from the choir loft--where a combined choir from several different churches in the neighborhood work on the service music for WEEKS. It is always impressive. — Central Christian Church in Lexington, KY, has held this community-wide worship service on the Sunday before MLK day for as long as i can remember. This is the vantage point from the choir loft–where a combined choir from several different churches in the neighborhood work on the service music for WEEKS. It is always impressive.

12510461_10154140514344796_5245529708745602069_n — Meanwhile, in Rockwood, Tennessee… Different community, same spirit.

I appreciated these words from Carol Howard Merritt of the ChristianCentury today on Facebook:

I often hear white pastors and church leaders challenge… “If we were alive during those critical Civil Rights days, would we be marching with King?” There’s a very practical answer to that hypothetical time-machine question. Because the struggle is far from over. The question should be, “Are we showing up now? Are we supporting activists? Are we engaged today?”

And my friend Heather over at HerKentucky shares some history with a local MLK connection, (local being Frankfort, KY) today on her blog.

Meanwhile, this is how we roll at my house on MLK day, when it is stupid cold outside and there are no marches or services within a 30 mile radius…

And here is my brother Chris and his girlfriend Megan, singing James Taylor’s “Shed a Little Light.” Every year on MLK day, I text him and say “I need a video of you doing that song!” And he’s like, “Let’s remember it sooner next year so I’ve got time to practice and record it!” And this year he actually remembered. So, ten years later, here you go…