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Al Cage

A Personal reflection for Martin Luther King Day- 2022

January 17, 2022 by Al Cage Leave a Comment

I have a hobby collecting the writings of Dr. Martin Luther King.  One of his most impactful writings is his 1963, “Letter from a Birmingham Jail”.   Of the many notable things Dr. King wrote, the following resonates often with me:

“Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will.”


“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.” “Good will vs. ill will.” “People vs. people.”

I grew up in the Jim Crow era of institutionalized segregation in Louisiana.  I was nine years old when Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.  It was not until 1998 that the last vestige of legalized segregation was finally struck down by the courts in my home state.  By that time I had transitioned to living in Tennessee, and in the most unpredictable of circumstances, I inexplicably became a member of West Park Baptist Church.

Since becoming a covenant member of WPBC, one of the things that I have come to love and appreciate deeply is this:  West Parkers are by far people of love, understanding and good will!

That makes all the difference in the world to me. Why?  Because of…

“Understanding vs. misunderstanding.”  You know what drives the gulf between these two extremes?  It’s not facts or a stronger position.  It’s much simpler than that.  It’s about “five seconds”.  That’s the amount of time it takes to make the choice to listen or not.  When you are in the right, and your brother (or sister) is wrong, the first step to helping them move to a better place is to demonstrate that you are willing to listen.  Listening enriches dialogue.  We desperately need more dialogue.

“Good will vs. ill will.”  How have we allowed this gulf to become so wide in the Church of Jesus Christ?  We must reclaim, and own, the sphere of good will.  Good will is a fruit of the love that Jesus declares is the greatest of all—that we would lay down our lives for one another.  I am afraid that if Jesus came back at this moment, he would declare how have you become people of ill will vs. good.  We must continue to fight to reclaim this space.

“People vs. people.” “Imago Dei” Made in the image of God.  First used in Gen. 1:27, this little phrase represents a powerful truth.  When people are divided because of sin, it stains the beauty of God’s design.  People of understanding and good will are resolute in their desire to stop pitting people against people.  When Jesus declared what does it profit someone to gain the whole world and lose their soul, I think of the evil fruit of people vs. people. 

So as we think about Dr. King’s vision, we certainly have come a long way.  And while there is still a long way to go, if people, united by understanding and good will, resolve to live in the hope that we have in Jesus, progress will continue to the glory of God.  It’s a legacy Dr. King would appreciate.

Filed Under: West Park Baptist Church Blog

You

December 24, 2015 by Al Cage

You probably are familiar with the Old Testament prophecies concerning theunto-us-a-child-is-born promise of the Messiah found in the ninth chapter of the book of Isaiah. Many popular songs have incorporated these more popular verses making them easy to recall…for unto us a child is born…the government shall be upon His shoulders…Wonderful Counselor…Everlasting Father…Prince of Peace. I bet you are humming your favorite version right now…smile. As I often say in my home, “That’s good stuff!”

You may, like me, have read past the less familiar third verse without really taking the time to meditate on it. However, when you do, the verse packs a powerful punch. Christ came to earth to “multiply” the nation. What does that mean for you? It certainly makes me reflect on what my focus should be during this Christmas season. If I’m not thinking about how God may use me to join in His great plan of multiplication, maybe I’m really missing out on the true meaning of Christmas. How about You?

 

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: ABC’s of Christmas

Lamb

December 11, 2015 by Al Cage

lamb1

The next day he saw Jesus coming toward him, and said, “Behold, the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the world!” John 1:29

Growing up, my Mom would never cook lamb. As a result, I just have never acquired a taste for one of the staples of the eastern world. One day I recall asking Mom about her aversion to lamb. All I am able to recall is her saying something about Jesus and something about the death of the Savior. As a child, I knew when the words “death” and “Savior” were ever put together in the same sentence, fear was the emotion I needed to display!

Well, over the years I have come to learn a bit more about Jesus and lamb. Aren’t you glad to know that Jesus is the Lamb who takes away the sins of the world? Instead of running away from the idea, I have learned to embrace it with all of my heart. He is truly the reason for the season. He is the spotless sacrifice that means more to me than anything else in the world. No wonder Mom had such high regard for Jesus as the Lamb of God. I pray that you do as well.

As mom and I matured in our faith, we realized God does not require us to abstain from eating lamb or any other food, but I will always remember those early days and her reverence of Jesus as the Lamb of God.

Filed Under: Articles Tagged With: ABC’s of Christmas

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