We hold these truths to be self-evident

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. -- United States Declaration of Independence

On August 28, 1963, during the March On Washington Civil Rights demonstration, Rev. Martin Luther King, Jr. delivered one of the most important and powerful speeches in "what will go down in history as the greatest demonstration for freedom in the history of our nation." Today, on Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, it's important to recall the significance of this speech and honor Dr. King.

I sat down and watched the entire "I Have a Dream" speech this morning and was left speechless. The injustice that was taking place in our nation at this time is unfathomable. How this group of demonstrators stood up for their freedom is nothing short of admirable. King said, "let us not wallow in the valley of despair" as he encouraged them to look to the future with hope. Instead of "drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred," these demonstrators marched for freedom and love. They practiced what they preached.

King used a variety of public speaking techniques to get his point across, including repetition. We're all aware of his repeating the phrase "I have a dream" as he concluded his talk. However, another repetitive phrase caught my attention this morning, particularly "now is the time." His delivery is timeless and the phrase now is the time can be applied to the current condition of our nation. Have we seen King's dream realized yet? How far away are we? Now is the time.

Is everyone in our nation judged on the content of their character? How do you judge another member of the human race? Is it by their outward appearance our by the their soul?