My parents remember the day when Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated very well. They both were seniors in high school in 1968. When I listen to their memories of growing up in the South, it reminds me that the opportunities I have now came with a price. King and so many others who fought before him, beside him and after him were visionaries. 

From King's "I Have a Dream" speech: 

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" I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood... I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character. I have a dream today! I have a dream that one day, down in Alabama, with its vicious racists, with its governor having his lips dripping with the words of interposition and nullification, that one day right, there in Alabama, little black boys and black girls will be able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers. I have a dream today! "

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Over 30 years after his death, many will still not hear and understand the words he so eloquently spoke. This reminds me of one of the many passages where Jesus spoke to the crowds around him. The crowds were always awed by Jesus when he spoke to them using parables, simple stories they could understand. He was a humble man on a mission to redeem the people he loved so much. In Matthew 13:1-23, he spoke about a farmer sowing seeds and the types of soil. Depending on whether it fell along the path, on rocky places, among thorns or in good soil played a large part in the seed's survival. At the end of the parable, Jesus says, "He who has ears, let him hear."

Jesus knew that some would hear and understand his message. Those that heard would gladly follow him and receive salvation. Other groups like the Pharisees would never truly listen to Jesus and would remain ignorant. Their ignorance only opened the door for evil and hatred in their hearts. I believe Martin was like one of those seeds that fell in the good soil. This man of God sprang up and his words nurtured a nation of people. When he shared his dream, he motivated many to change. Sadly many have not changed their way of thinking. They still remain ignorant upon the fact that God created all human beings. All are special in His eyes and he loves all of His children unconditionally.

I praise God that despite the circumstances of this world, there will be a time when King's vision will become a reality. 

Revelation 21:3-4 -- And I heard a loud voice from the throne saying, "Now the dwelling of God is with men, and he will live with them. They will be his people, and God himself will be with them and be their God. He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away."

Ty Moody is a professional web developer who enjoys dabbling in freelance writing. Her company Tywebbin Creations produces such websites as faithwebbin.net, doenetwork.com, kulturezone.com and goodgirlbookclubonline.com. This article is used by permission.