Eat A Black and White Cookie Today!

Yep. It's a national holiday. My kids are out of school, my office is closed and my hubby's office is closed.

We are all celebrating Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! We remember a great man who was able to lead a disenfranchised group of people to inclusion. A segment of society that had been left behind because of bad schooling and unequal opportunities. (Sounds like the Jews, huh?)

Yall, I want to encourage a change in our attitude so our children will have a different attitude. I work to get away from the way people talked and felt when I was growing up. I'm pretty sure I've written here before about Birmingham in the 1970's and the changes that entire city was going through.

I will share one thing: When I went to college (in Arkansas,) I was still using the N word without feelings of remorse. I dated a guy (from Texas, another traditionally tolerate state) that called me on it. I'll never forget. He told me that we become prejudge when we don't really know another person from the group we are prejudge against. It changed my world view.

I since have had the opportunity to work with and enjoy the company of Black (African-American, whichever) folks. Some people of color have walked into my church. My bunco game. My service project. Knowing them has helped me grow into someone who tries to sees people as individuals - not groups.

Lastly. Do we even have Black and White cookies in Abilene? We did in Birmingham and I always thought we should adopt them as the Martin Luther King, Jr. Day official food. Like turkey at Thanksgiving or chocolate on Valentine's Day.

Tradition!

Remember the good-ole-days when we all had gospel meetings? (Not Revivals) Our family went every night and we usually had to fix supper at least one night. That's the way it was - we went to church every time the doors were open. Amen.

We had ACU Lectureship this week here in Abilene. During Lectureship there are classes during the day and speakers every night. I usually want to hear everybody that talks. I'm interested in the topic or I know of the speaker and want to hear him or her. This week was no different. I wasn't able to go to any classes during the day because of work but I was determined to hear at least two of the evening lectures.

So we took our children to two evening lectures. I wanted to tell them that these men and their words made such an impact on me - their words would do the same for them. I didn't think it would matter.

Landon Saunders on Monday night - he was smokin! He spoke for 50 minutes. Fifty minutes that went into my heart and caused me to look at everybody the next day differently. Kenny read a book and Abbie colored. Toward the end Abbie said, "This guy is good!" She thought he was funny. I thought he was poignant.

Jeff Walling last night. Now, we had to work to get to hear him! Rush here, cook as quickly as possible, gobble it down and hurry to get a parking place. But I couldn't miss Jeff Walling! Those of us of a certain age remember those youth rallies he used to do. Do we even have youth rallies any more? Never the less, my kids loved him! He told some funny illustrations that both of them were quoting in the car this morning. I got to say, "Remember that was about God's grace?"

It was hard to be there. It was hard to be on time. My kids would have rather been at home watching TV. But it was worth it. For me and hopefully for them, too.