On Wednesday, our middle and upper school gathered to honor the life and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. Together, we sang hymns and were led by Pastor of Discipleship and Cross-Cultural Mission Arneal Strain on a reflection of how Dr. King was led by faith in his pursuit of equality. 

Pastor Strain shared one of Dr. King's greatest quotes: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Dr. King's words echo Scripture. The body of Christ stands as one united entity regardless of race, background, or ability.

Director of Worship & Arts John-Mark McGaha shared the history of the hymn "Precious Lord, Take My Hand” and its prevalence in the Civil Rights Movement.

Precious Lord, take my hand,
Lead me on, let me stand;
I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.
Through the storm, through the night,
Lead me on to the light.
Take my hand, precious Lord;
Lead me home.

When my way grows drear,
Precious Lord, linger near,
When my life is almost gone,
Hear my cry, hear my call;
Hold my hand lest I fall.
Take my hand, precious Lord;
Lead me home.

When the darkness appears
And the night draws near,
And the day is almost gone,
At the river I stand;
Guide my feet, hold my hand,
Take my hand, precious Lord;
Lead me home.

Last week, lower school gathered to honor Dr. King and meditated on their chapel verse Philippians 2:12-13, “Therefore, my dear friends, as you have always obeyed—not only in my presence, but now much more in my absence—continue to work out your salvation with fear and trembling, for it is God who works in you to will and to act in order to fulfill his good purpose.” While it is the work of the Lord to save His people, those who belong to Him are to live lives of sacrificial service to others, as many have throughout history, including Dr. King. We are grateful for the opportunity to reflect on Dr. King’s life together.