Roxie was hard at work on her Human Watchers Guide. She has finally taught herself to use her nose to type on the computer, but it still takes concentration and time.

Hi Roxie. You sure are pounding away. Some human behavior must have set off this flurry of activity.

Yep. Im glad that its almost time for happy hour. I need a break. Well get to the curious part of human behavior later. Right now Im describing humanity at its best. There are some good things that humans do. Dr. King is an example of that. He has often been quoted. Im including one of his quotes in my guide. We are all caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied into a single garment of destiny. Canines, as well as humans, understand that. We are all connected, whether we know it or not. When you think of Dr. King, what first comes to mind?

Thanks for asking Roxie. The first thing? Dr. Kings impact on those who followed him. As you know, Dr. Kings life was cut short by an assassins bullet. During his last sermon, he said that he might not get to the promised land, but the people would get there. His influence lives on and on through others, I had the honor of getting to know one of Dr. Kings recruits, Congressman John Lewis. The Congressional district where I was staff director was next tp Johns district. John is the most courageous and most humble person Ive ever known. He will let you rub his head and you can feel the bumps that are still there from the horrific beating he received as he tried to cross the Pettus bridge in Selma. Called the Conscience of Congress, he is highly regarded by both sides of the aisle. A Baptist minister, he grew up on his familys farm in Alabama. As a youngster, he would practice sermons by preaching to the chickens. Whenever I saw John I would ask him if he was still preaching to the chickens. His reply would be, Now more than ever.

Roxie, John reminds us that the celebration of Dr. Kings life begins the day after the holiday. Will we live out his call to empower the marginalized? Will we welcome the stranger? Will we elect folks to public office who understand that the most religious thing they do is pass budgets that reflect a concern for the poor.? Will we strive to live by love rather than hate?

Well said Jim. As we break for happy hour lets toast John.

Great idea Roxie and as we do, lets say a prayer for him. John is in a different kind of fight. Hes fighting cancer.

Amen, Jim.

The Rev. Dr. Jim Watkins and Roxie live in Pawleys Island.

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Rev. Jim Watkins and Roxie column: Preaching to the chickens - South Strand news