Celebrating MLK Jr. - His Time On The Farm

In the summer of 1944 a young black southern college student spent time on a tobacco farm in Connecticut. Unacustomed to seeing colored people treated with respect, the trip north openned his eyes to new possibilities. 


King worked the fields in the sweltering June heat. He worked hard, but was treated very well and earned $4.00 an hour...which was not bad for a student working to pay off his tuition in those days. At times he also worked in the kitchen where he had all the food he could possibly want.

On his time off the clock he had the chance to see what complete freedom was like. He went to fine restaurants, saw grand shows, and no one asked him to leave the building or give up his seat for a white man. He was treated with respect and dignity and he liked it.

During that same time frame his peers elected him as their religious leader. He even earned the nickname "tweed" because he wore nice suits to church. One person recalled how nice a voice he had. King had thought about several different career paths, but this was the first time he considered preaching.

As all good things do, his time on the farm came to an end. Re-enterring a world filled with racism was as harsh as brass knuckles to the face and he resented it. This time, though, he couldn't just sit back and do nothing about it.

Armed with the new belief that people of all colors were capable of living together in harmony...he went on to become a great civil rights leader and helped end segregation in the south. He became reverend Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man who lived and died for his cause.

Starting Over.

In the last eight months I have had many changes in my life. I am thankful that I found a good job, but it is hours away from any friends and family. I am also going through a divorce which has hurt me deeply.

I also worry a lot about my parents emotional, physical, and financial wellbeing due to unfortunate circumstances that have occurred in their lives recently as well. When I am dealing with all these frustrations combined it is easy to feel overwhelmed. I would love a shoulder to cry on. (I must thank my cousin Jill for allowing me to vent to her over email. Even though we can't be together in person, her patience and support online has helped give me strength.)

Sometimes I feel very alone in the world and it seems that in those instances I remember that the dark cloud hovering over me always seems to lighten up when I go to church. Somehow, hearing the word of God and being around God's followers helps me to feel less frustrated or scared...and I even feel more protected in some way. I believe it must be an innate connection to my creator that causes me to seek him out or look for Christian support especially in difficult times.

Because of everything going on in my life and because I know there are huge holes in my religion I feel I must make a renewed effort to get to know God. I feel that having a solid spiritual foundation is the best way for me to start over at this time in my life.

I have tried different churches around Carlisle, but I haven't found any that really said to me "you belong here." Today I tried out a new church called Carlisle Bretheren in Christ. I had held off going there for months because I was scared of the word "Bretheren" in the name. A co-worker of mine who had gone to the church said that the name doesn't imply any specific religion and that it is really non-denominational.

She felt strong that I would like it and that it may just be the church I have been searching for. She knew from past conversations that I have a hard time finding a church where I feel comfortable; I have certain requirements I look for (even though I don't think you are supposed to be quite as picky as I).

So I went and although I am not going to say that I was onehundred-percent comfortable, because I am always nervous around a large group of people I don't know...it was as close to comfortable as I believe I am going to come for a first visit. And although, I am usually a very traditional person, I felt the urge to join the contemporary group in the auditorium; it had a very friendly and inviting atmosphere.

The room was comprised of stadium seating, to which almost every seat in the house had someone occupying it... and all seemingly happy to be there. There was a band mixed with guitars, drums, a viola, a violin, and three singers leading the congregation in song, and three big screens so the people in the top rows could see them better. I also like the mix of dim lighting with lit candles along the edges of the stage creating a beautiful atmosphere to receive Gods word. Curiosity won me over.

I found my seat between two familes who were very inviting and as I took my seat I realized that the speakers were not raised so loud that they caused my ears to ring like in so many other places; the volume was just right. It also didn't hurt that both the band and congregation were on key to boot. But I would have to say that the biggest plus of all was the fact that the pastor was extremely well spoken and I "got" the message.

The pastor created in me a longing to know more and I didn't even notice how much time had past until he asked us to bow our heads in prayer. This is my single biggest requirement in my search for a church...to keep my attention and do it in a way that allows me to easily "get" the message. I actually enjoyed myself.

I also feel that this church is a good place for meeting other people around my age. Chances are that I'll make some new friends here and/or join one of their many "group" offerings. There seems to be hope here.

In anycase - at the end of the Sermon the pastor mentioned some books that were available to all newcomers which help explain "what they believe" and "why they believe" the way they do. I picked up three. I just finished the first and shortest book with 94 pages by Andy Stanley called, "How Good is Good Enough?" Essentially he makes us realize that it is not how good or bad you are that gets you into heaven. It is accepting Jesus as your savior and accepting forgiveness for your sins through his sacrifice that gets you into heaven.

It is a basic message every Christian should understand, however, I feel that it is very relevant to my current situation. This was impeccably good timing and I can't help but believe that this is yet another example of divine intervention. God always seems to be there for me when I need him. Thank you Lord.

I am confident I am starting my new life right and I finally feel a positive outcome is waiting for me. I look forward to going back to the Carlisle Bretheren Church next week.

Auction item offends brother of Oswald.

Last week the coffin that once held the body of Lee Harvey Oswald was sold to an anonymous bidder for the sum of $87,469.00.

Robert Oswald, older brother of the man accused of assassinating President John F. Kennedy, say's he bought the wooden coffin himself upon Lee's death in 1963. He believes the object legally belongs to him and that he does not want the coffin to be sold for monetary gain. He would rather see the item destroyed than be regarded as some kind of morbid souvenir with shameful historical significance. Robert attempted to stop the coffin from being sold by contacting the auctioneer, but his calls were never returned.

Lee Oswald's body was exhumed in 1981 to prove to conspiracy theorists once and for all that without a doubt it is his body in the coffin. Testing proved conclusive; DNA samples were a match for Oswald. His remains were then put into a new coffin and once again laid to rest.

Note: Although it is generally accepted that Lee Harvey Oswald killed JFK, technicially he is still only a suspect because he was never convicted of the crime. He never got the chance to stand trial because he was fatally wounded by Jack Ruby as he was being transfered by police to a new location.

During a quick jail visit Lee told Robert not to believe all the "so-called" evidence against him, but never got to the chance to clarify what he meant by that. Robert beleives that Lee is guilty and acted alone, but to this day is not sure of the motive.

Fast Fact: Robert Oswald claimed he never considered changing his last name because he is proud of his heritage. He went on to say that he and his brother Lee shared names with famous distant relative Confederate General Robert E. Lee. No, he is not ashamed of their names.