Today we are thankful for the national holiday celebrating Dr. Martin Luther King. We acknowledge and celebrate his accomplishments as a humanitarian, a global bridge builder, a dynamic minister, and a peacemaker.

I remember many years ago when world-renowned motivational speaker Les Brown preached at the Crystal Cathedral. He shared some of his hardships growing up as an African American, including a learning disability in school and growing up poor. Yet, he had this dream to buy his mom a house. As a youngster, he would go with her to these big beautiful houses where she would clean and cook for the families. He didn’t understand why they couldn’t live in a big beautiful house, too. And he said to her, “Mom, one day I want to buy you a house like this.” But everyone said, ”You will never live in a house like this.”

I also remember him sharing a meaningful quote that helped him in life: “Where your focus goes, your energy flows.” What we think about all day long will make a difference in how we feel. If you are focusing on things that are negative and not good for you, begin to focus on the Lord and positive things. 

Friend, by faith and with the help of God, Les Brown purchased a home for his mother! Let his example inspire you to have a proper focus in life. According to the Apostle Paul, as we focus on what is “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable, excellent, and praiseworthy,” we are letting light in, and we become the light of the world!