African American writer and poet, Langston Hughes, asked poignantly, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore—and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over—like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?”

Although Hughes offers no explicit answers to the questions that he poses, he nevertheless implies a basic truth of the human condition: that is, delaying important dreams for too long can lead to disastrous consequences. Deferred dreams can cause disappointment, disillusionment, despondency, and even indignation.

It has been just over half a century since Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. announced his famous dream to the world. Dr. King dreamed of freedom and justice for all humankind, especially for those who had been denied their constitutional and God-given rights. For King, direct action such as sit-ins, marches, protests, and other non-violent approaches were the key to realizing his dream of freedom and justice. These actions dramatized the issues, thereby sparking the awareness of offenders and inciting them to change (hopefully).

Today, our social environment is somewhat different than it was during the days of Dr. King because many of the evils he fought have taken on more sophisticated and insidious forms. The basic fight, though, is still for freedom and justice. Simply waiting passively without demanding freedom ensures the perpetuation of oppression and injustice.

We must come to the realization that justice too long delayed is justice denied and determine within ourselves to wait no longer. Let us begin to take steps, whether great or small, to ensure that Dr. King’s dream does not dry up like a raisin in the scorching sun.  Let us get to work for the causes of freedom and justice!  We can never do too much for these ideals.

As we find creative and selfless ways to fight racism, sexism, and hatred, some will call our actions extreme. Yet as Dr. King reminds us, “extremism” for love, justice, and righteousness is a good thing. May we become “excessive” in our love for our fellow human beings, for God has been “excessive” in his love shown toward us.

Jesus said, “Blessed are those who hunger and thirst for righteousness, for they shall be filled.” Help us, O Lord, to hunger for your righteousness. Help us, O Lord to hunger for your peace, your justice, and your freedom. May we take up your concern for those in need and participate in your wonderful plan of deliverance. Amen.

This article originally appeared in a previous issue of the Fuller Theological Seminary Semi.

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