We continue with "The Strength to Love" by King. Since there are so many male images used in place of inclusive language, I ask that you forgive me for not making all the changes. I trust you can and will do that.
Let us consider, first, the need for a tough mind, characterized by incisive thinking, realistic appraisal, and decisive judgment. The tough mind is sharp and penetrating, breaking through the crust of legends and myths and sifting the true from the false. The tough-minded individual is astute and discerning. He has a strong, austere quality that makes for firmness of purpose and solidness of commitment.
A person like this does not need to be well-educated and hold degrees that are suppose to be a statement to one's mental status. King is talking about a character that is available to all of us. I know that I have to really work at this. It does not come easy for me and I often fall flat on my face. Then again, I love to be around people who have the gift for such tough mindedness. It is a gift when it embodies the wisdom and gentleness that was discussed yesterday. Sometime the tough-minded can get lost in their tough-mindedness and therefore no one benefits. When we are able to help one another "break through the crust of legends and myths and sifting the true from the false," we begin an adventure that will reshape us all and bless all.
Connection: A discipline of the day may be to again learn to see things with a sense of balance. In that seeing, we begin to display incisive thinking and have a greater appreciation for the grand diversity of God's creation.
Within your loving care, O God, we are pulled out of ourselves and given the opportunity to take in more of the world you have created. Continue to pull on us and offer us new ways of seeing and hearing and living within your Reign that is so near. Amen.
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