Todd: King's audacity to believe still reverberates today

Dreams can be great things, but to achieve those dreams, you must first put in the work.

Martin Luther King Jr. not only spoke about having the dream of living in a better society, but he also put the work into making it possible. Bishop Ronald Todd delivered that message of MLK’s audacity to dream and believe to a large crowd at the MLK Jr. Breakfast Celebration on Monday at Mount Vernon Nazarene University.

“I came this morning to tell you that you must have the audacity to believe. God’s promise is real but the process can be painful. The process is you’ve got to put the work in and today we have to put the work in,” Todd said. “Dr. King was not just a dreamer he was a believer. He had the holy audacity to believe.”

Todd’s speech was part of a larger celebration of King and his work. Rev. Tavaris Taylor, special assistant to the president and chief ethics officer at MVNU, opened the event, which also featured words from MVNU President Dr. Carson Castleman, Kenyon College President Dr. Julie Kornfeld, Mount Vernon Mayor Matt Starr and Gambier Mayor Leeman Kessler. Guests were also entertained by Samuel Dusek, a freshman at MVNU, who performed “Lift Every Voice and Sing” on cello, and a musical selection from the Mount Vernon Nazarene Chorus.

“This MLK breakfast is an opportunity for us to gather as a community in celebration of a man, but also of a mission that remains still today,” said Taylor. “Think about the work that we do here in Knox County. We have a local component that allows our community to come together from different races, different backgrounds, experiences and expressions and live well together. The idea of Dr. King of a beloved community. One where justice, freedom and equity reigns.”

Todd, the chief of social impact and opportunity for the Ohio Department of Development, spoke of the connection between his work and King’s audacity to believe.

“Somebody asked me, ‘what does audacity to believe have to do with economic development?’ I'll tell you every new business starts first with belief; every job created starts with belief; every family, especially the first time they do this, that buys a home starts with belief,” Todd said. “Let me give you three things you must have the audacity to believe. No. 1, have the audacity to believe that God used you right where you are. No. 2, get ready to have the audacity to believe that your faith can outlast your fear. And No. 3, have the audacity to believe that service is the pathway to greatness.

“As we celebrate this legacy, I want you to hear me clearly. Do not let the time steal your confidence. Do not let culture steal your courage. Do not let setbacks steal your belief.”