A staircase of courage

Tanya Sawadye, student at Cottey College, passed out programs for the Martin Luther King Jr. Service Monday night. Photo:Connie Chia

Special to The Daily Mail

"I left the TV on for the dog to watch," said Rev. Linda Pagel during the Martin Luther King Jr. Chapel Service held at Cottey College Monday evening.

Pagel, pastor of Nevada's United Methodist Church and guest speaker at the event, said Martin Luther's dream was being celebrated "as we watched President Barack Obama take the oath of office for the second time."

Shannon Kreutzer sang "Let It Be" by the Beatles. Kreutzer is a freshman at Cottey College. Photo by Connie Chia

Pagel said that Michelle Obama's inauguration dress was eagerly anticipated, but the highlight of the day was President Obama's speech.

"If we are truly created equal, then surely the love we commit to one another must be equal as well," Pagel said, quoting President Obama's inauguration address.

Celebrating our African-American president, Pagel said that Martin Luther King Jr.'s dream continues in people's hearts today, and "draws strength from faith."

Ethan Gravely and his sister, Kiera, watched the singers and speakers during Monday night's event. Photo by Connie CHia

In the words of Martin Luther King Jr., Pagel said that love in action means to step out in faith and courage, "even when you don't see the whole staircase."

"Take the first step," Pagel said. "Pray for God's guidance and take a step."

Students of Cottey College performed music and other media selections for the service Monday, "stepping" alongside Pagel to lead in the spirit of Martin Luther King Jr.

The service concluded with a short blessing and prayer by The Rev. Erica Sigauke, the Spiritual Life Director at Cottey College.