Noble Peace Prize 1964 - MLK

I sat silently this morning, thinking about the man behind the day. If you are wondering who and what I am referring to, here is the answer, today is MLK day. 

It seems to me that most everyone at some time or another has listened to his I Have a Dream speech, but have you ever listened to his Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance speech? 

I listened to it for the first time this morning and though as expected, it was a speech encompassing the struggles of the 1960's, and rightly so, it also delved into something deeper. A borderless plight I suppose is one way to describe it. If you have never heard it, I hope you take the time to listen to it someday. 

Happy MLK day.

D.V.

1/19/2026

Being there

Take her hand surely in humble reply, 

to all the emotions her words will deny.

Deep in the clutch of a whisper, 

beyond where the world tries to keep her. 

Pull her in closer as stars start to shine, 

to give her a glimpse of what she hoped to find.

In still and in silence of night,

let her soak in all the light.

Hold her as softly as snowflakes that fall,

so far from this moment, her heart will recall.

For you have the chance to redeem...

this dreamer that lost will to dream.

Remind her in message, in action, in prose,

thorns are a part of the birth of each rose.

That perfection is mythical at best, 

and this is no more than a test...

so have faith and give God the rest. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/17/2026

Fire

Have you ever felt like you've fallen short? If you said yes, I am right there with you. If you said no, call me, I would love to know your secret. 

On a serious note, I am so inspired when I see a person on fire for God, not literally, spiritually. Someone with a peace that passeth understanding, untouched by the hurdles of life, rooted in faith and unshakeable. Someone with a soul that you can see from miles away and feel just as intensely. 

Do you know what I mean? 

The thing is, I don't think that's something we can learn and I am certain it isn't something we can fake. I think we either have it or we don't. For those like me who don't, we strive for it, hopeful that someday it will be. Yet for those who do, I can almost guarantee you they don't even realize it. Because to them, it simply is who they are...isn't that amazing?

D.V.

1/15/2026

Thinking out loud

Deception

Often

Utilizes

Blurred

Truth

In other words, deception is never constructed with an out-right lie but rather built upon a partial truth in order to successfully plant the seed of doubt. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/11/2026

The last song

Sing to me that final song, 

when I am weak and you are strong. 

When all the words are said, 

by angel's hand I'm led.

Sing to me that song of youth, 

of flowers that found will to root.

By mountains, deserts and streams, 

so they could find their dreams. 

Sing to me in whispered tone, 

the moment we are all alone.

When I leave and you must stay...

sing my love, to usher me away. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/3/2026

Violinist

Out of the shadows, into the light

onto a stage where dream meets fright. 

For you are the conductor of your heart

and drive is what sets you apart. 

Though curve and strings, all look the same

this bow you caress, it calls out your name.

In echoes that muse every ear

bringing your passion to bare. 

So step out with boldness 

beyond where you stand.

And grab hold of destiny

just as you've planned.

Then all the small voices will see

you! have a reason to be...

breathe in and let your soul free. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/10/2026

Still

If heart would still with every cry, 

in twist of wind where we deny, 

what breaks us into pieces, 

deep in the cracks and creases, 

In anguish we might start to yearn, 

for lessons we refuse to learn, 

then we could see the light, 

inside the dead of night. 

Beyond the dark where evil hides, 

and hate finds footing to reside, 

where love can never flourish...

we may find might of courage. 

KEC

aka Deo Volente

1/8/2026

Happy New Year - 2026

 I feel as though I blinked and 2025 ended. There really is truth in the thought that time moves faster with age. Maybe it's because we forget to enjoy the simple things while we rush towards something more. Or maybe our priorities become less about the moment and more about the process. Whatever the reason, we tend to forget that the essential part of life, is living. With that in mind, it is my sincerest wish that no matter how much we have to accomplish this year, we remember to live. I pray we resolve to treasure the moments; fleeting though they may be. Laugh, for it is healing. Love, simply because it is good for the heart. Dream because dreams have power. And never forget, no matter what each day brings, that we, collectively and individually, matter. 

Have a wonderful year World

D.V.

1.1.2026