Since the funeral of Coretta Scott King early this year, I have been reflecting on the influence and impact of her late husband, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. The I Have a Dream speech had a profound impact on the entire free world. As a young evangelist, I was captivated by the oratorical skill of Dr. King, the wisdom he shared and the importance of the dream's fulfillment.

Today, I also have a dream...a dream for the next generation as we try to share freedom and justice with the whole world.

I dream of a nation that once again recognizes and appreciates the rock-solid principles upon which the nation's freedoms and opportunities were established. My hope is that we will return to these principles through our own conviction and not because our character flaws leave us vulnerable to catastrophic terrorist attacks. I long for us to have the kind of character that would direct our steps away from the consequences of selfish choices. If, however, disastrous events occur, I pray that we will have the resolve to rebuild, even out of an ash heap of unspeakable pain. I pray that what appears to be softness in the American character will be resurrected without tribulation, but, if necessary, in the midst of it.

I dream of our elected officials -- those members of different parties who are duty-bound to represent the people -- joining together to earnestly discuss and honestly broker effective solutions to the issues that face their constituents. I believe that partisanship can be put aside when they sincerely begin to care for those who put them in office.

I dream of a faith community when those who profess to know the God revealed in the Bible that behaves as family. It is possible to have unity of spirit and harmony of heart without compromising the convictions necessary to develop character capable of withstanding all tests, enduring all hardship, and expressing the love revealed by the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, and manifested throughout human history. I pray for all people to understand that Jesus Christ was more than a historical figure or a religious leader; He is the definition and demonstration of truth in action.

I dream of people blessed with resources who are anxious to share the benefit with others as much as they enjoy it themselves. I envision "peace on earth and good will toward men" becoming reality because we desire to be our brother's keeper. We can extend hands as individuals, not just appropriate funds as governments with no compassionate connection and little accountability.

I dream of fathers and mothers loving one another in such a way that their children desire the same kind of relationship when they grow up. I want to see young people more influenced by their parents' strong character and consistent lives than by the outrageous, intoxicating, sensual nonsense of an entertainment community gone wild.

My dream is not just a hope, but it is a prayer. I invite you to join me, so that this dream, like Dr. King's dream, may someday become reality.

Author: James Robison

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About the author: James Robison is the founder and president of LIFE Outreach International, an international humanitarian aid ministry; host of the television program, Life Today; and author of The Absolutes.

Media Contact: Randy Robison, editor at jamesrobison.net

Photo available upon request. Reprint rights granted with attribution for complete, unedited article. Revisions allowed only with approval.