“The ultimate measure of a person is not where they stand in moments of comfort and convenience, but where they stand at the times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
On Monday we honored the work and legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. The quote cited above could just as well be applied to King himself. Unwilling to stand in comfort and convenience, King stepped up as a leader in the most challenging of times. Over the last few days you might have read the pledge that King required everyone who marched with him in Birmingham to sign. It begins with the pledge to “Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.” King’s work for racial equality and racial reconciliation was grounded on the teachings of the Jewish Messiah who reconciled the world to Godself. King asked that his partners would “Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.” Those who marched ought to “Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men (people) might be free.” If you haven’t read the pledge I would recommend doing so, it’s certainly worth the time to check it out and meditate upon it.
Besides meditating on these commitments, how might you honor King’s work and further God’s goal of reconciliation? Intervarsity Press’s @EveryVoiceNow offers the following suggestions:
1)Research and Receive Stories about the Civil Rights Movement: With an attitude of learning, engage with both written resources and real people. Initiate conversations on the legacy of Martin Luther King Jr. in the lives of those in you your relational sphere.
2)Engage in communal reflection: Read and reflect on Martin Luther King Jr.’s Challenge’s to the American church. Consider discussing his exhortations with your church community group. [I would add with your YL Mission Community!]
For additional resources see:
- Letter From a Birmingham Jail by Martin Luther King Jr.
- Welcoming Justice by Charles Marsh & John Perkins
- Birmingham Revolution by Edward Gilbreath
- Healing Conversations on Race by Veola Vazquez, Joshua Knabb, Charles Lee-Johnson, Krystal Hays
- Letters to a Birmingham Jail edited by Bryan Loritts
- Howard Thurman & the Disinherited by Paul Harvey
- How Far to the Promised Land by Esau McCaulley
The Pledge the Participants in Birmingham Would Recite
- Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
- Remember always that the non—violent movement seeks justice and reconciliation — not victory.
- Walk and talk in the manner of love, for God is love.
- Pray daily to be used by God in order that all men might be free.
- Sacrifice personal wishes in order that all men might be free.
- Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
- Seek to perform regular service for others and for the world.
- Refrain from the violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
- Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.
10.Follow the directions of the movement and of the captain on a demonstration
CWoznicki Think Out Loud 