The Autobiography of Martin Luther King: Chapter 13-14

The Autobiography of MLK:Chapter 13-14

In this times of division of the United States, it feels as if we don't know what direction to go. We don't know who who is wrong and who is wrong. We don't know who to believe in. Too often it seems that wickedness and acts of violence run through out lives, leaving a path of destruction in it's wake.

In this time of national division we find ourselves filled with hate. People have allowed their hate to lead their actions, creating chaos in the streets and the hearts of many. At the same time, there are people showing love though these difficult times. Unfortunately, we as a society seem to dislike or forget about those individuals that act in love.

Martin Luther King wrote it this way:

"The world doesn't like people like Gandhi. That's strange, isn't it? They don't like people like Christ; they don't like people like Lincoln. They killed him-this man who had done all of that for India, who gave his life and who mobilized and galvanized 400 million people for independence......One of his own fellow Hindus felt that he was giving in too much for the Moslems.......Here was the man of nonviolence, falling at the hands of a man of hate. This seems the way of history. And isn't it significant that he died on the same day that Christ died? It was on Friday. And this is the story of history, but thank God it never stopped here." (Pg. 132)

This is very thought provoking. It is amazing to glance into history and see that those who take a true stand to change the world; to change the hearts of those who have shaped our world. It creates a fear in the hearts in those that want to do what is right.

The true beauty is the written line, "And this is the story of history, but thank God it never stopped here." While this truth reverberates throughout history, we can take solace in the fact that God is not finished with his work throughout this world. The work of God has not stopped with the fear in the hearts of the majority, it continues today, with the loving and compassionate actions of the individuals that are willing to stand for what is right.

Questions to ask:

Should we continue to fight for the rights of others with our lives on the lines? Should the fear of death hinder the courage it takes to change the world for the better?

Thoughts from Martin Luther King:

"But I do have a graduation thought to pass on to you. Whatever career you may choose for yourself-doctor, lawyer, teacher-let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life.
It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you that rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the nobel struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in"

This is a huge challenge! As I write these words, I want to make them a challenge to fulfill these words in my life! This challenge is not for me only, it is for my family, my friends and my students. This challenge from Martin Luther King can truly impact the world that we live in. This challenge can change the world, but only if we commit to it. Nothing will change if the supporters live out this challenge daily, with a mindful effort to live for civil rights.

This challenge is to stand for what I believe in order to benefit the world. Lord, help me to live a life for humility and love towards the people in my life!