The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Much has been said about Dr. King Jr., both during his lifetime and certainly after his death. It could never be denied the role he played in bringing an end to legal segregation in this country. So many owe their way of living, their education, their vocation and subsequent employment to Dr. King.
Even though his works were unsurpassed, they hold only a small candle to the words he expressed. Many of his words will live on into eternity. Take for example this quote:
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness, only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.”
Strength to Love, 1963.
This quote was fundamental to his philosophy of non-violent protest. It is rooted in scripture:
This is the message we have heard from him and declare to you: God is light; in him there is no darkness at all. 1John 1:5
and
5 But love your enemies, do good to them, and lend to them without expecting to get anything back. Then your reward will be great, and you will be children of the Most High, because he is kind to the ungrateful and wicked. 36 Be merciful, just as your Father is merciful. Luke 6:35-36 (NIV)
In these two scriptures we see the effect of light upon darkness, and we see that love is greater than hate for it is given in mercy, which flows from the love of God.
Dr. King had a unique approach to a nation filled with hate and racial divide. He chose not to hate his enemy, but to love him. He chose not to fight his enemy, but to serve him. As strange as it seems, it worked! After years in the struggle, things began to change in this nation and racial inequality and injustice began to be addressed.
Though so much more work needs to be done, Dr. King laid down a foundation upon which to build. Though he may never get the full credit, he single handedly was the voice of conscience in this nation to expose the racial inequality and injustice that ran rampant both in the north and the south. We have a decision to make, should we continue to embrace a that stresses love over hate, or try to forcibly eradicate inequality?
The next generation will determine this decision – hopefully we have taught them enough to make credible decisions baed on establishing love and dignity for all people.
Maria