In the late 1960s, I was quietly a civil rights proponent. Not activist. I didn’t travel a hundred miles from my village to find a demonstration. I lived at home in a small village while I finished university studies. Some people gave me grief for being a Martin Luther King, Jr. supporter. That’s OK. I took it. They didn’t threaten my life.
My university was a small, church-oriented (Methodist) liberal arts school. Pretty conservative. The chaplain was a divinity school classmate of King. So, King traveled to little Ada, Ohio to speak to a packed convocation hall. I was privileged to hear him speak in person. It was moving.
I still quietly go on my way trying to influence those around me toward kindness toward others, compassion to those of all races and beliefs, tolerance of others (save from hate, bigotry, divisiveness).
I’m also terrible about realizing holidays. It was halfway through Sunday (yesterday) when I realized that today is Martin Luther King, Jr. day—a holiday. Once again there was no mention of King or compassion for the rights of others at church. So, I had no built-in reminder.
Regardless of politics or religion, it’s worth pausing to reflect on our orientation toward life and how we show that love and compassion that Jesus taught in every relationship and interaction. (And Facebook post!)
The aftermath of the movement resulted in many discriminatory laws being changed. But King’s dream of people’s hearts being changed remains a work in progress.
Faith Venture 
Leave a comment