Dr. King: A Legacy of Courage and Conviction

Monday, January 16, 2012 Bryan Hudson 0 Comments

Today we celebrate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King on the national holiday established in his honor.

Too often, I find that when some people discuss the legacy of Dr. King, they are quick to point out his flaws and failings. Others seem to embrace his teachings and sayings, but only in a highly selective fashion. Yet others try to ignore his work and legacy altogether.

It is obvious to many of us today that Dr. King was a social prophet and a man of great courage and conviction. As a Christian minister, it is appropriate that such a man would have been responsible for leading one of the greatest movements in the 20th Century. It takes a Christian to have the type of compassion and sense of mission that Dr. King possessed. Christ's mission was glorified though his work.

Below are a series of quotes from Dr. King that I trust will inspire you as they have inspired me:

To be a Christian without prayer is no more possible than to be alive without breathing. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

The first question which the priest and the Levite asked was: "If I stop to help this man, what will happen to me?" But... the good Samaritan reversed the question: "If I do not stop to help this man, what will happen to him?" ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Shallow understanding from people of good will is more frustrating than absolute misunderstanding from people of ill will. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

Change does not roll in on the wheels of inevitability, but comes through continuous struggle. And so we must straighten our backs and work for our freedom. A man can't ride you unless your back is bent. ~ Martin Luther King, Jr.

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