Martin Luther King, Jr.

I have two older sisters... like 10 and 13 years older. Although we come from the same birth family, our formative years were spent in societies in the U.S. that were very different.  My sisters were growing up primarily in the 50's; I was growing up primarily in the 60's.  Those were VERY different years in our nation!  It probably should be no surprise, therefore, to hear that my sisters and I have very different political views.  Every now and then, one of them will ask me, "How is it that you turned out so different from us?"  I just smile and say, "The 60's.  Remember?"  Whereas their formative years were shaped by U.S. strength and prosperity in the world, mine were shaped by assassinations, race riots, and Vietnam.

The writings, speeches, and sermons of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. long have had profound impact on my life and my worldview.  The ties that I feel to him probably were made stronger by the fact that he was assassinated on my 17^th birthday:  April 4, 1968.

I remember reading his August 1963 Letter from Birmingham Jail to the pastoral leaders in that community.  It persuasively - at least to me! - laid out his defense for coming to Birmingham to participate in the demonstrations that were taking place.  More than that, though, Dr. King laid out his eloquently and passionately worded belief that "Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."  He accurately pointed out to his ministerial brothers (they were all men at that time, of course), that "History is the long and tragic story of the fact that privileged groups seldom give up their privileges voluntarily."

How do we honor such a profound legacy as the one Dr. King left to us?  Surely setting aside one day is something, albeit minimal.  And the inspired idea of making King's birthday holiday into a National Day of Service is a huge step in the right direction.  Ultimately, of course, it comes down to each of us... as well as to all of us.  What kinds of things are we willing to do to stand for peace and justice?  How will others know of our strong Reformed heritage of working for societal good and for the welfare of those most helpless and in need?  How do we demonstrate our embrace of all people as children of God, those for whom Christ lived and died?

Profound questions, yes?  And profound questions always call for definitive, intentional, demonstrative, and profound answers.

Blessings and peace,

Steve