If you are like me, you are always looking for something interesting to read while enjoying your morning cup of coffee.  We are starting a series about different people who have been influential to the Kingdom of God.  I like to call them "Revivalists".

So, grab your coffee and buckle up!!

A Righteous Calling

I believe there was a righteous calling on the life of Martin Luther King Jr. to bring the Lord's justice to a nation.  In a time of racial segregation and the mistreatment of African Americans, the Lord raised up a great man to further the civil rights movement in America through Love.  

One thing that has amazed me in reading about MLK's life and childhood is the depth of his father's walk with the Lord.  One article said "Martin Luther King Sr. fought against racial prejudice, not just because his race suffered, but because he considered racism and segregation to be an affront to God's will. He strongly discouraged any sense of class superiority in his children, which left a lasting impression on Martin Jr.".  His Father was focused on the kingdom and will of God.  As I read about Martin Sr., I was convicted with how often I am more concerned with my own suffering, rather than the will of God. 

Everyone Struggles

There were times in King's life when he struggled.  I have read that at age 12, upon hearing of his grandmother's death, young Martin jumped out of the second story window of his family's home, allegedly attempting suicide.  

King was extremely intelligent, skipping the 9th and 11th grade, entering Morehouse College at age 15, and graduating Valedictorian of his seminary class in 1951.  Even though his family was deeply religious, King often questioned religion and felt uncomfortable with overly emotional displays of religious worship.  He initially decided against entering the ministry, much to his fathers dismay, but would change his mind after taking a Bible class his Junior year of college.

I find it comforting to know that I'm not the only one who has "questioned Jesus" at one time or another.  I think that is a natural part of having a relationship with Jesus... Ask and you will receive, seek and you will find, knock and the door will be opened.  I believe as long as we are seeking, we will find the One we are looking for.

Ministry Works

King did so much during his time on this earth.  Being influenced by the nonviolent protestor Mohatma Ghandi, King followed Ghandi's example of nonviolence, but he was motivated by love.  King was chosen to be the leader and the official spokesperson of the Montgomery bus boycott.  King was also one of the founders of the Southern Christian Leadership Conference, a group committed to achieving full equality for African Americans through nonviolence.  During this time, King would travel across the country, giving lectures on nonviolent protests and civil rights.  He would also have meetings with religious figures, activists, and political leaders.  During the Birmingham campaign of 1963, activists used boycotts, sit-ins, and marches to protest segregation, unfair hiring practices, and other injustices.  It was in this campaign where king was arrested for his involvement on April 12 and penned the civil rights manifesto known as "Letter from Birmingham Jail," an eloquent defense of civil disobedience addressed to a group of white clergymen who had criticized his tactics.  Later that year, King helped organize the March on Washington for Jobs and Freedom.  This peaceful rally was attended by around 300,000 participants and is regarded as a watershed moment in American Civil Rights and the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1964.  This was where King delivered his iconic "I Have A Dream" speech.  Later that year, King was named Man of the Year by TIME magazine, and in 1964 he became the youngest man ever awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.  In the spring of 1965, King was drawn to Selma, Alabama following the violence that erupted between white segregationists and peaceful demonstrators.  King organized a march from Selma to Montgomery that was supported by President Lyndon B. Johnson, who sent in federal troops to keep the peace.  This event was instrumental in the passing of the Voting Rights Act, which guaranteed all African Americans the right to vote.

The thing I admire most about Martin Luther King Jr. is that he always operated in love.  He truly turned the other cheek, knowing his calling and staying true to it.  

Your Thoughts

Having read a little bit on Martin Luther King Jr., How do you guys think he would respond to the racial tensions that exist in America today?  Comment Below.

Inspirational Quotes

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness: Only light can do that.  Hate cannot drive out hate: Only love can do that."

"Forgiveness is not an occasional act; it is a constant attitude."

"We must live together as brothers or perish together as fools."

"Faith is taking the first step even when you can't see the whole staircase."

HERE is a link that tells a short story of the life of Martin Luther King Jr.

Until Next Time-

Ryan