Today we celebrate the life of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.—a man who had a gift to make his dream of equality among every person, regardless of someone’s skin color, age, or gender.

Proverbs 18:16 says, “A man’s gift maketh room for him, and bringeth him before great men.”

Dr. King was a man with prolific talents and various giftings, granting him a platform to challenge the world with a message that would change the fabrication of the cultural and spiritual structure of the twentieth century. King’s legacy is extensive; crossing cultural, religious, and segregational boundaries.

Our environment, whether we like it or not, shapes who we are. The contours and ridges of our morals, convictions, quirks, values, and temperament are all relative to the value system taught in an individual’s home, education system, and country. Of coarse, everyone is subject to his or her own choice. We see this in the life Dr. King as he aspires to strengthen integration rather than enforcing segregation, even if that means going against the prevailing current of his present society that led him down a road of persecution.

Revelation 7:9 paints a beautiful picture of what heaven will look like, After these things I looked, and behold, a great multitude which no one could number, of all nations, tribes, peoples, and tongues, standing before the throne and before the Lamb.” Dr. King’s story is an inspiration to me today as I strive to create an environment that will mirror heaven.

Acts 17:26 beautifully portrays one of the characteristics that joins humanity together, “And He hath made of one blood all nations of men for to dwell on all the face of the earth.” Through Christ, we are all connected; we are all brothers and sisters.

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. inspires me to confront difficult situations and challenging obstacles with grace, courage and wisdom. A person has the potential to influence others, even beyond their last breath, prompting people to brave important battles, knowing they cannot win a fight without going to into a battle. We cannot foster change if we are unwilling to confront important issues.

Today, let our lives mirror heaven. Today, know that your dreams have power.

Prayer: Lord, in a dream anything can happen, but I desire my God-given dreams to become a reality. Help me seek Your face and be bold in pursuit of Your perfect will. I pray that the gifting You have given me, will make room for me and bring me in the company of people who need to hear about Your love. In Jesus name, amen!

Author

Angela Overton is a lover of words, nature, and coffee. She is an ordained minister with the UPCI, has a Masters Degree in Theology, and loves to teach Bible studies. She and her amazing husband, Michael, pastor in Silver Spring, Maryland.

1 Comment

  1. Of course, he was a great man and a catalyst for equality in America. He preached the Word.