A Short, Historic Life: 1929 - 1968

I'm thankful for this precious little boy who grew up to be a hero.  Certainly one of my greatest heroes.  He was all about nonviolence and nonviolent activism—for us here in the United States and countless humans around the world.  We need him to help change our  culture of ever-accelerating violence now.  May his spirit somehow open the hearts and minds of those in Congress who will attempt to block the President's proposals.  Those would be the proposals intended to make our country safer by enacting new gun laws.

 

My friend Lyn Phillips, a woman with a sharp mind and a beautiful heart, posted the photo on Facebook.   Here's what she had to say about it:  THANK YOU, UNIVERSE, for this child... who grew up to lead the way for us... He surely changed my life and the lives of millions... the hero of my lifetime.

 

                                                                              * * *

Dr. King, this year on January 21 (the day your birthday is officially celebrated here in the U.S.) our first African American President will take the oath of office for a second term!  And, in case you don't know, he'll be using your traveling Bible.  Without your courageous work, this would not be happening.

 

 How could the hardest among us look at the innocent face in this photo and not feel—what?  I feel great tenderness seeing you at this young age.  And it's pride and respect I feel recalling images of the adult you.  I feel those things and awe.   You understood that your work was likely to end your life far too soon, but that didn't stop you.  Nothing deterred you from your faithful, tireless efforts to gain greater equality for all Americans.   What a legacy!  Thank you.  Thank you!

 

                                                                             * * *

 Lucy readers, if you want to give yourselves a wonderful gift, take time to read Dr. King's letter from the Birmingham jail.   If you've never read it, you have a treat in store.  There's so much richness and wisdom in it, I'm struck by something new each time I read it.    Here you go:

http://www.africa.upenn.edu/Articles_Gen/Letter_Birmingham.html 

 

                                                 MARTIN LUTHER KING, JR.

                                               January 15, 1929 — April 4, 1968