Today is the Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday. In the United States it is now a national holiday, a day celebrated to remember the life and legacy of one of the most pivotal men in history. Dr. King is best known for his thunderous speeches that evoked change in people, his thoughtful prose written as a minister in the South and his non-violent stand against racism. Definitely a legacy that any self-respecting man and leader would love to attain.
How about his family though? From a public perspective, not much was known of them while Dr. King was alive. Sure, people knew their names and could identify them, but there was still separation of Dr. King, “Civil Rights Leader” and Martin Luther King, father and husband. My belief is that the family is where Dr. King did his most powerful work. Father and husband Dr. King, made more of an impact than “Civil Rights Leader” Dr King. Generations from now, people will still read about his change. They will read how his passion helped break down walls of injustice. However, generations from now his seed, his true legacy, will have multiplied exponentially throughout the world. The example he set within his family will have longer lasting affects on society than his national holiday. Make no mistake, I am thankful for all of the societal changes Dr. King helped cultivate. I am most thankful for his willingness to be a father and husband.
On this day, seek to be the change in your family that Dr. King is.
Serve rather than seek to be served. Find value in your family’s love instead of the affirmation of people.
