Life of Sacrifice

Looking back at the beginning of the United States, virtues like freedom, liberty, justice, and equality seem to have been woven into the very framework of this country. The founding fathers wanted a nation different from all others, one that could serve as hope for all oppressed people. While these principles are noble and worth celebrating, they have not always been upheld by leaders and citizens alike in this country. Tracing back through our history reveals countless examples of dignity being stripped from individuals and the constant denial of equality.

Nowhere is this more apparent than our nation’s treatment of African Americans. From the moment black men and women stepped foot onto this soil, they were oppressed and struck down. Families were destroyed, rights were denied, and wars were fought; yet the struggle continued well into the mid-twentieth century. It was during this time, known as the Civil Rights Movement, that a young black preacher by the name of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. emerged.

Dr. King, fueled by his strong belief in Christ, preached a message of equality for all peoples, not just African Americans. He firmly believed in the biblical call to seek justice and correct oppression, but also the call to “love those who persecute you,” and it fueled his life. From very early on into the Civil Rights Movement, Dr. King faced insane opposition to his cause. Throughout his time of championing rights for all people, King was routinely beaten, jailed 17 times, and his house was even bombed. Yet though all of it, he continued to preach a message of non-violence and love.

Towards the end of his life, King started to broaden his focus, not only to issues of racial inequality, but also to poverty as a whole. In early April of 1968, Dr. King arrived in Memphis to lead a march in support of sanitation workers who had been denied rights. He gave an emblazoned speech, now known as the Mountaintop Speech, the night before he was to lead the march. His speech touched on the importance of standing up for those who cannot speak for themselves and the importance of not ignoring our responsibilities as Christians and as human beings. He ended his speech with these words:

Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

The next morning, April 4, 1968, Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated. Dr. King’s legacy of selflessness and courage lives on, and his life of sacrifice continues to inspire many to reach for greatness.