Today, April 4th, is an important day to stop and remember.
Today, 40 years ago, in Memphis, TN, a 39 year-old pastor was killed as he stood on the balcony of a motel. His own church was in Atlanta. He was in Memphis because he believed that to serve God meant to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with sisters and brothers in their pursuit of justice for themselves and their families, wherever they were. The men who picked up Memphis' trash were striking for better wages and benefits and the young pastor was there to encourage and support them and draw attention to the holiness in their struggle.
I don't know what Martin Luther King, Jr. would have been talking about today, at age 79. I can only take cues for my life from what he said and did. I look at what this servant of God said and did, and pray for the clarity and strength to serve God with the same faith and courage.
As you remember Dr. King today, in a time in our nation's life of increasing economic disparity and senseless warfare, I encourage you to read his speech from Riverside Church, delivered 41 years ago today, April 4th, 1967. Read it, and pray over how his ministry lives in you and can live in our own beloved Marble Church.
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