MLK Day

I was supposed to have my husband and kids home with me today in honor of Martin Luther King Day. The snow we had a week or so ago changed all that. But, nerd mom that I am, have already begun planning our MLK lesson tonight when the girls get home. I don't want to let this day escape them unnoticed. Because MLK, Jr. rocked. Seriously rocked. I had two classes in grad school, one entitled, The American Civil Rights Movement, and the other other specifically, Martin Luther King, Jr. Both turned out to be two of my favorite classes during my time in grad school. What I learned is that people are flawed--some to the point of deep, dark ugliness. And while MLK, Jr. had flaws of his own, he fought against the ugliness when no one else would. And his legacy... wow. What a difference a life can make. So, yes. When my kids get home tonight, we're gonna talk a little about Mr. King.

We visited the site of his assassination last March. The girls call it "that place where the really brave guy got shot." I'll have to agree.



MLK, Jr. gave his 'I've Been to the Mountaintop' speech in Memphis the night before he was killed after hearing rumors of threats against his life. For me, his words are just hauntingly powerful.

"Well, I don't know what will happen now; we've got some difficult days ahead. But it really 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 so 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."

A verse I pray for my children every night is, "[Let them] come out from among them and be separate." Also, I pray, "[They will] be bold enough in Him to speak as [they] should." MLK, Jr. is an awesome example of both. And it's an honor for me to discuss his footprint on this country with my children.