Gaining and Losing

Martin Luther King Jr was assassinated April 4, 1968 on the second floor of the Lorraine Motel in Memphis, Tennessee. King had stayed at the more secure Holiday Inn on a previous visit, but criticism that the accommodations were lavish, he checked into the motel in a black neighborhood closer to the march.  James Earl Ray was arrested two months later in London, England, confessed to the killing and was found guilty.

What is often lacking in most news about King is that his death left his wife of 15 years Coretta, a widow with four children; Yolanda age 13, Martin III age 10, Dexter age 7, and Bernice age 5. Death threats had surrounded King during marches, speeches and his non-violent efforts to change a nation, yet he pressed on.

I am aware that King’s life included allegations of affairs and wrong affiliations. I am still struck with his passion and commitment that reminds me of the type of commitment Jesus calls every follower of His.

Luke 9:24-25
24 For whoever wants to save their life will lose it, but whoever loses their life for Me will save it. 25 What good is it for someone to gain the whole world, and yet lose or forfeit their very self?

Press on.

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