He was a lifelong depressive, having first attempted
suicide before10. Although he graduated with a Doctorate before 30, he didn't
get hired as a Dean of Students at Xavier U., because he "didn't have the
qualities of a leader". Friends and family dissuaded his relationship with
his white girlfriend because stuff like that could get a black man hanged. He
smoked like a chimney, and could play pool till dawn--much to the displeasure
of his father with whom he argued over his life's direction.
From ages 26
to 39 he led a public life while he continued to struggle personally. He was
picked to lead the Montgomery boycott largely because he was new in town. He
turned down an enriching book and speaking deal early on and would die with
$5000 to his family's name. Drama at his church. Strain in the marriage. Hated
by as many who loved him...and the realization that he would likely not see 40.
He did not see 40.
Martin
Luther King, Jr, is a hero not because he was brilliant, but because he decided
to say yes to things that benefitted others more than it would him. it. He is
great not because of some inaccessible quality, but because he decided that
GIVING was as important as having. Imagine if he'd stayed in Boston married
that girlfriend and became the academic. Imagine if he had taken that HUGE
book/speaking deal rather than march on. Imagine if he let his depression take
him. Imagine if he thought more about him less about us. Many of us don't have
to Imagine because we do it all the time.
Let's do
this--this year as we mark 50 years since this flawed, BEAUTIFUL man was killed
fighting for you (and if you want a more perfect union, he was fighting for
you), let's take him down from the rarified air of worship. Let's ground him to
the foundation of example. Let's do what he did--work for a better world. You
don't have to go broke or risk your life--don't worry. But speaking Truth to
power, resisting intolerance, seeking and promoting solutions, and wait for
it...ACTIVELY LOVING EACH OTHER is a pretty good start.
My mother
used to keep a picture of King next to a pictures of her grandmother and me.
When at five I asked who he was she calmly said, "He is what Mama told me
we all should be--a light and help onto others." She said he worked to
make my life easier in a hard world and one day I will get to do the same
"in big ways or small--it don't matter, as long as you do something for
somebody". Frankly, I thought the cat was my uncle, but the idea that I
could be of service (and we SHOULD all be of service) never left. Imagine our
world, filled with people living those truths: We should be of service. You can
be of service.
Brother Martin. Thank you for your example of stepping
up despite the twists, despite the storms. More than ever, we need to DO what
you and countless others have done to conquer the darkness. Rest easy, we'll
take it from here.
We all got some serving to do.
Let’s get on with it.
pc
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