This past Friday evening, Stephanie and I had the immense joy of participating in the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute Dinner at the Genesys Conference & Banquet Center.
I’m grateful to God for the opportunity to offer a closing prayer and benediction at this incredible event. Many thanks to Mary Coleman and Vera Jenkins, in conjunction with The Foundation of Mott Community College, for the invitation.
(from left to right) me, Pastor Christopher Taylor, Mayor Sheldon Neeley
And a bonus! I got to eat dinner with Flint’s new mayor, Sheldon A. Neeley. He’s a great guy… I think he might even live up to all that his lovely mother told me about him. 
So many kind, gracious, and loving people.
This Monday, Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I’m reminded in a fresh way of the freedom-trail he paved for us, yet also how far we still have to go in 2020 America. Words of hate, attitudes of vitriol, and cultural postures of racial division over-against reconciliation appear to be on-the-rise. So on this evening of remembrance, let’s rehearse a few poignant truth-sayings from Martin Luther King and then pause to pray together. For it’s only through the power of God that real, lasting change can occur in the hearts of humankind.
From his pen…
“I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality… I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.”
“In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”
“The time is always right to do what is right.”
“We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.”
“Violence as a way of achieving racial justice is both impractical and immoral. I am not unmindful of the fact that violence often brings about momentary results. Nations have frequently won their independence in battle. But in spite of temporary victories, violence never brings permanent peace.”
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
For us to pray…
Would you consider joining me in this prayer, which God led me to write for last Friday’s event?
Oh God in heaven, we know that right now Your dwelling place is filled with people of every language, nation, and ethnicity. They, together, rejoice as Your people united as one, yet diverse in a beautiful harmony orchestrated by your amazing creativity.
So as they dwell in perfect unity and joy with You, so may we also live here today! May Your will be done on earth, as it is in heaven.
May we, by Your amazing grace, be people who live out heaven’s agenda here on earth.
We praise You for the life and the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. We believe that Martin Luther King’s dream is God’s design for the church.
Therefore, I pray tonight that we would go forth from this place with his dream in our hearts and Your design flowing through our lives.
For we are overcomers through Jesus Christ who loved us and gave Himself for us so that we could be one redeemed, reconciled people in Him. So by the truth and grace of Jesus the Savior, I pray that You would lift up the light of Your countenance upon us, pour out your grace to us, and give us peace and power by the Holy Spirit to live for you.
And all God’s redeemed children say…. AMEN!
From History…
Below is one of the most beautiful, moving video shorts I’ve ever seen produced:
Further Related Reading from my Blog:
Christian Racism?: Q: “How should a Christian respond to racism? I hear these racist, white supremacists groups say they are also Christian. What do you think of that, Pastor Michael?” Article and Q & A Video: Christian Racism?
One Race: Dr. King was, undoubtedly, one of the most influential people of the twentieth century. His bold, visionary preaching stirred the hearts and changed the lives of millions of Americans. His courageous, peaceful leadership built a force against racial segregation across all walks of life. . . We are one race – the human race – of many ethnicities united in God’s love to the praise His glorious grace. We will gather together as the one people of God from every language, tribe, and nation by the blood of the Lamb. Continue reading here: One Race.
Stephanie and I at the 41st Annual Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Tribute
January 21, 2020
This is a Great “spiritually enlightening article!” So much of what you and the late Martin Luther King spoke of, was and is a must read for all Christians. We are entering a time that is leaning towards such hatred. In the eyes of the all knowing God, this doesn’t surprise Him. His own heart must break though, as He sees His own children bending in the winds of such corruption. Thank you for reminding us of our actions and how we affect this world today. May we all spend time seeking Gods forgiveness and how we can be a changer of this atmosphere, before Jesus comes to get His bride.
Jane
February 7, 2020
Thank you, Jane. May God continue to open our eyes to how He is calling us to respond to our neighbors – no matter who or what they are – as people of the risen, redeeming, and coming King Jesus. Love you, sister!
January 23, 2020
Thank you, Pastor Michael, for your involvement in and passion for our community. Reaching out in love to those around us, is the epitome of the gospel message and the mission of the Church!
February 7, 2020
All glory to Jesus for how He is opening up exciting doors into our community! I so appreciate your encouragement, Cheryl! May God bless you with hope and joy in the Savior’s power!