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Dear San Marco Church Family: Monday is the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. holiday. I typically think of Dr. King’s Letter from The Birmingham Jail during this time. While the letter is somewhat lengthy, the ideas that Dr. King communicates are so important to people of faith. The letter is a response to eight white clergy leaders who had issued public comments calling Dr. King’s protests and calls to action “unwise and untimely.” These leaders had been reluctant or slow to support ongoing civil rights efforts. I think I am drawn to the letter because it is challenging and encouraging, but also deeply convicting. It takes courage to speak up for those who are mistreated. It takes courage to risk retaliation when we stand up for what is right. But as Dr. King states in the letter, there are four needed steps in any movement for nonviolent social action. First, determine the facts. Secondly, attempt to negotiate. Third, engage in self-purification. Fourth, engage in direct action. The self-purification step may be the most challenging, and perhaps the most important. Self-purification involves asking hard questions such as whether we “are willing to accept blows without retaliating”, as Dr. King stated. I have read about the training in non-violence that Dr. King and others endured. Their discipline and preparation were rare at the time, and perhaps impossible to find in today’s world. Yet in order to act with integrity, even our protest activities must involve a refusal to use tactics of violence and vindictiveness. Otherwise, we are hypocritical in not living by the faith we profess. Personally, I am convicted by Dr. King’s letter because my desire to avoid conflict can result in my remaining silent when I need to speak. Yet I know that the injustice in our world, including the tragic violence in Minnesota this past week, demands that I not remain silent. I encourage you to read Dr. King’s letter. Every time I read it I gain new insights. It is easy to find online. This Sunday, January 18, we will continue our series entitled “Awakened To Grace.” The focus will be on scripture, and Rev. Bruce Jones, former pastor of Southside United Methodist Church, will share a message based upon Luke 24: 13-34. Bryan Amerling and I are attending a training Sunday through Wednesday on flourishing small churches. I am grateful that San Marco church definitely fits this description and I look forward to sharing what we learn. May God bless each of you and your families this week! Steve
stevehart100@gmail.com
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