Just over 50 years ago, Martin Luther King Jr. delivered his “I Have a Dream” speech on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial on Aug. 28, 1963. His words and work stand steadfast today, leaving a legacy of a nation changed forever and even more importantly, hearts changed for generations. Today, at MOPS, we celebrate and reflect on what Martin Luther King Jr. means to each one of us.
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“I have decided to stick with love, hate is too great a burden to bear.” – Martin Luther King Jr.
“MLK was a man of courage. Courage to speak up and courage to fight injustice with love. That is the lesson I will share with my kids today, that the way to heal the hurts and fears of our world is through audacious and undeserved love.” Mandy Arioto, President and CEO |
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“My grandad marched with Dr. King, so I’ve heard these lessons as far back as I can remember; more importantly saw them lived out through them both.
Be kind. Be kind. Be kind. No matter the person, their race, their faith, their economic level or status. And when unkindness is done to you, Love with Truth. This verse is a reminder of Dr. King’s teachings first taught by God.” Each of us should live to please his neighbor. This will help him grow in faith. (Romans 15:2) Janella Thaxton, Senior Events Manager |
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“The characteristics I most admired about MLK Jr. were his ability to communicate across all social, racial and economic boundaries and his steadfast conviction about advocating change through non-aggression and non-violence. He had a presence about him that was both reassuring and motivational at the same time.”
Greg Henry, IT and Email Coordinator |
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“When I think of MLK, I think of a voice of freedom, someone who endured struggle, pain, discrimination so that we could embrace and enjoy freedom. Someone who was called to a life of suffering so that you and I could experience the reward of his labor. The lesson imparted to me and my family is a legacy of strength. As we read MLK’s life story it imparts Strength and Hope. We can because he did!”
Sparkle Robinson, Community Solutions Specialist |
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“MLK Jr. taught me about bravery. The courage you must have to alter the course of history. He put himself in the path of a train that had been moving for hundreds of years, and did not flinch or falter. It requires nothing less if we want to radically impact our world for good.”
Matt Marrs, Creative Director |
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“Martin Luther King Jr. was a symbol of hope and he strived for a peaceful strategy. He trusted the Lord for real change. I learned that what’s important is to show love even where there is no love. I encourage my children to feel sorrowful for those so full of hate. I’m forever grateful for Martin Luther King Jr.’s impact on my life and family! The work has started, but there is still so much more to be done.”
Be joyful in hope, patient in affliction, faithful in prayer. (Romans 12:12) Nichole Bethel, Community Engagement Specialist |
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“MLK Jr. showed me what courage and strength really looks like … His love for people and for God showed in his work and will forever be remembered.”
Amanda Cant, Executive Assistant |
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“If you can’t fly, then run, if you can’t run, then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward,” Martin Luther King Jr.
“Eleven years ago, I was a young mom facing a diagnosis of breast cancer, followed by a double mastectomy. I abruptly went from a fast-paced life to days where I could barely crawl. I wrote his quote in my prayer journal and it inspired me on many days to just keep moving forward.” Sherri Crandall, Director of Global Ministry |
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“MLK embodied, practiced and displayed the way Jesus would have us love our enemies, and in that love, he showed us how to change the world through the power of love and listening, rather than hate and division.”
Jamie Mertens, Pastor on Staff |
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“One of my favorite MLK Jr. quotes is, ‘The ultimate tragedy is not the brutality of the bad people but the silence of the good people.’ He was an advocate for a marginalized community (who ultimately still is marginalized). My silence isn’t helping anyone and I take this as a call to action.”
Erica Krysl, Graphic Designer |