Tag: MLK

The New Norm of Greatness

by Rev. Lynne Hinton

In one of his speeches, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. spoke about the new norm of greatness given to us by Jesus. As we celebrate Dr. King’s birthday this weekend, I share with you this statement to remind us all of the people we are called to be.

“Jesus gave us a new norm of greatness. If you want to be important – wonderful. If you want to be recognized – wonderful. If you want to be great – wonderful. But recognize that he who is greatest among you shall be your servant. That’s your new definition of greatness. And this morning, the thing that I like about it…by giving that definition of greatness, it means that everybody can be great. Because everybody can serve. You don’t have to have a college degree to serve. You don’t have to make your subject and your verb agree to serve. You don’t have to know about Plato and Aristotle to serve. You don’t have to know Einstein’s theory of relativity to serve. You don’t have to know the second theory of thermo-dynamics in physics to serve. You only need a heart full of grace. A soul generated by love. And you can be that servant.”

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

           As you move through this week and especially during the holiday, consider being great! Consider how it is you serve.

Rules of Nonviolence

by Rev. Lynne Hinton

As we get ready to celebrate Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I was reminded of his rules of nonviolence that was given to those who worked alongside of him in the Civil Rights Movement. Did you know there was a set of such rules? It was a sort of Rule of Law to be adopted by those working in what he understood to be, the long struggle for justice and peace. Once I learned of these, I have found them to be very important in my day to day life. They inform me of who I want to be in public and in private. Let me share them with you.

  1. Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
  2. Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham or anywhere seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.
  3. Walk and talk in the manner of love for God is love.
  4. Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
  5. Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
  6. Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.
  7. Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
  8. Strive to be in good spiritual and bodily health.

As you find ways to honor this important day in this first month of our year and as you find ways to live up to the challenge of Dr. King and others who worked so tirelessly for Civil Rights, may you find strength and courage to live out these rules of nonviolence. The world will be better because of it!