Let Freedom Ring!: Remembering My Uncle MLK

By Alveda King, Special to CP Wednesday, August 28, 2013

As we arrive at this historic day, it's important for us to remember that 50 years ago, on August 28, 1963, people were marching for jobs, for decent housing, for justice, for better education.

Now in the 21st century, 50 years later we see people adding special interest groups or causes. For instance, we heard Planned Parenthood speaking at the march last week. We heard the homosexual community advocating their agenda. For me, what was missing were appeals for the unborn, requests to put prayer back on our schools, a push for restoring the work ethic and those types of things.

Of course we understand that causes divide us. Yet, may I point that it is the love of Christ that unites us. As to our causes, it is truth and not bickering that sets us free. Because people perish simply for lack of knowledge, I am committed to speaking out more truth in love.

Also, Martin Luther King, Jr., my Uncle M. L. took a lot of time praying, seeking the Lord, inquiring of the Lord. So as we continue to follow his pattern for the rest of this week, for the rest of this year, for the rest of our lives – if we can only begin to realize that we're not separate races – we are one human race in need of the love of God – and believe that truth will set us free – together we can overcome in Christ.

Therefore, I can understand why my uncle, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., said, "We must learn to live together as brothers [and I add sisters] or parish together as fools."

And so, for those of us who believe the Bible, who trust God, who have been very sinful and are now repentant, we know that we need God. We know that we need to be forgiven and healed. We know that we cannot be intolerant of other. That we must seek transformation, not just tolerance, not compromise but transformation.

I'm mindful of that as I approach the Interfaith Service, the Bell Ringing Ceremony, I must not condemn any person or judge any person; rather I must share the good news with every person and demonstrate the love and liberty available at the cross for everyone from conception to natural death.

Let freedom ring!

Dr. Alveda King is the daughter of the late slain civil rights activist Rev. A. D. King and Niece of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. She is the founder of King for America, Inc. and the mother of six and a doting grandmother. She is a voice for the Silent No More Awareness Campaign, speaking about her regret for her abortion.Dr. KIng is a consultant to the Africa Humanitarian Christian Fellowship, a former college professor and a former member of the Georgia House of Representatives.