April 4th was the anniversary of the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr., probably the most well-known of leaders during the American civil rights movement.
After reading his speech I can’t help but feel overwhelmed with blessings for the work that those who are stronger than us have done in order for those of us who are weaker to be able to obtain freedom and even the most basic of human rights. I love God, I believe in God, and I am a coward. I don’t know if I could be as bold as those who stood strong while being sprayed with mace, attacked by police dogs, and being powerfully hosed down with water. You and I are blessed only because of those who relied on their strength in God and stood strong.
I give thanks and blessings to God for the strength he gives to those who are willing to do what He requires of all believers, for without these fearless followers of God what would our lives look like today? I don’t want to imagine it, but I have to in order to capture the seriousness of what those who are stronger than us have accomplished in the name of God’s love for His human creations.
“It’s alright to talk about “long white robes over yonder,” in all of its symbolism. But ultimately people want some suits and dresses and shoes to wear down here. It’s alright to talk about “streets flowing with milk and honey,” but God has commanded us to be concerned about the slums down here, and his children who can’t eat three square meals a day. It’s alright to talk about the new Jerusalem, but one day, God’s preacher must talk about the New York, the new Atlanta, the new Philadelphia, the new Los Angeles, the new Memphis, Tennessee. This is what we have to do.” MLK Jr. April 3, 1968 Memphis, Tennessee.
QUESTION:
What are some of the freedoms, justice, and basic human needs for living that you enjoy today that were only made possible by those who came before you and fought for these in the name of God’s love?
APPLICATION:
Give thanks and blessings to God today for all those things you listed in response to the question above. Pray and ask God to help you continue to develop strength and courage in following those commandments which require the greatest sacrifices; that being our material well-being and our life.
Feathers For Your Journey 
Thanks for sharing those quotes! I especially like the last one.
Thanks again Youvella! Here’s a few quotes from Florence Nightingale, who was an inspiration for me becoming a nurse.
– How very little can be done under the spirit of fear. quoted in The Book of Positive Quotations (2007) by John Cook, p. 47
– To understand God’s thoughts we must study statistics, for these are the measure of His purpose. quoted in Chance Rules : An Informal Guide to Probability, Risk, and Statistics (1999) by Brian Everitt, p. 137
– Law is the continuous manifestation of God’s presence — not reason for believing him absent.
– I never lose an opportunity of urging a practical beginning, however small, for it is wonderful how often in such matters the mustard-seed germinates and roots itself.