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.
- Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.
- Remember always that the nonviolent movement in Birmingham or anywhere seeks justice and reconciliation, not victory.
- Walk and talk in the manner of love for God is love.
- Pray daily to be used by God in order that all might be free.
- Observe with both friend and foe the ordinary rules of courtesy.
- Seek to perform regular service for others and the world.
- Refrain from violence of fist, tongue, or heart.
- 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!
Lynne: Often rules can help people to become better people. I like these 8 rules that you have shared with us in this blog post. If you and I — and others reading this comment — commit to try to follow these 8 rules, then we might become better people and we might build a better world. Your post, Lynne, has inspired me to commit to these rules. Hopefully, others will join us in this venture. Thanks for sharing this information with us as we approach Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., Day.