Thread by @AndyKimNJ

Last night I spoke to @BerniceKing daughter of MLK. While talking I realized that today I turn 39, the age of her father at end of his life. I felt humbled by what he achieved in such few yrs. What gave him his energy and power? Bernice had an answer to his power...(THREAD)

Bernice recited “Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.” I hadn’t heard that quote before. Bernice continued “Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.” To MLK, love was central and necessary to our progress. 2/8

I was interrupted in my conversation with Bernice by my youngest son who escaped his bed and needed to be tucked back in, but I spent the rest of the night researching that quote. I found the words that preceded that passage...“power without love is reckless…3/8

...and abusive and that love without power is sentimental and anemic.” Love is at the intersection between power and justice. The necessary ingredients. But he was clear to show love as a strength. Too often love is seen as a weakness or just emotion. 4/8

Today I picked up MLK’s final book “Where Do We Go From Here - Chaos or Community?” where these quotes came from. The title itself felt written for our current struggles. I’ve read one passage over and over... 5/8

“Returning violence for violence multiplies violence, adding deeper darkness to a night already devoid of stars. Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” 6/8

The fundamental question of the book “where do we go from here?” The answer is shaped by our actions. The trajectory that MLK feared over 50 yrs ago is still one that plagues us. It’s our choice. Let us choose “community.” 7/8

To learn more, please join @BerniceKing and others on July 16 for “Be Love Day” to honor the message of love that her father and others have championed. MLK said, “Love is ultimately the only answer to mankind's problems.” I couldn’t agree more.
thekingcenter.org/belove/ END