Martin Luther King Day

 Several years ago we started a tradition of having a special Family Home Evening (FHE) about Martin Luther King, Jr. Tonight, I thought I'd share a little of what we do. For simplicity's sake I will provide our outline:

I. Opening Song: Love One Another (you can learn it in sign language here.)

II. Opening Prayer

III. Introduction: Who was Martin Luther King, Jr.? What are some of the things he did? Why do we remember him on this day? How are the things he taught in accordance with the teachings of Jesus Christ? Our children usually know and share all kinds of cool facts and information that they have learned at school.

IV. Video presentation: "I Have a Dream."  We have listened to the whole speech before, but if you have little kids and want an abbreviated version try listening to just the last 5 minutes or so. (If you ever decided you want to follow this outline, it takes a while to load the whole thing so you may want to do that before you start your FHE). You can also download it in MP3 format here.

 

V. Book presentation: Martin's Big Words (Rappaport/Collier)

We read this beautiful book every year as part  of our FHE. The illustrations are gorgeous and I love how the text incorporates actual quotes from Dr. King.

 

 

VI. Scriptures: John 13:15, John 13:34-35,  1 Samuel 16:7. The scriptures are full of similar examples. These are just a few that came to my mind.

VII. Conclusion: We usually conclude by talking about loving one another, being kind to others no matter how they may look or dress, and so on. Bear testimony of the truth of the principles of love, kindness, including others, etc.

VIII. Closing Song: I'll Walk With You

IX. Closing Prayer

The spirit was really strong in our home this evening as we talked about this amazing man and discussed how the teachings of Jesus Christ corroborate his words. I was moved to tears (as I am every year) when we listened to his speech.  It is amazing to live in this place and see what it is like now, knowing that at one time things were so very different. How thankful I am that Martin Luther King, Jr's dream has been realized, at least in part;  that right here in Alabama, "little black boys and black girls [are] able to join hands with little white boys and white girls as sisters and brothers."