An Editor's Journal

I’m reading a phenomenal book called Hellhound On His Trail. It’s the story of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination. As a religion major in college, I read a lot of Dr. King’s own writings, but surprisingly not too much about his life. 

One of the things I love most about the book is seeing the way people described Dr. King and what it was like to be with him. There is one particular telling that I hope can someday describe my own life. 

This is from a young man who was part of The Invaders - a Black Power group in Memphis made up of mostly teenage and twenty-something men. Let’s just say this group wasn’t overly fond of the non-violence stance of Dr. King. 

King and this young man were talking about a peaceful rally that went horribly wrong and started some riots in Memphis. Many people blamed The Invaders for inciting the unrest. So, this fella wanted to come clear the air, and had a chat with King. 

This is what he said about the experience:

“When he came into the room it seemed like all of a sudden there was a real rush of wind and calm settled over everything. You could feel peace around that man. He looked like peace.“ 

Like I said, I want my life to be known like this. I want people to describe experiences with me in this way. And I’m a ways off, but it is something I will strive for. 

How about you? Do you want to be known as a person who looks like peace?

-JA