Strength to Love: Gift Edition

"Strength To Love" by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is an absolute masterpiece that delves deep into the core of social responsibility and the true essence of philanthropy. The eloquence with which Dr. King articulates his thoughts is nothing short of inspiring.The quote, "Philanthropy is commendable, but it must not cause the philanthropist to overlook the circumstances of economic injustice which make philanthropy necessary," encapsulates the book's essence. Dr. King challenges the conventional notion of philanthropy by urging us to look beyond charity and address the root causes of social issues.The book is a beacon of wisdom, providing profound insights into the interconnectedness of philanthropy and economic justice. Dr. King's perspective challenges us to question our approach to benevolence and compels us to consider the systemic issues perpetuating inequality.Each sermon in the book is a powerful call to action, inviting readers to reflect on their roles in creating a more just and equitable society. Dr. King's words resonate across time, serving as a timeless guide for those seeking to make a meaningful impact."Strength To Love" is not merely a collection of sermons but a blueprint for societal transformation. Dr. King's ability to articulate complex issues with clarity and compassion makes this book a must-read for anyone committed to creating positive change. In a world where philanthropy often addresses symptoms rather than causes, Dr. King's teachings offer a profound and enduring message that challenges us to be catalysts for genuine social transformation.This book is a treasure trove of wisdom and a testament to Dr. King's enduring legacy. It deserves nothing less than a five-star rating for its timeless relevance and the transformative power of its message. ~ Linsey Mills

Although I've read quotes and excerpts, I'm embarrassed to say this was the first book by Dr. King I read from start to finish, but better late than never.This was such a convicting and challenging book, and one I want to revisit often. Strength to Love captures so much wisdom and guiding principles that MLK Jr. lived by.Timely read for anyone and in any season. Must read!

Reading Martin Luther King is like a breath of fresh air, and "A Strength to Love" is a book worthy to be read. King's place in American history is well known, but the struggle he fought has been purposely convoluted by the perpetuators of the false system and masked to hide their sin. They lump King in with the likes of Malcolm X and Stokely Carmichael, nothing could be further form the truth. King fought against the Democratic Party machine in this nation, the party of southern slavery, KKK, which institutionalized racism through Jim Crow, segregation, and resistance to the civil rights act; this is a matter of fact that cannot be ignored if we are to fully grasp and understand the struggle of King and the civil rights movement.King wrote: "Through nonviolent resistance we shall be able to oppose the unjust system and at the same time love the perpetrators of the system" (MLK, 8), and "forgiveness is not an occasional act, it is a permanent attitude" (MLK, 33). These are defining statements as King fought against the slave masters who wanted no freedom for blacks but instead wanted a continuation of their own racist policies. King knew he had to resist and wrote concerning his unwillingness to adjust "I never intended to become adjusted to the evils of segregation and the crippling effects of discrimination, to the moral degeneracy of religious bigotry and the corroding effects of narrow sectarianism, to economic conditions that deprive men of work and food, and to the insanities of militarism and the self defeating effects of physical violence" (MLK, 18). King was himself a "transformational reformer" (MLK, 18) not a militant, but a true Christian who sought to project Christ rather than himself.King supported the party of Lincoln, as his was indeed a continuation of the Civil War, he knew that Christ loved the slaver and wanted to see them repent rather than die. King's struggle against the slave paradigm did not end with him, the Civil War rages today in many forms, like a multi-tentacled beast infecting society with racist and anti-human welfare state policies, unjust taxation and a bloated bureaucracy that enslave the human person rather than liberate them. Jesus came to forgive sinful humanity, he did not come to destroy but to do the will of the Father. Jesus came to liberate people from the grasp of sin, and to echo his Fathers message of repentance. When King took up the call of repentance and the "tough minded" approach to "casting out evil" and the need for repentance from the evils of segregation et al. he was participating in the will of God, he was acting like the Son by submitting to the will of the Father, he was truly participating in the nature of God. When we, as individuals, take up the cause of crying out against totalitarian government structures that enslave the human person and which remove from the individual the tools of life and liberty through "economic conditions that deprive men of work and food" (such as is taking place in our nation today), we, too, enter into the will of God and become participants in His nature.~All quotes from "A Strength to Love" By Martin Luther King.

I recommend this book to anyone who wants insight into Dr. King’s philosophy and approach to civil rights. He not only educates conceptually but also academically with his masterful use of the English language.