by Dr. Alveda King | Apr 13, 2015 | Dr. Alveda King Blog
Should believers take part in the politics of this world, including elections? What does the Bible say about voting in elections? Nothing specifically. Let’s remember that in the times of Jesus the Jews were under Roman rule and they were not Roman citizens. Therefore they were not permitted to vote. In fact, more Roman citizens couldn’t either. Only the very wealthy were allowed to vote. But we can see that in Acts 6:1-5 that an “election” of sorts did take place.
“Now at this time while the disciples were increasing in number, a complaint arose on the part of the Hellenistic Jews against the native Hebrews, because their widows were being overlooked in the daily serving of food. And the 12 summoned the congregation of the disciples and said, ‘It is not desirable for us to neglect the word of God in order to serve tables. But select from among you, brethren, seven men of good reputation, full of the Spirit and of wisdom, whom we may put in charge of this task. But we will devote ourselves to prayer, and to the ministry of the word.’ And the statement found approval with the whole congregation; and they chose Stephen, a man full of faith and of the Holy Spirit, and Philip, Prochorus, Nicanor, Timon, Parmenas and Nicolas, a proselyte from Antioch.” (NASB77)
Today, you would have to question the “good” reputation of many in office and more importantly whether they are even men and women who are “full of the spirit.” In the elections of 2012, Billy Graham began a campaign, “Vote Biblical Values,” in which he encouraged to vote for candidates that espoused biblical values and morality, “men/women full of the spirit.” So it should be for this election cycle and all elections as well.
It seems that our nation and the whole world is getting further away from God and his teachings. And we are paying for our sins. It’s evident in current events. ISIS, Iran, Russia invading other countries, beheading’s of prisoners of various nations, and even a beheading in America.
A couple of quotes from Mother Teresa are appropriate for our discussion. She said: “The greatest destroyer of peace is abortion because if a mother can kill her own child, what is left for me to kill you and you to kill me? There is nothing between.” Abortion breaks the most sacred bond, the bond between a mother and her baby, and reduces the sanctity of life to someone’s “choice.” If we are willing to accept abortion then how can we be surprised when one person makes the “choice” that your life must end because you don’t believe what they believe?
She also said, “If we accept that a mother can kill her own child, how can we tell other people not to kill each other? Any country that accepts abortion is not teaching its people to love, rather, to use violence to get what they want.” Isn’t that what ISIS is doing? What Russia is doing? What Alton Nolen did? Accepting violence over regarding the sanctity of life. We can help shift our world towards a culture of life by voting co those who regard the sanctity of life. What would God have us learn regarding the electorate process? The heart of God is expressed in the Bible as to his concern for government leaders and leadership by telling us as Christians that we should pray in this vein when we look at the admonition in the following verses: “I exhort therefore, that, first of all, supplications, prayers, intercessions, and giving of thanks, be made for all men; For kings, and for all that are in authority; that we may lead a quiet and peaceable life in all godliness and honesty. For this is good and acceptable in the sight of God our Saviour; Who will have all men to be saved, and to come unto the knowledge of the truth.” 1 Timothy 2:1-4
It is our duty as Christians and as citizens to participate in the elections. With our vote, we can elect godly men that will make laws that conform to biblical values.Not all are called to be political servants. The majority of us will never hold office but we have an important role to play. We must begin with prayer and discernment. We must educate ourselves on the stances of the candidates and vote accordingly.
by Dr. Alveda King | Apr 9, 2015 | Dr. Alveda King Blog
We are moving ahead in 2015, and the melee is almost deafening. Yet, in the distance, there is a still, small voice calling to us. Yes, the U.S. Congress has a new face so to speak.Yes, America is waking up to the truth that racism still exists in our land. We know that anger and violence are lurking about. Yet, in the distance, there is a voice crying in the wilderness, compelling those who hear to use our gifts and callings to make a difference in 2015.What can we do? We can speak truth to power. We can overcome evil with good. When people complain, offer solutions, not sympathy. When violence threatens, extend the olive branch of peace.
If you are a singer, sing a song of peace and love. If you are a dancer, do a peace and love dance. If you are a doctor or a lawyer, represent the poor and heal the sick. Yes, we have price tags on our gifts. After all, you in most cases you can’t pay your electric bill with a melody or a foot massage. It takes money to get about in this realm, on the low frequencies of life.But, if we worry too much about charging for our gifts, natural and spiritual, we could just miss the love boat. Don’t be stingy this year. Give and it shall be given unto you. We’re not just talking about money here. We are talking about the unusual generosity of heart and soul. People need love. People need the Lord.So answer the higher callings of life by sharing the gifts and talents generously — even if you get paid for what you do, and I hope you do; because generally if we don’t work, we don’t eat.
We can pay our bills by charging for our goods and services. Yes, we can, and we should. Yet, we can expect an increase of our spiritual gifts if we aren’t stingy in sharing truth and love throughout the year. So answer the highest callings in life by sharing your gifts of love and hope.My Uncle Martin Luther King once said, “Everybody can be great, because everyone can serve.” We have a chance to be great this year. March for Life, Walk for Life, Martin Luther King Week, Black History Month, Reconciliation Movement, Abortion Shockwaves — so much on my plate in the year ahead. And this isn’t all by any means. How about you?I just felt like writing something that isn’t political, not deeply intellectual — not that I’m ever truly deeply intellectual nowadays — not spinning in one direction or the other. This is just a moment in time when I’m taking a breath and letting it all out.
by Dr. Alveda King | Apr 1, 2015 | Dr. Alveda King Blog, Health Care, Women
Planned Parenthood is not your cute pet pig….. “Abortion. Yeah, we do that.” No matter how you dress up a pig, in the end, it is still just a pig. Strip away the fancy flowery hat, the cute dress, the jewelry and the pretty pink purse and what do you have left? Just a cute pig.
So it is with abortion.
Abortion, as described by Dr. Bernard Nathanson, ex-abortion provider, is nothing more than the taking of a life, a small developing baby; a baby that is alive and growing in his/her mother’s womb. Call it what you will, “choice,” “health care,” “compassion for a rape victim,” or “compassion for a baby with disabilities,” abortion is still the taking of a human life. And abortion can never cure the crimes of rape, incest and human trafficking; only compound this and other problems. Inherently we know this and that’s why there is so much shame, dismay and guilt associated with having an abortion. That’s why so many people have an abortion and then keep it a secret from even their closest family members and friends.
The Washington Post reports of yet another example of the abortion supporters’ attempt to de-stigmatize abortion. Melissa S. Grant and Christopher Purdy have opened up an abortion-pill clinic that supposedly has a “spa-like” feel to it. As the article states. “The campaign comes as the abortion rights movement is struggling politically. Since 2010, states have enacted more than 200 laws restricting the procedure, and dozens of clinics have closed their doors. Groups on both sides agree that antiabortion activists have the momentum, with a simpler message — “abortion kills” — and a gut-level emotional appeal.” The reason the pro-life movement has such great momentum is because, as the report rightly states, “”Most people in this country do not think abortion is a good thing on its face, even if they deeply believe it should be legal,” said Lanae Erickson Hatalsky, director of social policy and politics for Third Way, a center-left think tank.”
And why is it that most people do not think that abortion is a good thing? Maybe it’s because most people are basically compassionate and they know that abortion IS the killing of a human life and they know in the core of their being that it’s wrong. The abortion clan added this: “Because of the success of the pro-life movement with the enacting of over 200 laws being enacted in states all across America since 2010 and the closing of dozens of clinics the abortion industry is frantically scrambling to change the face of abortion.” Over the last several years we have seen all kinds of dressing up of abortion in various ways from door-to-door campaigns to a video of a young Emily Letts filming her abortion. Well, actually she doesn’t film her abortion. She supposedly films herself having an abortion. Had she actually filmed the abortion itself, the discussion would have been much different. Dr. Nathanson describes an actual abortion in all its graphic details. No dressing up, no spin, just the bare truth. (Actual abortion video: EXTREMELY GRAPHIC)
So why do abortion advocates try so desperately hard to dress up abortion and try to make it more palatable?
Do they really care about women? Do they really care about you? The answer is simple. They don’t care about you; they want your MONEY!
The more abortions they can sell the more money they make. According to Planned Parenthood’s Annual Report 2012-2013, the largest provider of abortions in the U.S., the organization had a total revenue of $1.21 billion of which $540.6 million was provided by taxpayer-funded government health service grants. Why all the dressing up, the rhetoric and the spin? Because without dressing up the truth, abortion would be exposed and no one would buy it. Abortion stinks. It’s a faulty product that only serves to kill a defenseless human life and hurt, sometimes even kill, the mother. Abortion has been linked to increased risk of breast cancer, cervical cancer, depression, suicidal ideation and attempts, increased promiscuity, increased alcohol and drug abuse, relational problems. Women have even been killed during abortion procedures. A list of women who have been killed by abortion is published at Priests for Life. This list is certainly not exhaustive since many complications from abortion are reported under other medical conditions since the women are ashamed to tell their doctors that they have had an abortion.
Abortion doesn’t just affect the baby and the mother. Abortion reaches deep into the fabric of society affecting the mothers, fathers, siblings, grandparents, families, friends, neighbors, pro-life activists, abortion workers, and even the abortionists. Its effects can only be described as a shockwave of destruction. So, try as they may, no matter how much makeup or spin they put on it, abortion is still and always will be plain and simply the killing of a defenseless and innocent human life.
So, Planned Parenthood and all abortion supporters, you may be able to fool some people into thinking that you’re not a pig with your fancy dress, your nice jewelry, & your pretty purse, but no matter how you dress up, most of us know that under the facade, the sow’s ears are still there.
– Dr. Alveda King-
by Dr. Alveda King | Mar 6, 2015 | Dr. Alveda King Blog
Hundreds of people from around the world will gather at the Selma 50 observance on Sunday.
People were marching for the right to vote back then. Hundreds of us will march to commemorate the price many paid, some with their lives, for the right for African-Americans to vote.
I will be marching and praying also for America to wake up to the fact that since 1973 over 55 million babies have been legally aborted in America. They died before they were able to grow up and vote. There is a connection here. As my Uncle ML once said: “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” I remember my Daddy A.D. King coming home from Selma 50 years ago and telling us how bad it was. By that time, we were already well versed in the strategy of nonviolent protests, so we weren’t overly shaken by the events, even though I was just 14 years old.
We weren’t afraid. We knew God was with us. We had to remain nonviolent and trust God. My mother, Naomi Ruth Barber King, an activist in her own rights, has befriended the daughter of Viola Liuzzo who lost her life in Selma shortly after Bloody Sunday, while she was helping protesters. Mother often talks about the courage of those who fought so valiantly that day.
Back then, all protesters were trained in method of nonviolent conflict resolution before going out to march. We all even signed a covenant to follow the ten commandments of the civil rights movement. We never knew if we would live to see another day. We just kept trusting and believing.
The first commandment was “Meditate daily on the teachings and life of Jesus.” The rest stressed following those teachings through nonviolent protest. I didn’t march with Daddy at Selma. However, I had already first put my training to the two years earlier when I participated in the 1963 Children’s Crusade March in Birmingham. That same year, on May 11, 1963, our home was fire bombed.
What I remember most about the bombing is my daddy calming down the ensuing riot.
Daddy grabbed a bullhorn and stood on top of a car and said “Don’t fight back; don’t throw rocks. If you’re going to kill somebody, kill me; but I’d rather you pray.”
Years later, after the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. in 1968, Daddy used his words not to calm a riot, but to calm his daughter.
I was of course devastated by Uncle Martin Luther’s murder, and even went so far as to want to hate someone. But Daddy helped me to stay focused on nonviolence: “Alveda, White people marched with us, prayed with us, and died with us,” he said. “The devil killed your uncle.”
My daddy, the Rev. A.D. Williams King Sr. and my famous uncle MLK, my grandparents MLK senior and Alberta Williams King, and even my great grandparents were all Christian leaders who embraced the love of God, and nonviolent conflict resolution. One of the family’s major scripture foundations is derived from Acts 17:26: “Of one blood, God created all people to live on the earth.”
A year after the death of Uncle MLK, Daddy was found dead in our swimming pool. While there was no water in his lungs, the cause of death was labeled as a drowning accident. Somehow I found the strength to carry on the King family legacy by faith in God and his love.
Today I continue to fight for civil rights and am involved today, not only for continued racial equality, but for the rights of the unborn child. That’s why on Sunday, I’ll be remembering Daddy and Uncle MLK, thanking God for the right to vote, and asking God to save the babies.
by Dr. Alveda King | Feb 23, 2015 | Dr. Alveda King Blog, Education
It’s Black History Month 2015. This is a time of remembering the many great contributions of African Americans in the history of our great nation. We have experienced many advances made possible from contributions from members of the African American Community. Beyond the familiar names that we hear every year, advances have been made by countless African American “unsung heroes” in every spectrum of the human experience. While we will never hear every name of these contributors to the tapestry of our lives, we can take comfort in knowing that they were born, and that they made the quality of our lives more meaningful. For this truth we should thank our God.
Generally as a people, African Americans have proven to be very resilient people, surviving the greatest obstacles of slavery and segregation which are part of the annals of our history. The current success of the movie SELMA pays great tribute to our heroes of these eras past. In many ways, we have overcome. There is reason to celebrate this truth.
Yet, here in the 21st century, we are faced with an epidemic that threatens the Black community, and indeed the entire fabric of our nation in a manner that has never before occurred in our history. In America since 1973, over 58 million people, nearly 36% of these numbers being identified as African American people, have been denied the right to be born. Their innocent lives were ended as they were attacked in the sanctuaries of their mothers’ wombs – by the heinous scourge of abortion.
Let’s include all of the other deaths of Blacks that have occurred by no fault of the victims throughout American history; Black slaves and Black people killed during the race wars that have occurred throughout the years. All of these occurrences are of course very tragic. We take pause now to remember the death of every innocent.
The key here is innocence. Slaves were innocent. The victims of the KKK are innocent. The babies in the womb are innocent. God hates the shedding of innocent blood. Please forgive me, I don’t mean to be maudlin. This after all is meant to be a tribute to Black History Month. I would suggest though, that this startling revelation, that abortion is part of African American history, deserves our attention; and our prayers. Please indulge me here by reviewing my recent Black History Month video:
http://www.cbn.com/cbnnews/us/2015/February/Why-Black-Children-Are-Becoming-History-/
Black History Month, or National African American History Month grew out of “Negro History Week;” the brainchild of noted historian Carter G. Woodson and other prominent African Americans. Since 1976, every U.S. president has officially designated the month of February as Black History Month.
