Martin Luther King Jr.: Sacrifice and courage personified

Published Jan. 8, 2010
By Chief Master Sgt. Frederick Wade
62nd Mission Support Group

MCCHORD AIR FORCE BASE, Wash. -- What would you do if you were faced with the choice of paying a $10 fine plus court costs or 14 days of incarceration in jail? Most of us would choose to pay the fine. However, taking the path of least resistance does not always personify courage or sacrifice. Personal courage and self-sacrifice require us to lead by example, so others may benefit from the greater good of our actions.

Martin Luther King Jr. is a superb example of self-sacrifice and personal courage. His life continues to teach us many valuable lessons. He made tough decisions in order to establish a path of equality and justice for all mankind. King stated: "The people are looking to me for leadership and if I stand before them without strength and courage, they too will falter."

Today, we must follow King's leadership. Look for ways to sacrifice for the good of mankind. Practice and exude personal courage.

In 1958, Martin Luther King Jr. chose14 days of incarceration instead of a $10 fine plus court costs. This act among his many others personified sacrifice and personal courage.