If I Had Sneezed

Most of us are generally aware of the time Dr. King spent in a Birmingham jail, and of the abuse he suffered throughout his short life in his struggle to bring justice and equal rights for black Americans. We are also aware of the tragic events surrounding his death. We may not be aware, however, of another attempt on his life — an experience from which Dr. King drew a valuable lesson.

“I come to the end - I am still with you” (Psalm 139:18). These are the words of David, but they could express the emotion and commitment of Martin Luther King Jr. as well. The “end” nearly came sooner than later.

The year is 1968. The place: Memphis, Tennessee. Elvis Presley is living at Graceland with his wife Priscilla and newborn daughter Lisa Marie, and is enjoying the Grammy he has just won for his second gospel album, “How Great Thou Art.” In the minds of many, he is “The King.”

But in March of that year, another King comes to town.

The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. travels to Memphis to lead a march in support of city sanitation workers. These 1,300 workers, most of whom are black, have been on strike for safer working conditions, higher wages and equal treatment. Unfortunately, several militant groups turn the march violent, and King announces over a bullhorn to the crowd, “I will never lead a violent march, so please, call it off.” He promises to come back to Memphis in...