Firstly, because he decided to make something of himself and serve a greater purpose. In Boston and Harlem in his young adult years he lived well. But he was troubled, becoming a gambler and drug dealer, while also working at clubs, in prostitution rings, and and racketeering. Ultimately he ended up in prison.
Then he did something I admire. He decided to turn his life over to God (or what he thought was God) and serve not just himself, but others. After he became a member of the Nation of Islam he quickly became popular and powerful in the black community. However, he was extremely controversial. But he didn't care. He was constantly in danger physically, along with his wife and children. Moreover, he was constantly insulted and jailed. He faced the scorn of the nation. But I have a great deal of admiration - a GREAT deal- for his courage and willingness to do whatever he thought it took to achieve equality for the black race.
After allegations of rape and misconduct against the Nation of Islam's leader, who was also his mentor and father figure, he left. That must take a great deal of strength to leave one the most important people in your life. (Probably the most important person in his life, maybe moreso than his wife because of what Elijah Muhammad had done for him.)
Then he did something that I find truly unique and rare. For years he preached a gospel of hate and condoned violence against whites. He didn't even want the help of any whites. (At the core of the Nation of Islam's teaching is that the white race not fully evolved or enlightened and is evil, because they evolved from blacks and is genetically inferior. Also, on a side note, they believe the universe is over 76 trillion years old and the sun and moon were once one.) After taking his Hajj (pilgrimage to Mecca) and other travels, he came out and said he was all wrong. He said that all races were equal and had done both good and bad things. He now believed they could live peacefully together. Imagine how much courage, strength, humility and commitment it took for him to admit everything he was known for, everything he had preached, everything he believed, was wrong. The end goal and mission of ending racial hatred was so important to him that he put his pride and reputation on the line.
Needless to say, of course, this didn't go over well with the Nation of Islam. He was now in constant threat of assassination -his family's home was also burnt down and phone threats were constant- yet he still spoke his mind and what he thought (and was) was the truth. In the end he knew he would die soon, even arming himself and bodyguards with shotguns at all times. Of course, he was assassinated while speaking, shot 16 times. He ultimately gave his life for the cause he had been fighting for.
Matthew 10:35-37 reads: He that loveth father or mother more than me is not worthy of me; and he that loveth son or daughter more than me is not worthy of me. And he that taketh not his cross, and follow after me, is not worthy of me. He that finds his life shall lose it, he that taketh his life for my (and the world's) sake shall find it.
I believe complete salvation is found when one is totally submissive and at peace with the will of God and the truth. Malcolm X exemplified this. He put the truth and all humanity before his mentor, his family, his ego, and even himself. He was so dedicated to the truth and to doing what was right that he was willing to give his life for it. Because giving his life meant the saving and enrichment of the lives of countless others. Of course God doesn't usually call us to literally give our life. But what He does call us to do is to everyday do the right thing, no matter what it takes or how hard it is. To forgive, to put others first, and to not take the easy way out -continuing to be hateful or greedy or selfish. Malcolm X did this. And that is why I admire him so much.
1 comment:
I forgot that we watched Malcolm X years ago—that was fun. He certainly was a bold figure, and even though I disagree with a good chunk of what he said (for obvious reasons), he's definitely one of the most inspiring personalities of the twentieth century.
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