TULSA, Okla. — Dr. William M. Wilson, President of Oral Roberts University, issues the following statement in honor of Martin Luther King Jr. Day:
Annually, the third Monday of January serves as a distinct reminder of the power of a dream, the influence of a voice, and the significance of a sacrificial life. As we commemorate the life of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., we are gently reminded of his audacious faith in the American people and his belief in the sanctity of every person. Dr. King’s legacy continues to show us what it means to be loyal to a great cause, how to withstand the pressures of compromise without surrender, and the impact of non-violence as an answer to our problems of disparity.
Dr. King’s “I Have a Dream” speech remains one of the most inspirational orations of all-time. His dream opened our eyes to injustices and prejudices, often accepted as societal norms. When Dr. King shared his dream, he called us from the ranks of the detached and inspired us to always live sympathetically engaged in the plight of others. His dream expressed the inward hope that each person, “…not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character.”
Dr. King’s voice taught us “that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word.” His voice spoke in favor of equality when equality was a question of truth. His voice called for peaceful transformation instead of violent actions. His voice told us that it is possible to believe for the unbelievable and live for the idea that the image of God rests on every man and every woman. Dr. King said to us, “Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Dr. King gave his life in radical obedience to the struggle for equality. In a world trying to dissolve the foundations of absolute truth, may we today, on January 16, 2023, stake our claim in allegiance to a cause greater than ourselves. May we remain steadfast and hopefully devoted to the truth that someday, by the grace of God, all people shall live in peace, every nation and tribe will live in harmony, and we can live together as one.
I give thanks to God for Martin Luther King, Jr. I am grateful for his dream, impacted by his voice, and inspired by his example. On this day, may God help us embrace Dr. King’s words, “Faith is taking the first step even when you can’t see the whole staircase.”
Dr. William M. Wilson
President, Oral Roberts University
ABOUT DR. WILLIAM M. WILSON
Dr. William M. Wilson is president of the globally recognized Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma. He is devoted to developing Holy Spirit-empowered leaders through whole person education to impact the world.
With over four decades of executive leadership experience, Wilson is recognized as a global influencer and dynamic speaker with unwavering ethics, an undeniable passion, and a profound ability of equipping new generations.
Wilson has served as ORU President since June of 2013, leading the University through consecutive years of enrollment growth and the University’s $50 million, 50th Anniversary campaign.
Wilson additionally serves as Global Co-Chair of Empowered21 and Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship. His leadership influence includes the National Association of Evangelicals, Mission America Coalition, International Christian Embassy Jerusalem, American Association of Presidents of Independent Colleges and Universities, and the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce.
Wilson is a sought-after Bible communicator whose weekly television program, “World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson,” has inspired and empowered viewers from a biblical worldview in over 150 nations in multiple languages.
He has authored several books, including Father Cry, Foundations of Faith, and Fasting Forward. His newest release, Generation Z: Born for the Storm, is available wherever books are sold.
Wilson and his wife, Lisa, reside in Tulsa, Oklahoma. They have two children and seven grandchildren.
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Contact:
Charles Scott
Oral Roberts University
4172916335
[email protected]
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