When it comes to making career choices, it's not unusual for sons to be influenced by their fathers' choice of profession. Hence there are numerous examples of families with two, three, even four generations of doctors, soldiers, businessmen, and so on.

For some it is an expectation, fulfilling a family tradition; for others a wishful door ajar - aiming to fan the flames and capture the burning desire of an innate disposition.

Mostly honourable (Cosa Nostra and its ilk excepted, of course) there is joy and satisfaction in skill, craftsmanship and acumen being passed down from parent to offspring, and then again. It speaks not only of continuity but pedigree; and with that excellence.

In Biblical times, priesthoods were more-often-than-not passed down from father to son, the latter having sat and learnt his 'trade' at the former's feet. And we could look at the Kings and think, "just so". But no, not quite.

Martin Luther King Sr was a noted pastor and prominent civil rights activist who shepherded Atlanta's Ebenezer Baptist Church for over 40 years, whilst also leading the black community in several capacities. Easy then to assume that his first son and namesake inevitably followed suit.

King Jr, however, quashed any notion of it being a done deal recalling that his father "never spoke to me in terms of being a minister, but my admiration for him was the great moving factor; He set forth a noble example that I didn't mind following."*

In a 1940 address, when King Jr was likely just out of short pants, King Sr gave a stirring address in which he perfectly channelled the prophet Isaiah, who himself was simply a vessel for our Lord and Saviour.

“The spirit of the Lord is upon me, because he hath anointed me to preach the Gospel to the poor.... In this we find we are to do something about the broken-hearted, poor, unemployed, the captive, the blind, and the bruised.”**

I like to think King Jr saw past the elevated pulpit, pulsating choral renditions, and well-turned-out congregation. That he realised the man he had looked up to hitherto as Dad and Reverend was actually just a humble disciple; a title of great value.

The key words?

"In this we find we are to do something about..."

Not just say, but do.

But only if we catch the vision.

Recognizing purpose is the deciding factor in what we do with our lives. Whether God's will or our own whim, only we can choose the path we take at the crossroads.

The capital 'H' in 'He' with which King Jr describes his father is no mere typo. Jesus set forth the most noble example, and we are surely blessed if we follow suit.

This day, and that Day.

Something splendid to look forward to, and worthy of that smile.

#Isaiah61:1-3

*Martin Luther King Jr., An Autobiography of Religious Development, 12 September 1950–22 November 1950

**Martin Luther King Sr., 17 October 1940