The Audacity of Love: Honoring Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.'s Legacy

The life and enduring legacy of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. remind us of a truth that speaks to the very core of our Christian faith: Love is bold. Love is courageous. Love is everything. In a world yearning for healing and unity, love is an audacious act of hope.

Dr. King's life and ministry were marked by the audacity of love. Amid great adversity, he chose to love. He chose to forgive. He chose to confront systems of injustice with what he called "unarmed truth and unconditional love." This was not weakness-it was strength. It was the strength that moved a nation, awakened consciences, and transformed the moral arc of history.

Dr. King reminds us that love is still the most powerful force on earth. Not a sentimental love, but a righteous love. Not a passive love, but a confrontational love-a love that upholds truth, seeks redemption, and recognizes God's image in every human being.

Dr. King once said, "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that." On this day, we are called not only to honor
Dr. King's memory but to embody his message. In a world of growing darkness, the world needs courageous love-again.

Today is more than a holiday; it is a personal calling to examine the love we practice. May we live in the kind of love that stands up for truth, that crosses dividing lines to bring healing, and that reflects Christ, who loves us unconditionally.

May the legacy of Dr. King inspire us, convict us, and mobilize us to live beyond comfort, to serve beyond convenience, and to walk the path of audacious love.

Dr. William M. Wilson
President, Oral Roberts University

ABOUT DR. WILLIAM M. WILSON

Dr. William M. Wilson serves as the fourth president of Oral Roberts University.

Since taking office in 2013, Wilson has piloted the largest campus expansion in the University's history.

Most recently, President Wilson has led the University to begin "The Whole Leaders for the Whole World" campaign, establishing ORU for future generations.

During Wilson's tenure, ORU's enrollment has grown year over year, welcoming the largest incoming freshman class in ORU's history in the Fall 2025 semester. ORU, the largest private university in Oklahoma, has annually enrolled students from all 50 states and, over the last six years, from 174 nations, earning the ranking as one of the top 25 most diverse universities in America.

With over four decades of executive leadership experience, Wilson also serves as Global Chair of Empowered21 and Chair of the Pentecostal World Fellowship. In addition, he holds a seat on the Board of Directors of the Tulsa Regional Chamber of Commerce, contributing to both faith-based and civic leadership at national and regional levels.

Wilson has authored several books including Generation Z: Born for the Storm, The Power of One, the revised and updated Fasting Forward and Father Cry, and, soon to be released, Empowered to Lead.

A sought-after Bible communicator, his weekly television program, "World Impact with Dr. Billy Wilson," can be seen in over 150 nations in multiple languages.

Dr. Wilson and his wife Lisa have two children and seven grandchildren.