WASHINGTON Kim Davis, the Kentucky county clerk who went to jail this month for breaking the law and refusing to issue a marriage license to a gay couple, was given an award at Friday nights Values Voter Summit.

Tony Perkins of the conservative Family Research Council presented Davis with a Cost of Discipleship Award that compared her with Martin Luther King Jr., Rosa Parks and Abraham Lincoln because, like them, she pursued justice at great personal cost.

In todays conflict over the meaning of the irreplaceable civil institution of marriage, one elected official, Kimberly Davis of Rowan County, Kentucky, has inspired millions of her fellow Americans, Perkins said, reading aloud from her award. As her words and actions attest, she has proceeded with an unshakeable blend of humility and determination. In doing so, she has reminded us we must remember to kneel before we dare stand.

Davis got several standing ovations as she stood on stage. She cried each time, and received a bouquet of flowers as Perkins read the text of the award.

I feel so very undeserving, Davis said, choking up. I want to start by thanking my lord and my savior Jesus Christ. Because without him, this would never have been possible. For he is my strength that carries me.

Davis said shes realized through the challenges in her life that Jesus will show up at just the right time. His time is always perfect.

She didnt speak long. Her voice, once quivering, turned to shouting by the end of her remarks. She concluded with, I am only one, but we are many!

Davis left the stage to another standing ovation and, bizarrely, circus music.