Martin Luther King Jr. Day
We may need this day of reflection and service today more than ever. While our country continues to struggle with division and ongoing pandemic concerns, we can use today to help ground ourselves in core principles that will help all of us improve both ourselves and our community.
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s message was focused on love, unity, and finding ways for all of us to come together for the betterment of our communities. We must continue to work toward that goal. We must engage each other in productive conversations that help us see the world through one another’s eyes. Those conversations do not require an immediate change of heart; rather, an open mind to the idea that our views should not be immutable and stagnate.
Change is one of the few constants in this world and we all must embrace the reality that our opinions and beliefs will be viewed through a historical lens in a future that is certainly going to look dramatically different than the world we find ourselves in today. We must continue to embrace the changes that come our way and find ways for us to grow into that future together. To be successful, our resolve must be strong, and our hearts committed to an endeavor that lifts us all up. Our efforts are especially important now when there is a growing shadow of division and doubt in this, and every, community. Together we will find our way into the light, and together, we all be lifted-up by it.
If you are spending today serving the community, I thank you for all that you are doing, no matter if it is picking up trash in a park, serving food at Manna, or another community need. We need everyone to help us improve our home and your service is deeply appreciated and necessary.
Finally, below are a few quotes from MLK Jr. I find inspiration in their words and grounding in their meaning:
"The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of convenience and comfort, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy." - Strength to Love, 1963
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate, only love can do that.” - Strength to Love, 1963
"We must use time creatively, in the knowledge that the time is always ripe to do right." - Letters from a Birmingham Jail
"I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right, temporarily defeated, is stronger than evil triumphant." - Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, 1964
"Ultimately a genuine leader is not a searcher for consensus but a molder of consensus." - Speech on the Domestic Impact on the Vietnam War, 1967