A, B, C . . . 1, 2, 3 for MLK, Jr. Day and Every Day
Today I am grateful for the life and legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. and so many others who have taken the courage of their convictions to a deeper level and inspired so many along the way. In honor of MLK, Jr. today, I offer an A, B, C . . . 1, 2, 3.
Awareness of others and their individual humanity, value, and worth. Awareness of what I am saying and keeping it kind, open-minded, and inclusive. If I don’t think I have the right words in difficult situations where speaking up is needed, I will trust that the words will come and they will be better than my silence.
Belief that a human is a human is a human—we have far more in common as people around the globe than we have differences. When we focus on common ground, we find common goals and everyone benefits. Kindness and justice generate more kindness and justice.
The 1, 2, 3 are excerpts from posts from my previous blog Habitual Gratitude.
Love or Hate 1/20/2020
I grew up in rural Iowa, surrounded by very little diversity in terms of race and religion. Still, my parents imparted the lessons that all life has value, that everyone deserves dignity. We lacked for some of the comforting words it would have been helpful to hear, but we also didn't hear hateful words directed at us or at certain groups or situations.
Mom and Dad did us a significant service in this way. Our upbringing may not have been worldly, but we learned some universal lessons. My siblings and I have wide and varied views on many things, and some topics are better left off the table at family gatherings. Yet, somehow we walked out of our childhoods with fairly open minds and less judgment when it comes to differences among our fellow humans.
Martin Luther King, Jr. was assassinated in Memphis, Tennessee on April 4, 1968 by James Earl Ray. Born on January 15, 1929, King was just 39 years old when he was killed. He left a tremendous legacy with his efforts in the civil rights movement at a pivotal time in our nation's history. The lasting significance of his work for justice is irrefutable.
He was also just a man with his own faults and failings, like the rest of us. That is why I chose this quote below from the many I looked at. It is applicable to all areas of life. It starts with us as individuals, and then defines what we bring to the collective efforts to which we contribute.
“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.” MLK, Jr.
Love or hate? Which one will more define my actions and thoughts today?
Thank you Mom and Dad. Thank you MLK, Jr. Our world is better for what you have taught us all.
2. Silence is Violence Feb. 16, 2021
Just like the silence can be subtle, the breaking of the silence doesn't need to start with a microphone in hand.
3. Forgiveness: A Fresh Start March 1, 2013
"Forgiveness does not mean ignoring what has been done or putting a false label on it. It means rather, that the act will no longer remain as a barrier to this relationship. Forgiveness is a catalyst creating the atmosphere necessary for a fresh start." MLK, Jr.
Forgiveness, giving it and receiving it, truly does create a fresh start. So does the practice of gratitude. Where can I apply each today?
I close with this compilation of thoughts from my heart today: We are not born to hate. We are taught it, often indirectly and from places of fear. We are born to love and to connect with other living beings. Start with kindness. Lead with love. Onward!
