fight for your dream [a tribute to MLK]

Today is the day that we celebrate the man who changed history forever. Martin Luther King, Jr. saw injustice in the world and decided that he would not stay silent. He stood up for his people, his country, and for his God. He gave up his comfortability and convenience for the challenge of leading others. He understood that a better future could be achieved and made it his goal to see it happen. He did not let fear stop him because he knew that “God gave us a spirit not of fear but of power and love and self-control” (2 Timothy 1:7). He was a man of honor, courage, and faith.

“I come to say to you this afternoon, however difficult the moment, however frustrating the hour, it will not be long… How long? Not long, because the arc of the moral universe is long, but it bends toward justice.” – MLK’s ‘Our God is Marching On!’ speech // March 25, 1965

When I look at the world today, I know there is still so much more work to be done. While I am proud to see how far this country has come since segregation has been abolished, I know that injustice is still alive and well in this world. As someone whose heart breaks for injustice, I see Martin Luther King, Jr.’s life and remain incredibly moved by his mission. He helped me understand that true love extends past the faces of those who are for us and pushes forward into the hearts of those who stand against us. And his tenacity for justice encouraged me to pursue justice in all areas of my life: in my heart, in my relationships, in my home, in my community, and in the world.

“In the process of gaining our rightful place we must not be guilty of wrongful deeds. Let us not seek to satisfy our thirst for freedom by drinking from the cup of bitterness and hatred.” – MLK’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech // August 28, 1963

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” – MLK

Martin Luther King, Jr. asked the world a lot of questions. Questions about where we stand in the eyes of injustice and what kind of people we want to be. But one thing that has always stuck with me, is how far his dreams drove him to do what was right for the world. In many of his famous speeches, he reminded us that justice is always worth fighting for. But more than that, he reminded us that our dreams are always worth fighting for. Which brings me to my final point: what dreams are you fighting for? Will you comment below and tell me, what are the dreams you desire to achieve? And even in the face of opposition, how will you turn your dreams into reality?

“If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl.
But whatever you do, keep moving.” – MLK

I also want to encourage you to take 20 minutes of your day today, or this week, to listen to and read  Martin Luther King, Jr.’s ‘I Have a Dream’ speech, here.

xo

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