As we contemplate the good work of a brave man in a short life, as we see how he lives today
through his earlier hard work, may we be inspired to follow in his call to social justice taught, encouraged and delivered by non-violent perseverance and deep respectful love and belief in the inherent dignity of all peoples. Here is some food for thought. I hope you take it in and turn it into action. There are several public and private opportunities to do that today in his honor, and I hope you will find a way, public or otherwise, to get your heart in the world, do brave and good things, wide your circle of care in whatever way makes best use of your skills. Look on line for "Make a Difference" day opportunities, or contact the senior center, red cross, youth or homeless shelter or other agencies serving the needy and see you can do to lighten the load.If nothing else, today's a great day to look people in the eye and smile, to show concern to someone suffering, to offer aid to those who are cold, or hungry or discouraged. If you need suggestions, there's ton on the web, but you can also e me for other details.
Quotes from King to get you thinking and hopefully moving:
”An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.”
”I am convinced that love is the most durable power in the world. It is not an expression of impractical idealism, but of practical realism. Far from being the pious injunction of a Utopian dreamer, love is an absolute necessity for the survival of our civilization. To return hate for hate does nothing but intensify the existence of evil in the universe. Someone must have sense enough and religion enough to cut off the chain of hate and evil, and this can only be done through love.” Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a better person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.”
March for Integrated Schools, April 18, 1959.
“If we are to have peace on earth, our loyalties must become ecumenical rather than sectional. Our loyalties must transcend our race, our tribe, our class, and our nation; and this means we must develop a world perspective.”
Christmas sermon, Atlanta, Georgia, 1967.
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere. We are
caught in an inescapable network of mutuality, tied in a single garment
of destiny. Whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly.”Letter from Birmingham, Alabama jail, April 16, 1963.“I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality, and freedom for their spirits.”
Nobel Peace Prize acceptance speech, Oslo, Norway, 1964
“It is not enough to say ‘We must not wage war.’ It is necessary to love peace and sacrifice for it. We must concentrate not merely on the negative expulsion of war, but the positive affirmation of peace.”
Anti-War Conference, Los Angeles, California, February 25, 1967.
1 comment:
Thank you, Jana
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