How Will YOU Honor Martin Luther King, Jr?
Of all the speeches I’ve heard, one of the most memorable is Dr. King’s famous “I have a dream speech.” I think the power in Dr. King’s compelling words come from his deep sincerity in his message and a seeming self-awareness that he had limited time to impact the world around him. Dr. King was a true Reverend, focused not on sound bites, but on a rich, full message that compelled it’s listeners to act. You can be sure that Dr. King considered non-participation to not be an option for any of us.
We’ll soon be remembering Martin Luther King, Jr. with Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. As Dr. King says, “Now is the time….” So how will YOU spend your day of remembrance? Will it be a day of extra chores, shopping, lunch with the girls, or watching cartoons with the kids in jammies? If Dr. King were here to celebrate the day, I bet he’d use this as a day of service to others.
So, in the spirit of Dr. King, let’s spend his day finding a way to help someone in need. You might consider:
- Taking the kids to an visit elderly neighbor or relative.
- Collect food for your local food bank.
- Visiting the sick in the hospital.
- Get together with someone in need of a friend.
- Or making a commitment to join a volunteer group in your community.And if you have a social dog, consider making a commitment to become a therapy dog team.
As Dr. King says, “I have a dream that we will one day be joined in brotherhood.” Make that dream a reality and treat your neighbors as brothers. Help make your community one that would make Dr. King proud by getting involved and helping someone in need. When we take the time to care for one another, Dr. King’s word’s “When all of God’s children … will be able to join hands and sing…, ‘Free at last!’” Break those bonds and abandon those excuses that prevent you from getting involved with your community. Make a commitment to volunteer in 2010 — it’s a great way to honor one of this Nation’s true visionaries.
