Is President Trump Guilty Or Not Guilty
January 12, 2020World Is Watching The United States Senate
January 22, 2020If you ever doubt that one person can make a difference, the life of Martin Luther King, Jr. as an example that we should never forget. Too often, we see a problem, an injustice, a need of any kind and feel we are helpless to do anything about it.
When confronted with a situation that needs a voice or action, we allow those feelings of helplessness and doubt to take over. We are besieged by questions like: Who am I? What can I do? Too often, we conclude we are powerless to do anything.
The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of how not to let those feelings of doubt and helplessness deter you. In the face of fear and constant threats of harm and death, Martin Luther King, Jr. refused to be deterred from his work to achieve racial and social justice.
As we reflect on the life of Martin Luther King, Jr., we should be inspired to become engaged and involved with whatever issues or conditions concern us. As we pause to commemorate the birthday of King, the only question is: Do we care as much as he did? This is a question we should ask ourselves every day, at every opportunity.
There is no greater force or power than that of the human will. We see it all around. We see it in extraordinary athletic achievements in sports. We see it in the awesome achievements of those with physical or mental disabilities.
And then, there are those who have achieved incredible gains for others who have suffered physical oppression, social inequality, economic and judicial injustices, across generations for centuries. The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example of one of those giants.
It should be noted that King was a teenager when he became interested in getting rid of racial injustice in America. It was an interest that turned into a mission—a mission that he pursued during his entire short life, a mission that costs him his life. Had he not died at the hand of an assassin and lived, we would be celebrating his 91st birthday!
When he felt compelled to fight to improve the plight of the oppressed, he did not know all the things he would confront. But, during the days, weeks, months and years, he stayed the course despite constant obstacles, threats, persecution, and physical and emotional abuse.
The life of Martin Luther King, Jr. is an example, which shows if you care enough, are bold enough, courageous enough, and believe enough, you can make a difference.
As we pause to commemorate Dr. King, each of us can give serious thought about how we can apply our efforts to make things better wherever we can, as Martin Luther King, Jr. did.
Feature Photo Credit: Sviatlana Barchan
31 Comments
Dr. King was killed for telling the truth to America. And that truth is painful to speak and even more painful to hear. America has rejected the premise of equality and equal opportunity. Laws and social customs have been historical fingerprints of America’s crime against Black people. And Dr. King, like many others before him, has spoken with courage and boldness, but some invisible Pharaoh has always rejected our petition for inclusion into American society. So what have we done? We have formed a parallel world that mimics the world we so desperately want to be invited into. Colleges; fraternities and sororities; resorts. Were we allowed into the white organizations there would have been no need for shadow imitations. So the elephant in the room is that America has been telling us for years that it does not really want us included on equal footing with them and we have resigned ourselves to the seemingly futile ritual of begging and pleading for something that should be ours as a matter of right rather than as a matter of whim.
I remember Martin Luther King for his I have a dream speech. It is the most touching and moving speech I have ever heard.
Yes, very meaningful even today!
Martin was taken too soon from us. But even with the short life he lived the mark he left can be felt to this day!
Yes he can, Storm!
From Martin Luther King I learnt the importance of resilience and consistency in pursuing your goals. He remains my number one source of inspiration to this day.
You and so many others, Anderson
I wish our modern day celebrities could take the example of King. Our celebrities have become such poor role models today.
We certainly need more selfless leaders who are not seeking fame and fortune.
The selflessness and integrity that was exhibited by Dr Luther was indeed one of a kind. It’s not everyday that we get to have such brilliant minds among us.
So true, Louis. He still influences many today, and no doubt for decades and generations to come!
I have to admit that if it wasn’t for Martin Luther King I wouldn’t be the person I am today. His teachings and ideologies played a major role in shaping who I am today and for that I am forever grateful.
It’s rare to find someone as selfless and compassionate as Martin Luther. He continues to inspire generation after generation of great personalities.
Martin Luther remains one of the most iconic black people to ever set foot on earth. For that he will forever have my respect.
King was responsible for the biggest civil rights movement on earth. Civil rights would be nothing like it is today were it not for him.
The way MLK lived his life is in itself a great source of inspiration for many people from all walks of life. He was a true hero.
Martin Luther King taught us that no matter how insignificant we feel, we can always make a difference. That was a very powerful message.
While I stay away from any political game these days I have heard of this guy. That said, It is nice to read something about him as I kinda fell asleep when this was discussed during college he he. Well it is never too late to learn I suppose. Thanks for sharing.
You are right, Gonzalo. Never too late! 🙂
I wish more people can make a difference like King did. He was very unique and is too bad that he had been killed.
Martin Luther king Jn. was a hero..a great person who fought for what he believed in..if we all stand for what we believe in and fight for it,the world will be a better place.. What a shame we lost such true legend…
Honestly Martin Luther King was one to reckon with, he was fearless and bold, he was compassionate because it is only when you have compassion that you can take and act upon the pains of others. His shoes is quite a big one to fill. This generation are more self centered and go about looking out for their own gain. I do hope that I In my little space can make a difference.
I always admire the life of Martin Luther King Jr. Whatever our background is, we can always make a difference.
Yes, yes, Maybell!!
This write up is very good. It is very inspiring. It will help us to become productive.
A very inspiring article. I wish I can be like him.
Just like Martin Luther King we should always believe in ourselves what ever situation will be facing in life. Each one of us do have its own mission in life. It’s for us to accomplish it with being strong. Keep safe.
Life well spent but short lived. A life for humanity, and the world now really needs people like King. Happy birthday King
Everyone can make a difference, but if you ever doubt that one person can make a difference. Compare the life of Martin Luther in this article. This article is a serious one I did love for real. Thanks for this informative post.
Regarding the final question of this text, I think that not all of us feel the courage to face adverse situations, Martin Luterking’s life is an example to follow and I really admire him a lot, he firmly defended the rights of people of race, independently Of the consequences.
King is one of my favourite activists and so strong willed. I just wish that racist against black can just stop because of the sacrifices people like King has done. Even giving is life for the truth he believed in. Happy birthday to you sir, I celebrate the King