It's More Than Just A Day Off....

Today is Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For many of you, that is a day off of work or school. But is that all it is to you? It should be so much more....
Martin Luther King Jr. was a man who believed in the power of faith, and kindness. He truly believed that people could work together for the betterment of mankind. Not as blacks, whites, etc, but as BROTHERS AND SISTERS. As humans. He fought for what he believed in, and made incredible strides in the battle for equal rights.
Among his MANY accomplishments as a pastor, humanitarian, civil rights leader, and activist, he received a Nobel Peace Prize in 1964, and was posthumously awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom, and the Congressional Gold Medal.
His "I Have A Dream" speech during the 1963 March on Washington, will forever be known as one of the most moving, passionate, and well delivered verbalizations in history. He is easily one of the greatest speakers ever to have lived. When Martin Luther King Jr. spoke, the world listened. The power, and emotion in his words is felt to this day. I have listened to his "I Have A Dream" speech countless times, and each time, I am moved to tears. His simple wish that one day his four children "would live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin, but by the content of their character" is something that countless people still wish and hope for. Yes, we have made great strides, but we still have far to go.
Today, let's take a moment and honor this great man, and his legacy, and be kind to one another. Talk to your children about hate, and about judgment. Teach them the value of character, and that beauty is internal, not external. Share with them the history of this nation, and the dangers of closed-mindedness. Show them how to move forward, and love their fellow man.
In the words of MLK Jr. himself:
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."
Wise words, from a very wise man...
His notion of equality for all is still very much a hot topic, and applies for more than just race. We can channel his wisdom, and compassion into all areas of inequality. Regardless of what you look like on the outside, what you believe in, and who you love, we are all one nation. We all bleed red, and we all have souls, and breakable hearts. Peace and love are not just an inane idea, but a way of life. Choose to act better, do better, and you will BE better. Change your attitude, and your perspective, and your world WILL change. Just some food for thought...