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| Image from AAAC.com (African American Affairs Commission) |
While America celebrates your date of birth tomorrow as an official national holiday, I celebrate you today on your actual date of birth. You have been on my mind for the past several days. I wondered how I would honor you, your life of service to humankind and your ultimate sacrifice of it.
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| At the MLK National Memorial in Washington, DC, "a 30 feet (9.1 m)-high relief of King named the 'Stone of Hope' stands past two other pieces of granite that symbolize the 'mountain of despair.'" (Wikipedia.com) |
I reflected on having watched the televised version of your memorial dedication this past October 16, 2011. I recalled how moving that event was to watch by television and could only imagine how those in attendance felt. I know your spirit was there with them.
This morning I visited the official MLK Memorial website, clicked The Memorial link, and finally, clicked the Dr. King's Spiritual Presence link. I heard your voice... the deliberate words you spoke about The American Dream that many of us are still dreaming. I decided to share the link here.
Dr. King, my initial thought of you this morning occurred after reading my daily Proverb:
"Love your Enemies":
43 `You have heard that the law says, 'Love your neighbour and hate your enemy.'
44 But I tell you, love your enemies. Ask God to do good to those who trouble you.
45 In that way you will be sons of your Father in heaven. He makes his sun shine on both wrong and good people. He lets the rain fall on people who do right and on people who do wrong.
46 If you love only those who love you, what reward will you get? Even the tax collectors do that.
47 Do you speak to your brothers only? If so, you are not doing any better than other people. Even people who do not believe in God do that. (Matthew 5 : 43-47 - WE)
I searched my inner self and remembered that I questioned you during the 1960s when you urged us to "love our enemies" and to "turn the other cheek." I questioned you still this morning. I wondered why and how we could do this, but I realize that if everyone would live by these principles, there would be no enemies and no need to turn the other cheek against nonexistent offenders.
Happy birthday Dr. King for being a man of persevering conviction, a man who loved mankind and wanted the best of us for us. Thank you for your dream, for challenging us to dream, and to do those things necessary to fulfill them.
More Links:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Martin_Luther_King,_Jr._Day -- Read about the holiday and about states and senators who resisted and delayed its observance in their states.
MLK National Memorial in pictures
dbg
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I have a character in a story, who is the daughter of a murdered Civil Rights activist. The character of her father is (very) loosely based on Dr. King.
ReplyDeleteThe father gave his daughter a cross, which is inscribed with the words, "Dare to love, to dream, to be free." I wanted a sentiment which echoed that of a truly visionary man.
Thank you for your lovely tribute, and a reminder to the rest of us of true greatness.
You're welcome Miladyblue. I'd love to read your story.
ReplyDeletedbg
What a wonderful way to honor his legacy. I used to call off from work on his birthday and people would think I was crazy. Thank you for the additional links too. A perfect way to spend the rest of the evening.
ReplyDeleteThanks for the memorial and the moving quotations. I will try harder to carry this wisdom with me.
ReplyDeleteLimbe Dolls and Brini - You're welcome.
ReplyDeleteBrini I take MLK Day off every year.
dbg
Wonderful post! Thanks for the remembrance.
ReplyDeleteHappy Birthday Martin Luther King.