Today, we honor the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, civil rights leader and advocate for social justice. King stood on the principals and legacy of another King. The king of King and the Lord of Lords. As we honor Dr. King, we must acknowledge the many who came alongside of him to create a movement using Christian principals to fight against the evils of society.
In looking at the many accomplishments of Dr. King, I can’t help but see three lessons from his life: 1. Live on Purpose, 2. Develop a Strategy, and 3. Seek the Common Good.
Live on Purpose
Life is a journey and we all have a purpose in our lives. Do what feels right to you! Do what allows to you be your authentic self. Do the things that allow you to advocate for those things that are important to you. When you are true to yourself, your morals, and your beliefs, it will lead you on a journey to fulfill your purpose. Dr. King wanted a better life for his family and community. He wanted to ensure that these individuals had a chance to live their best life and he, in turn, gave his life to ensure that they had a chance at a better life.
Self-sacrificing devotion to your purpose in life and unwavering faith will allow you to get through the times of difficulty.
https://www.azquotes.com/quote/798245
Develop a Strategy
In order to accomplish anything, you must know what you want to accomplish. To ensure that you are able to do, you have to have a strategy. Every boycott, march, or protest Dr. King was involved in had a strategy attached. He along with others, came together, prior to the event to strategize. A strategy allows you to use your resources effectively but outlining your needs and the resources you have to fill the need. It also allows coordinators to outline the steps that will be taken to reach the desired outcome.
Seek the Common Good
This lesson has been one of the most important ones by which I try to mirror my life. I have spent the last few years working to serve others in my community achieve their educational goals but to also understand the need of providing a service to their community. It is important that as we grow, we use our knowledge and skills to build a better community around us. Each of us have talents, skills, and abilities that our brothers and sisters may not have but are these abilities are needed in developing our community. Share those skills and talents to something that is greater than what you can do alone.
The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in times of comfort and convenience but where he stands in times of challenge and controversy. A true neighbor will risk his position, prestige, and even his life for the welfare of others.
Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
So take these lessons from Dr. King and build on them. Let’s make sure that our lives matter by living on purpose, having a strategy to accomplish everything that we would like to achieve, and seeking a common good. As we honor him for the sacrifices that he made, understand that the greatness that was within him is in all of us. Be Great!!!
Empowered to WIN 