Living The Dream

Your character must match your dream. You cannot want to positively impact the world without looking within. Once you begin to change internally, it will be visible to others externally. The light that shines within you will influence others to allow their light to shine also. What you say and do should complement one another. I challenge you to hold yourself accountable. Some tools you can utilize/implement for personal development are reading the Bible, reading self-help books, journaling, exercising, meditation, yoga, consuming healthy foods, investing in a mentor, and having an accountability partner.

On Monday, January 20, 2020, we will celebrate Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s life and legacy. Dr. King is an excellent example of someone whose character and dream were on one accord. Without a doubt, he exemplified peace towards others as a result of his dream for justice, freedom and equality. Dr. King didn’t allow the ugliness of racism, police brutality, physical violence, injustice, oppression, bitterness, hatred, or segregation, marked by signs for whites only, to alter his character. Dr. King urged African Americans to protest in peace. Even when met with physical force, he encouraged oppressed people to react with soul force, dignity, and discipline. As a result of Dr. Martin Luther King’s nonviolent protests, he was able to courageously confront evil and hatred with love. His stance reminds me of Michelle Obama’s quote, “When they go low, we go high”. In the end, love will always win. Dr. King’s impact still lives on 51 years after his untimely assassination. Dr. King was well beyond his 39 years of living.

As a result of Dr. Martin Luther King’s mindset, he was able to effectively lead the Civil Rights Movement on a national level. His mindset, attitude, values, habits and character were godly and as a result, he was unstoppable. Dr. King planted seeds of hope and it is up to us to cultivate them. Dr. King didn’t want African Americans to wallow in despair as that wouldn’t change anything. Dr. King was a man who backed up his remarks with action. Some of those actions were boycotts, protests, marches and sit-ins. His goal was to abolish racial discrimination surrounding public transportation, employment, voting and education. Through his selfless acts we have been blessed to see some changes and his dreams partially materialize. Dr. King’s objective was for us as African Americans not to be judged by the color of our skin but the content of our character. His character defied the odds and the racial injustices we faced as a people. I am a firm believer that a dream deferred is not a dream denied. While we have a long way to go as a country, great strides have been made towards equality, justice and freedom, and they were inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, a civil rights activist.

The various circumstances MLK experienced, such as receiving death threats, being jailed, and his home being bombed, built his character. When I think of Dr. King these words come to mind: faith, equality, fearlessness, tranquility, justice, impact, legacy, dignity, integrity, discipline, influence. He gained followers through fellowship and as a result, the Civil Rights Movement could not be stopped even in death. The Civil Rights movement was much bigger than his own personal fulfillment, it was for those around him, young and old, and for generations to come. The unparalleled fight was far from comfortable as he was jailed, threatened and ultimately assassinated.

Dr. King had a servant’s heart. He once said “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: “What are you doing for others?” As a result of his obedience, he experienced God’s favor. MLK inspires me to complete my unfinished work. King’s life urges me to ask myself “How will you positively contribute to the solution and not the problems in the world?” MLK chose to do what was right even though it wasn’t popular. During the fight, God granted him the power, strength, love, faith and wisdom to persevere and endure. He wasn’t chasing money or fame, but he was fulfilling his God-given purpose. While the duration of his life was brief, the legacy he left is infinite through his many accomplishments. He received more praise in death than he did while living.

MLK was intentional. Intentionality requires desire, decision, commitment discipline and consistency. As a result of his intentionality, his life took shape and so did ours. Rick Warren once said, “We become whatever we are committed to.” Dr. King didn’t settle for mediocrity, he strived for excellence and he served with his whole heart. 

The life that Dr. King led required a certain level of self-awareness. When you are aware of your purpose and focus on your strengths, you will lead a fruitful life. As a result of him being aware of himself, he was able to be an integral part of the solution instead of the problem. Dr. King pushed past his fears. In the Letter from Birmingham Jail, he was responding to a public statement of concern and caution as a result of the nonviolent demonstrations. In the letter he stated, “Injustice anywhere is injustice everywhere. Whatever affects one directly affects us all indirectly. “According to the bible, thinking of others is the mark of maturity. 

Dr. King reached self-actualization, which is the realization of one’s full potential according to Maslow’s hierarchy. He lead of life of fulfillment because he was aware of and walking in his purpose on purpose. He demonstrated empathy and compassion for others even in the midst of indifference and heartlessness. Allow Dr. King’s life and legacy to inspire your character because it is the content of your character that will make a difference in the world.