Having a Dream...on MLK

Martin Luther King, Jr had a dream.  It was a dream for all mankind.  It inspired him climb the lofty heights seeking justice and equality.  On this day we set aside to honor him near the date of his birth, it is impossible not to think of him as an American hero.  He was willing to, and finally did, give his life in pursuit of his dream of the promised land.

I look at my life and I cannot say I have had such a dream to inspire me to do great things like Dr. Kind did.  In fact, I would say my life has been rather mundane in many ways.  I few times I have actually been "spurred to action."  I marched on Washington in 1993 and demonstrated against Proposition 8 here in California.  I vote.  That can be a radical act.  Dr King fought for the right to vote for every American citizen.  Not voting would be a slap in the face to him, I believe.

As I was saying, though, I cannot think of a time I ever was truly inspired to rouse myself from what is probably a bit of complacency, or was it fear or doubt?  I don't know.  I truly admire men like Dr King.  He, like many other men and women heroes, rose up on behalf of the oppressed and disenfranchised.  I hold them up in awe.

Yet, another thought, though.  Sometimes by quietly living a life of integrity and truth, one can make a difference.  Perhaps that is where folks like me come in.  I recognize how privileged I have been to be born a white male in America with a modicum of wealth and security.   I also know it could vanish at any moment.  I like to think I am open and affirming of most and actively love freely.  For me, it is being grateful for all I have and being able and willing to share with others that makes my dream come true.

I guess my dream and Dr King's aren't that far apart.  And because of him, I believe I am a better person.  I would only hope there are one or more who might say the same of me someday.

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