Today we honor Martin Luther King Jr. and his simple but monumental Dream.
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’ … I have a dream that my four little children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character… And if America is to be a great nation, this must become true.”
These words are from MLK’s impassioned “I Have a Dream” speech, delivered during the Million Man March for civil rights so many years ago. It is incomprehensible to me that it is still just a dream and not yet reality.
I am ashamed to admit that I, like so many, had been lulled into an unaware coma. The past two years have forced me to open my Pollyanna eyes and see the very real hatred, bigotry, xenophobia and racism that so many in this country are up against daily. I did not understand the magnitude of the battles that people in this nation continue to fight, just under the surface of my rose-colored world. How could I have been so blind, and how could I not have been doing more to help?!!! I am ashamed that by not knowing, I actually was part of the problem.
To those I did not help, please forgive me. I apologize for not being awake then. But I am awake now, and I promise to stand with you going forward.
I have always tried to be a positive light, focusing on goodness in people. I believe that our differences are what make us stronger as a nation and a planet, and I know that millions of Americans feel the same way. This is absolutely not about being a Democrat or a Republican. It is about being a good human being, and it’s about doing the right thing.
We cannot fix something until we realize it’s broken. Change does not happen without a wakeup call, and nothing will change without action. What a wake up call this has been! Now it’s time for action.
There are legions of unbelievably good-hearted people in this country – both Democrat and Republican – and if we come together we can move mountains. But our silence will not change anything. Looking the other way when the least among us are being persecuted and bullied only makes us complicit in the crimes.
No matter who you voted for, this is now about doing the right thing for humanity. If you too are worried about this country and this planet, please join me and get involved. Use your voice and be an Influencer. Speak out for equality, stand up against bullies, hold your politicians accountable, maybe run for office yourself. Be a safe place for those who need it, because we will all need it at some point or another.
Let’s work together to manifest the reality of hope, peace, prosperity, success, kindness, respect, and love for EVERYONE, regardless of race, color, nationality, demographics, gender, or who someone chooses to love. This country was founded on that premise, and most of our own forefathers were immigrants who came here dreaming of a better life for their families. How can we do less?
It’s time to choose to be a hero, in both small and big ways. Teach your kids to be heroes too, by example. Offer help to those suffering from this shutdown. Offer work, a place to stay, or babysitting for a family trying to get back on its feet. Speak up when you see injustice. Demand that your elected officials work FOR the people, not against them, and that people be treated fairly and equally. It’s not about politics, it’s about human decency.
If you were born into different circumstances, wouldn’t you want someone to stand up and help you too? There but for the grace of God go any of us, and it can be a very slippery slope. Karma begets karma.
So today in this very great nation, in this very uncertain time, we wish you Happy Birthday, Rev. King. Your dream was not in vain, and your words ring even more true today. We will not give up. We will make you proud.
PS – A reminder for comments please… conversation is wonderful and welcome! I hope you’ll share your views and ideas that may already be working for you to create change where you are, in your own corner of the world. But if you want to bash, get political, or spread false news, you will be warned and, sadly, banned. Hate has no place here. It’s time for Love. 
God bless,
Barbara xo
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