Celebrating an Icon: Inspiring a Better Future

Thursday night I was honored to be able to go to a gala Penn State hosts each year to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It was a night that remembered not just the actions of a man who caught the world's attention; but the ideals and truth his actions were based upon. What was so special about Dr. King? How was he able to communicate so effectively to so many? What is the true measure of his impact?

He was one person. One person who realized he was called to do something beyond himself. One person who's thoughts went beyond himself and toward his neighbor. One person who decided to speak for those without voice; to act for those with out power; and to remind humankind, not of something they didn't know, but of a truth they really did. There has never been any question about how Dr. King was able to stand up to such adversity. Dr. King was sure of what he could not see, he was knew that his dreams were that of the creators and there was promise for that reality. "For if God is for us, who can be against us." (Rom. 8:31) Upon thinking about Dr. King and his gift of public speaking, I am completely captured by part of a speech he made to a group of students in 1959. A proposal that I pray I am able to give to the people in my life.

Quote comes from a speech Dr. King made to a group of students in 1959

Whatever career you may choose for yourself -- doctor, lawyer, teacher -- let me propose an avocation to be pursued along with it. Become a dedicated fighter for civil rights. Make it a central part of your life.

It will make you a better doctor, a better lawyer, a better teacher. It will enrich your spirit as nothing else possibly can. It will give you the rare sense of nobility that can only spring from love and selflessly helping your fellow man. Make a career of humanity. Commit yourself to the noble struggle for equal rights. You will make a greater person of yourself, a greater nation of your country, and a finer world to live in.

The fight isn't over. The war isn't yet won. As far as we have come, there is still work to be done. And it is work that is too valuable to give up on. Slavery isn't dead. In fact, there are more slaves in the world today than there were during the 1800's in America... 27 million to be a little more accurate. Equal rights for all humans are not yet a reality; not even in our own country. But do not be discouraged beloved, you are a special one who has purpose. Yes, you are one. You are one person. One person who can think outside of themselves and act. One person that can speak for those without a voice. One person that can act for those without power. One persona that can change the world. Eleanor Roosevelt once said, "The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams."

Believe in the beauty of your dreams and make a career of humanity.