On the surface, we live in an idealistic society. Generally speaking, this nation has always subscribed to values of equality, life, liberty, and what we’ve identified as our inalienable right to the pursuit of happiness. The reality is, however, that, historically, there have been ongoing contradictions in the carrying out of these principles.
Inconsistency is as much a part of human nature as greatness or any other character trait. It represents an aspect of our flawed and imperfect nature. But gross inconsistency, on the other hand, is the sign of a greater problem. The late, great Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. dedicated his life to reminding this nation of its high humanitarian principles and morals. Through incredibly peaceful demonstrations and profoundly poignant speeches, he articulated the dark, dismal presence of something far more significant than a mere internal discrepancy within this nation. He illuminated a deep-seated, festering disease called hate which was being fueled by conspiring forces of greed, classicism, and capitalism.
In a manner as only a king could do, MLK reminded this nation of its great morals and the tragic, even detrimental, way it was wandering off course. He did this by leading the most undermined class of citizens through a series of significant protests that ultimately brought a nation to its knees. Brilliantly, King’s leadership forced this promising nation who was – and still is – crippled by its insidious devotion toward racism to expose itself and move toward a more redemptive future.
We honor him for what he stood for and the precious sacrifices he made. All of our lives have been made that much better because of it!
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