Becoming a Force for Good

As I reflect on today – a day in the U.S. that honors Civil Rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. – I think about his extraordinary legacy of fighting for racial equality and justice. I have always been touched by his efforts to bring people together through nonviolent means. He never gave up on peace or brotherhood and inspired the world with his words.

I am saddened by the juxtaposition of this national holiday that honors a man deeply committed to peace and the growing tension in our country before the inauguration of our 46th president on Wednesday. Destructive mobs storming the halls of the US Congress – this is not the America I grew up believing in. Terrible and seemingly irreparable divisions have surfaced between our political parties and their leaders. I find myself asking the question, how do we best move forward? I believe it starts with each of us, as individuals, stepping up and driving towards positive change.

Dr. King’s words still impact me today and speak to the need for us to challenge the status quo. But to do so in a disciplined way - always dedicated to justice and peace. Starting a riot, being obstructionists or yelling at those who do not agree with us has never resulted in positive change. That is darkness and darkness cannot drive out darkness. I truly believe his words “…only light can drive out darkness.”

Peace begins with each one of us and we must answer the call to be the light in this world. Today, as I reflect on his words, I think about what I can do to be a beacon of peace, justice and brotherhood to all I come into contact with. How do I help to build a better community? How do I help to create the America I believe in, that is the beacon for democracy around the world?

I believe that it starts by bringing Dr. King’s words to life. Let’s each be of service so the words jump off the page into action. Let’s each answer the question: “What will I do for others and how can I be a force for good in my community?”