My current feelings

On January 15, 1929 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was born. This man is celebrated for his his life, his leadership and his message of peace and equality. We even have a holiday celebrating this wonderful, God-fearing man. He delivered one of the most iconic speeches in American history on the steps of the Lincoln Memorial with his "I Have a Dream" speech in front of 250,000 people live and millions more on TV and radio. "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." His dream is beautiful and it's the way we as human beings should be. He was an advocate and leader until his assassination in 1968.

56 years later on January 15, 1985 I was born. Because we share the same birthday I've always felt a connection with Dr. King. I remember doing reports about him during school and feeling a sense of pride that I shared a birthday with a man that helped to change America and the world. I have listened to his "I Have a Dream" speech multiple times. Each and every time I listen to it I am moved and want to be a better man, husband and father.

My parents raised me in a Christian household. They taught me the Golden Rule- to treat others how I would want to be treated. The also taught me the original 10 commandments as well as the new commandments that Christ gave. John 13:34 says, "A new commandment I give unto you, that ye love one another; as I have loved you, that ye also love one another." No matter what you believe in or don't, these words are a the way that we should live. I haven't always succeed in following these teachings by Dr. King and the Bible, but I strive to.

Anyone that knows me personally knows that I wear my heart on my sleeve. My wife likes to make fun of me because I cry during kids movies (Toy Story 3, Princess and the Frog, Onward, etc.) to beautiful music and along with those that hurt. I have cried this last week multiple times because I know that we as an American people are hurting. I also acknowledge that I will never know what it is truly like to live in the shoes of my black brothers and sisters. I want to learn and understand as best as I can and to help out how I can.

Most of my contacts here on LinkedIn I've never met in real life. Most have come because of a LinkedIn marketing strategy to try to reach out to as many people as we can in various industries. While my voice might be small and my influence small, I want each of you to know that I'm grateful for you. I pray for you and for the entire world that we can come to a better understanding of each other. This song represents my prayer for the world and each and every one of us. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cqFCbtRz1Z0 (Thank you Mat and Savannah Shaw for your beautiful rendition of this song.)

I would love to speak to anyone that wants to about anything you want. If you are hurting, I want to hurt with you. If you want to help me better understand, I am ready to learn.

May we all remember and live by the Golden Rule- treat others the way we want to be treated.