In 1986, Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday was made a federal holiday, thus many of us remember and celebrate his life, on this day.
Dr. King has always been a virtual mentor and hero of mine, therefore I use this time of the year to learn more about his life, his work and his dream.
This past week while reading “Why We Can’t Wait”, a book Dr. King wrote in 1963, I began thinking about his birthday.
Dr. King was born, January 15, 1929.
I did some quick math and realized, that if he had not been killed, he would have been 87 years of age this year.
My initial thoughts about his age took me to a very creative place.
I began to imagine what else Dr. King might have been able to influence or change if his life had been extended.
I began to wonder about the lessons that had gone untaught due to his early demise.
Then a question lingered in my mind…
Did Dr. King have any other dreams or aspirations that we didn’t have a chance to hear? If so, what were they?
This caused a series of even more provocative questions to queue in my brain.
What if Dr. King hadn’t gotten the chance to voice his dream?
What if he had thought his dream was too lofty?
What if a friend of Dr. King, who heard his dream, told him that the dream was impossible to achieve and that he should never repeat it?
What if he listened to that misguiding friend?
What if Dr. King gave FEAR, all of his power and let his dream become nothing more than a passing idea?
What if he gave his power to the diseases of mediocrity and procrastination?
What if?
What if Dr. King wanted to wait until he was 40 years old, to deliver the monumental speech about his dream in Washington D.C.? (He was killed at 39.)
What if Dr. King believed in his dream, but didn’t believe in himself?
What if he was too afraid to lift his own voice and sing, “Let freedom ring!”?
What if?
This caused me to pause and ask myself a question.
Am I delivering, voicing and doing the work of my dreams?
What about you?
Are you delivering, doing and voicing the work of your dreams?
If you don’t, what do WE loose?
If Dr. King hadn’t delivered, voiced and worked his dream, our world would be very different!
His life provides the perfect explanations for why we cannot afford the consequences of inaction and mediocrity?
These ‘what if’ questions created a sense of courage, urgency and inspiration within me!
I hope they create a sense of courage, urgency and inspiration in you too!
“The most common way people give up their power, is by thinking they don’t have any.” ~ Alice Walker
The most common way we give up our power, is by thinking we don’t have any!
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., taught us by his example that…
One voice can change a city,
One voice can change a state,
One voice can change a country,
And one voice can change the world.
What is your dream?
Where is your voice?
All it takes is for just one person to stand up and use their voice and the world can be changed.
If we all stand up and use our voices the universe can be shifted!
Live your dreams!
Voice your dreams!
Work your dreams!
The world can’t afford not to hear you.
The world needs your gift and your inspiration.
Live you life on purpose and stay inspired, it’s a lifestyle choice!
About the Author:
Linal Harris Global Entrepreneur – Certified Life Coach – Media Personality – Speaker
Linal Harris is a global entrepreneur, certified life coach, author, and media personality. As the founder of Inspirational Perspective® Publishing, LLC and Insights 4 Life™ Coaching, LLC, Harris challenges his global audience and coaching clients to Murder Mediocrity® and live their best life possible. Harris concentrates his work as an ontological coach with clients on what he calls the 4 pillars of life; the relationship we have to ourselves, the relationships we have with others, our relationship to work and money, and the connection we have to our spirit and life’s purpose. Harris coaches CEO’s, executives, entrepreneurs, athletes and celebrities. Harris is the author of “Slay Your Goals”, where he provides his readers with scientific and research backed tips for achieving their goals. Harris is an expert goal-setter and has been called upon by Fortune 500 companies to assist with setting their strategic priorities, facilitate goal-setting sessions and provide inspirational talks.
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Reblogged this on Enjoy the Process and commented:
I honestly couldn’t say this any better myself. DITTO.
Sometimes the things we hold back because of what people will think is ultimately the most selfish thing we could ever do. You owe it to the world to voice your unique perspective. Every time we fear rejection and decide to hold back, we completely block the possibility of blessing another person’s life. Don’t be selfish… take the chance. Bless a life.
Yes, you.