“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”
~ Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
This is one of my favorite Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. quotes and one that, I believe, offers timeless wisdom.
Like many others, the past few years have inspired me to take a look at my life and assess whether there are additional or previously unimagined ways in which I can contribute time, energy, and resources to make the world a more just and hopeful place.
My focus has traditionally been on my family, especially the children in our family. (In the past few years, more so on much-loved elders in our family.) I’ve always contributed to Heifer International, my favorite aid organization, and while living in Hastings, was quite active in volunteer community work.
But looking outside of my day-to-day world, it didn’t take long to see some small but sustainable and direct ways in which I could contribute to a more just world. One example: In Dudley’s life and work, he became friends and worked for years with other travel guides in Africa and Cuba, guides whose lives have become even more financially precarious since the pandemic hit. I told Dudley’s colleagues I’d like to make micro-grants to their businesses in Dudley’s memory if they were open to that. (They were open, and were truly appreciative.) I know that Dudley would be pleased about this as well.
I guess my point in posting about this was to dig a little deeper than simply posting a Martin Luther King Jr. quote. And, I hope, to inspire others that small but direct ways of getting involved are possible, even if one has limited time, energy, or resources. It’s all about energy! Contributing positive energy and practical help to others and to the world, in as many ways in which we can. (Speaking of energy, I’ll add that I will be posting again tonight since it’s a full moon and my goal is to post on new and full moons each month.)
The image is from Getty Images and is from today’s Parade.com article on Dr. Martin King Jr. The photograph was taken on August 28, 1963, as Dr. King prepared to deliver his “I Have a Dream” speech.
