PEBBLE
True compassion is more than flinging a coin to a beggar.
It comes to see that an edifice which produces beggars needs restructuring.
~Martin Luther King, Jr., shared by Leo in Miami, FL
BOULDER
Power at its best is love implementing the demands of justice.
Justice at its best is love correcting everything that stands against love.
~Martin Luther King, Jr., shared by Karen in Oakland, CA via POTI
PONDER
It is Martin Luther King, Jr. Day here in the U.S. and one of my favorite traditions of our weekly splashes of inspiration over the last two decades has been to feature wisdom from Dr. King on each third Monday in January.
Regardless of political affiliation, religious beliefs, or general outlook on life, it is my sincere hope that we can all agree on this: our country has been a powerful experiment in democracy. And also: imperfect. The last few years have revealed cracks in our foundation, problems that are becoming increasingly difficult to ignore and are proving very difficult to address. While I don’t believe the dangers we face are as dire as the very worst predictions have suggested, I am concerned that things are more serious than the least engaged among us realize.
I believe that we are in trouble.
I believe there are good reasons for hope.
I believe there is much work to do, and that as much of the work belongs to us citizens and neighbors as it does to our elected leaders.
MLK Day is more than a federal holiday; we’ve collectively identified it as a day of service with the hope that we can come together in action to improve our society. This could mean joining in a community service project, attending celebrations to recognize Dr. King, engaging others in conversation, or even mindful contemplation of the current state of things. I hope you’ll consider identifying and taking your next steps to help realize Dr. King’s dream of a nation rising, our hands joined, transforming into “an oasis of freedom and justice.”
Peace,
Paul
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