Yesterday in the U.S. we honored the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.  It’s good to take a day to celebrate the courage of an extraordinary activist who led a movement for change, who dreamed segregated Americans could become a “symphony of brotherhood” working, praying and struggling together in peaceful equality.

One day is good, but every day is better. Virginia thinks it’s important to consider the legacy of Martin Luther King, Jr. every day of the year – especially in these times of lopsided prejudice and inequality.

“…even though we face the difficulties of today and tomorrow, I still have a dream…”

Can we continue to further his dream of peaceful coexistence with justice for all? Can we dream that current valleys of divisiveness will be exalted into mountains of unity and understanding? Can we work against injustice to let freedom ring for everyone in this country, and all around the world, too?

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.”  Martin Luther King, Jr.

All these years later and there’s still so much hate-filled rhetoric filling airwaves and mind-waves. What can we do?

“Was not Jesus an extremist for love: ‘Love your enemies, bless them that curse you, do good to them that hate you, and pray for them which despitefully use you, and persecute you.’ … Will we be extremists for hate or for love? Will we be extremists for the preservation of injustice or for the extension of justice?” Martin Luther King, Jr.

We can start by sharing love in the face of hate, peace in the context of discord. We can start by loving our neighbors (of all shapes, sizes and hues) as ourselves. We can stand against what denigrates – be it tweets, texts, in whatever form prejudice takes – and instead share what lifts and affirms our collective humanity.

“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

Finding and fighting injustice and inequality starts in our homes, neighborhoods and communities.

It really starts in our hearts.

“Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into friend.” Martin Luther King, Jr.

grace, peace & love (in our hearts!)

Virginia

“Only in darkness can you see the stars.” Martin Luther King, Jr.