Today

is more than just a national holiday. It’s more than just “a day off.” It’s a day to be ON like never before…a day to celebrate the life of a man who God used to help breathe life into people across the world.

Growing up in Atlanta, it’s IMPOSSIBLE to not learn about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. and the civil rights movement. And being surrounded by so much rich history, why would anyone not want to learn about it? Dr. King is one man who continues to inspire me today in everything I do. I’ve learned SO much from him, but here are 4 of the major lessons:

1. Kick Fear to the Curb.

What would have happened if no one chose to challenge the laws? What state would our world be in if no one chose to march? Dr. King, wasn’t a perfect man, but the one thing I admire about him the most is he didn’t let circumstances around him deter him from being obedient to God.

Let’s face it: he could have easily chosen not to do anything. With all of the horrific things that happened to people back then, Dr. King could have easily stayed a preacher in Atlanta with his super gorgeous wife Mrs. Coretta Scott King by his side and merely been a spectator of what was happening around him. King could have allowed the threats to his family and his own life keep him from allowing God to use him, but he didn’t. Many men and women chose to stand up. I’m sure he may have had some fear in him, but the courage in him was stronger and that to me speaks volumes.

Anyone who knows me, knows that I’ve been very open and honest about the battles I have had with fear. There are so many things I want to do…dreams I want to turn into realities and while my fear may not be anywhere NEAR the same amount of fear that was born out of the civil rights movement, it is still fear and without complete submission to God, it can be a nasty habit to kick. However, if you want change your circumstances, you have to break up with it.

2. Progress is Progress.

One of my absolute favorite quotes from Dr. King is:

“If you can’t fly then run, if you can’t run then walk, if you can’t walk then crawl, but whatever you do you have to keep moving forward.”

To some, it may be a simple sentence, but to me, it’s one of THE most powerful quotes I’ve ever heard. It’s one I definitely hide in my heart and say out loud to myself when I feel like I just can’t push any harder towards my dreams. It’s a reminder that all of us need to hear from time to time. It doesn’t matter if they’re baby steps or if they’re giant leaps of faith. Any direction in the right direction is progress.

3. You can’t do it alone.

Martin Luther King Jr. played a pivotal role in the freedoms you and I enjoy today, but let’s be clear: He did NOT do it alone. There were so many people who stood with him and while he became the face of the movement, the face was supported by a VERY strong body. Men like Andrew Young, John Lewis, Jimmie Lee Jackson, Ralph Abernathy,Rev. Hosea Williams….women like Rosa Parks, Viola Liuzzo, Annie Lee Cooper and ,the greatest part of his backbone, Mrs. Coretta Scott King…so many men and women played a role in where we are today.

I’ve learned that in order to have your dream become a reality, you have to have a body who is willing to support you…accountability partners who aren’t afraid to get into the gutter with you and push you towards your greatness. Everyone has a role to play and the moment you begin to think you got where you are because of yourself and only yourself…you will fail.

4. Surrender to God and He’ll take care of the rest.

At the end of the last speech he ever gave, Dr. King said this:

“Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. So I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.“

WOW.

To trust God that much…to BELIEVE in something that much…to not allow yourself to live a life of fear because you are too busy focusing on simply doing God’s will…THAT is the life I choose to live. THAT is what pushes me to stand up when I feel like sitting down.

To say I can imagine what it was like to be black during the civil rights movement, would undoubtedly be one of the biggest lies to ever cross my lips. I can’t imagine it. I can’t dream of what it felt like to be treated less than animals…to be denied basic civic liberties. I can’t even begin to fathom what it was like to be brutally beaten simply because of the color of my skin, seeing your loved ones murdered and constantly looking over your shoulder wondering if you’re going to be next. But the rose that has grown from the concrete is this:

because of brave souls like Dr. King, I don’t have to.

Because of his obedience….because of their bravery, I am. More than 50 years later, we are still reaping a harvest from the seeds he and courageous souls like him sewed.

His vision and legacy will forever inspire me to BE better and DO better. We still have miles to go before we sleep, but as more of us continue to cast fear aside…as more of us choose to stand up, work together and surrender our lives to God…as we dare to live out the will He has for us wholeheartedly…I have NO doubt we will, soon and very soon, make it to the promise land.

 

xoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxoxo,