By: Lynn Owens – Confluence Daily is your daily news source for women in the know.
This week the city in which I call home, Memphis, Tennessee, recognized the 50th anniversary of Dr. Martin Luther King’s assassination April 4, 1968. The week was filled with events, guests from around the globe converging on my southern city, marches paying tribute to the sanitation workers, and so much more. But Tuesday, April 4, 2018, time stopped, and people of all races, religions, backgrounds, occupations, gender, and age stopped to honor Dr. King and his beautiful legacy.
As I watched the days events unfold, I saw clearer and clearer the common traits that Dr. King possessed that we often overlook. There are lessons to be learned from this man of greatness for the youth of today, the striving entrepreneur, the stay-at-home mom who is drowning in diapers, the businessman who is charged with leading an organization, and each and every individual around the globe.
There was a season of my life when I looked at life through a different lens, and how often complicated really simple matters. However, if one were to carefully examine the life of Dr. King, you may find beauty in his simplicity. I am overwhelmed with gratitude for his love, and I feel extreme power knowing the adversity he faced and overcame with grace. And I am in utter awe of the love he showed consistently.
There are three pillars that we all must stay in alignment with in order to move our lives forward, and be fruitful in today’s “microwave minute” society. Dr. King stayed the course, hence we continue to pay homage to him through programs, policies, social justice causes, and other measures to bring equality to all people of every race, creed, color, and gender.
- Dr. King was clear and had a vision.
He knew the cause and articulated the vision. This may seem simple; however, more often than not, our vision changes with the winds. Dr. King was not advocating for every cause, and I know there were many others causes that he could have led. However, he remained faithful to his clear vision through police dogs, being jailed, spat on, and so much more. His vision was clear, and his commitment to it was steadfast. How committed are you to your vision today?
- Dr. King was FEARLESS.
Courage is the power of the mind to overcome fear.
Remember, meeting at churches, and in places to plan marches took courage. Having a cross-burned in your front yard had to be uber scary. Leaving your beautiful family to speak, and have your life threatened had to get overwhelming. However, I have never seen pictures of Dr. King sobbing, but rather each photo I see depicts a man of love, hope, vision, unwavering commitment, and so much greatness and power.
Often we are afraid of what others may think of us. How our families are going to react if we speak our truth. Instead of stepping in truth, we live a lie, and live in fear that no one knows our truth. That is not the way we make the world a better place. The world needs our voice, our truth, and our bright, shining light more now than ever before. If you can’t speak your truth NOW, speaking it later won’t get any easier. Trust me on this one friends!
- Dr. King operated in a space of service and LOVE.
Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend.
Dr. King clearly understood the power of love, and how it transcends all. He clearly understood that perpetuating ignorance was not a solution. He spoke clearly, and deliberately – but used his voice to spread a love for others, even those who hated him. He empowered others to walk in love, and believe in the power of love.
Often as we move through our lives at rapid speeds, we focus on our differences, our flaws, and failures. But I have learned each of is more alike than different. We may speak different languages, have different religions, live in different communities; but, all of us thrive in an environment where we feel safe, and connected. All of thrive when we understand and feel appreciated for the value we bring to the world. We all have certain basic needs that keep us connected.
Today I invite you to reflect on how well you are applying Dr. King’s practices into your day-to-day life. We are better together, and the world needs our light. Let’s up our game, and shine like we have never shined before by holding a clear vision, being fearless in the face of adversity, and showing love to all. I know these three practices will make a difference, cause we are the difference makers in darkness.
Lynn Owens is a former public elementary school teacher and administrator, turned entrepreneur. She has learned to use her savvy skills of deliberate creation to manifest her heart’s truest desires and heal her body. She found her true passion and purpose when she became a Life Coach. Lynn supports those who are stuck, frustrated, and feel trapped. Through her tried-and-true practices, Lynn helps clients “get off the merry-go-round” of frustration and lack, and step into their true purpose and passion of living the life of their dreams. Learn more about Lynn at www.allowspacenow.com.
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