Theme: “Pride (In the name of Love)” By: U2
Quote: “I still have a Dream.” -Reverend Martin Luther King Jr.
Those words. “I still have a dream.” Are some of the most iconic words ever spoken.
For what is a dream? The deepest, truest and most desperate desire of our hearts and souls.
I have heard Reverend King’s Speech several times. Often the condensed version, and a couple times the full one. Yet, the power of it was never fully felt by me until I read it. I meditated on the carefully scripted and thought out words.
No matter what you think of this great American, we should all carefully read these words. It is self evident that this man valued unity, peace, justice and truth. That though he had many reasons to hate and despise, he chose instead to see that there were evil people and ignorant rules, and that was not the majority.
Sadly, the minority ruled with an iron fist.
To this day, we all carry dreams in our hearts, and no matter what shape they may take they all follow a similar foundation as this great and historical one.
A dream for hope, and a better future. A dream of fairness and justice, a dream where people do not judge us by failures or family. Not even actions and words, since all humans can fail in all of these areas. Instead a dream that our hearts are what will be measured, a dream that people would take care and bother to learn About you as an individual. A dream without prejudice, preconceive notion’s and judgement of outward appearances, titles or makeshift boxes that people are sorted into.
This fight continues, for skin color, for gender, for identities and political parties… The list can go on for miles, the same dream which is meant to unite actually separates. Too many times have our calls gone unanswered, too many times have we been burned by trusting someone and have been betrayed.
This man however reminded us to never give up, it wasn’t just to ‘the people of color’ he spoke. It’s to the heart of every person in this world not just Americans! That we look beyond the superficial, beyond what other people have taught and yes even beyond our own pain and suffering, to stand up for justice to not ignore wrong doing and peacefully unite against physical violence with soul force!
I knew this man was a great man, but his words hit so much more deeply reading them. How profound and beyond his time, it takes courage to empathize. He had the courage despite the horrible things that had and did happen to him. He had the courage to feel and care for those who persecuted and hated him for no good reason. And instead called them brothers and sisters.
The courage of this man is awe-inspiring, which makes the honoring of this day and every day remembering great Americans like him. Nay, great people; who stood for truth, justice and unity!
I have a dream, my dream is simple to state but difficult to manifest.
My dream, is a world where people care about everyone. That we empathize with everyone.
No longer is a veteran who sacrificed life limb family and health for his country, now homeless begs for food and is mis-treated and called a bum.
No more are children abused in silence when neighbors are fully aware.
No longer are there wolves hidden among the sheep in the churches, who devour molest and destroy the hearts and souls of the innocent.
No more political parties resorting to mudslinging, bashing, and insulting of intelligence and integrity. Instead people of differing perspectives able to conduct themselves maturely.
No longer will trolls on the Internet be silently allowed to persist or spark flames of strife and dissension.
No more will a pregnant woman be shunned by family, community, church and friends because she is unwed,
Never again will someone decide to take their life, feel unloved or unseen.
Never again with someone turn a blind eye to pain, suffering, a coworker‘s tears, or the isolated and destitute.
My dream is that we can be in a place where we can enjoy the privileges and benefits of this age, no one being homeless, none lacking clothing, food or water that is clean.
A world where people can talk freely about their religion or choices of non-religion.
All can have healthy conversations, discussions and even peaceful debates.
Never erupting into violence or hate.
A Planet where freedoms are not outlawed and people do not sue wildly and unjustly.
The universe built on trust and hope of working together towards a better future.
Each with of our own unique and wonderful gifts that make us beautiful; painting, drawing, writing, building, sculpting, designing, engineering, calculating and sustaining this bright and beautiful world.
That’s my dream.
What’s yours?
Sources:
https://ourlutherking.com/i-have-a-dream-speech-text/