What Only Love Can Do - MLK Day 2018
Sometimes it's good to look at how far we've come, in order to see how far we have to go.
I learned this lesson when figuring out how to speak Mongolian.
Some days, I'd think to myself, "I suck at this. I talk like a three-year old."
But little by little, I would begin to see that while I may not be a lot better at this than I was yesterday - I am way better at this than I was last month. That means if I keep at this process, I will eventually be better than I am today.
The same could be said for learning any skill.
Including the skill of treating others with grace, love, and equality.
This day is a good day for such reflection.
I am not saying we should sit back in a self-congratulatory way and proclaim racism as dead. That's wrong and incorrect.
I am saying we should be encouraged by the work of women and men like Dr. King and Dorothy Height. Their work should inspire us continue in their footsteps.
In a society where inflamed and absurd social media arguments are normalized, I find today to be a good day to reflect on Dr. King's words.
“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that ... I have decided to stick to love...Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
