Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

On Monday, January 19 we are remembering the life and teaching of Martin Luther King, Jr. throughout the United States.  While we each may enjoy a day off of school, we do not want to lose the purpose of commemorating his life and his impact on the United States and the world by taking the day for granted.

Martin Luther was born in Atlanta, Georgia.  He was the son, grandson, and great grandson of Baptist ministers.  While he initially was reluctant to accept his inherited occupation, during his time at Morehouse College, Dr. King began to learn how to use his devout Christian beliefs and his natural ability to gather people to promote the ideas of social change.

As his life continued, he actively engaged in the promoting the civil rights of African Americans and the social changes so long overdue.  While the civil war ended nearly 100 years prior to Dr. King, it was not until the 1960’s that America began to recognize the equality of African Americans. 

The teachings of Martin Luther King are as relevant today as they were 40 years ago.  Even though we have taken great strides as a country, we still hear and see acts of prejudice and bigotry in our society.  While we strive for equality and tolerance, we know there is still hate in the world.  Dr. King would encourage us to seek out acts of hate and intolerance in the world and find peaceful solutions to promote the human spirit.

In addition to Monday being a day for remembrance, it should also be a day of action.  A day dedicated to doing something to promote humanity and discourage intolerance.

The following is a link to the King Center.  The website includes many interesting and thought provoking ideas, including a biography of Dr. King and the history of the holiday.

http://www.thekingcenter.org/

What do you think Dr. King would think of our world today and the changes the country has undergone?  Can you think of situations in our world today where intolerance and prejudice exist?  What actions are you willing to take to promote the human spirit and the ideas of tolerance, acceptance and forgiveness?

New Year's Resolutions

Some look at the start of the New Year as a chance to wipe the slate clean and start new.  Many attempt this by identifying New Year’s resolutions.  January 1^st is a day to try to break old habits or to start new habits to live a better life.  Below is a list of the top 10 resolutions compiled by newspaper across the country.

• Spend more time with family and friends
• Exercise regularly
• Lose weight
• Enjoy life more and stress less
• Manage money better
• Take a trip
• Learn something new
• Help other
• Get organized
• Attend church 

What do you think about the idea of setting New Year’s resolutions? Why do you think so many people have difficulty keeping their resolutions?  Are you the kind of person that sets New Year’s Resolutions?  Why or why not?  If you did set any New Year’s Resolutions, would you mind sharing?