Happy MLK Day.
As minorities, the freedom and liberty we enjoy now was significantly paid for by his life and death. Two things come to mind to me:
What are we doing with this freedom that was paid for by blood? Our vets gave their lives in the World Wars to enable us have the freedom we take for granted today; Civil Rights leaders gave their lives to fight for the freedom we now have to live integrated lives - what are we doing with that freedom? Are we truly living proud and free in our individual convictions?
Secondly, MLK jr had a vision for an integrated future. How integrated are we living? The new frontier today is beyond sexuality identity; it is now gender identity. Is it challenging our inherent beliefs? Of course! But race and ethnic purity was a challenge in the old days. Scripture was even used to emphasize the need to not only abhor the intermarriage of races, but to validate the need for slavery. In this day and age, slavery is still acceptable in Middle Eastern and African cultures in the name of "house helps". Some are treated like animals, and the culture justifies it.
I say this to point out that our belief system may not be progressive and open to change, but we can make a mental choice to be more tolerant and civil.
In this new decade, let's challenge ourselves to live authentically in our freedom purchased by blood. And in doing that, let's also be progressive enough to allow others live in their freedom. We may not accept it, but we can give them permission to be their authentic selves, and be secure enough in our personal convictions.
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