On Monday, January 20, 2008 is Dr. Martin Luther King's Day. Our school and many businesses are closed in the memory of this great man. He was killed 40 years ago for his civil rights belief. You can find a more complete and comprehensive profile of Dr. Martin Luther King here.
My pastor, in his Sunday homily, read to us a part of a book about Dr. Martin Luther King, and we all felt in a deep contemplation. Furthermore, as I drove home from the church, I saw a couple men sleeping in the groove under the bridge. Thus, it hits me even harder with Dr. King's words.
A Roof over Their Heads
Who wouldn't want to have a roof over their heads? It's such a simple and basic thing, but there are still many homeless people in all over the world.
A Job to Feed Their Bodies
In this economy, we are considered lucky to still hold a job. In Michigan, thousands people have left their home in search for jobs.
Dr. King's simple words “a job to feed their bodies” became so powerful in my perception as I heard it. Just a job, any job, to feed their bodies! It is beautiful now as it was then.
A Freedom to Worship
Everybody should be able to sing and worship to feed their spiritual needs. A freedom of religious belief is part of Dr. King's preaching.
Different people have different faith, and if we are not allowed to practice them, then we will not be whole.
An Education to Grow Their Minds
Education is the most important part in our lives. It helps our minds grow and it opens our hearts to accept people as they are.
Dr. King was a remarkable man in calling out our attention to education. The beautiful words “an education to grow their minds” echo for the past 40 years, and continue to remind us in the future.
Have Dignity in What They Do
A road sweeper should feel as proud as Michelangelo painting a picture, or Beethoven composing the music. Dr. King believed that there is dignity in every job, and no one should feel low about what they do.
This is my own translation on how I feel about Dr. Martin Luther King. It might not be his exact words, but his ideas have a profound impact on me.
Here is his famous speech “I Have a Dream”. These are beautiful words to ponder.
