MLK Day Reflection

This morning, as I was driving into work, I was so thankful for the light traffic and the great time I was making, even though I was running a little late.  And then the radio program I was listening to began to play an excerpt from Martin Luther King’s “I have a dream speech.”  

As I listened to his words, I began to reflect on things much more meaningful than light traffic.  Then I thought about what this holiday is becoming—a National Day of Service.  

It is 2015, and while I’d like to think we have come so far, recent events make me wonder.  

I grew up in a family that was taught to love and respect ALL people, all cultures, and all ways of life.  The concept of hate and bigotry is so far from my consciousness that I often don’t even see it.  I’d like to think that most of us in today’s day and age are like me.  We just don’t care about the color of your skin, the name on your place of worship, the country in which you were born.  

But then I think about some of my friends who have told me their experiences, and I am shocked, horrified and disappointed.  

And then I think about mine—as a woman in the military, a woman in a world where we have yet to have a female president.  A women in a society where women are paid less than their male counterparts.  A woman in a world where we are judged by our measurements, not by our accomplishments. 

Then there are the recent events—race riots, attacks by radical terrorists, and cities that were denying groups of individuals the right to have a place of worship because it was different.  

It made me a little sad.  

What can I do?  How can I change the world?  What is the lesson I/we are supposed to learn?  

Then I look at my 2 beautiful and loving nieces.  What have they been taught?  The Golden Rule.  Love one another.  Respect.  Hard work. 

I think at how far we have come—when I was their age women still could not fly fighter aircraft, they were not promoted as their male counterparts.  I remember a day when at our school, the color of your skin determined if you had to go to school on “Martin Luther King Day.”  I remember a rally in support of integration.  

Is our world, our country perfect?  No.  Do we have work to do?  Yes.  Is there hope for the future?  Absolutely.  

What can I do to make a difference?  One of my favorite quotes is from Gandhi, “Be the change you wish to see in the world.”

Be the change.  

Dare to be different.  Stand up for what is right, and treat ALL people with respect.  Love.  

Today, on this National Holiday, wether you are working like me, enjoying a paid holiday, or a day off from school.  Please take a few minutes and think and then take action.  Be the Change!  

In Health,

Dr. K