I have spent the day thinking about the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. It is so important to go back and review his life in historical context—to see how much adversity he faced from all types of people, not just the Bull Connor’s of the world.
When he appeared on “Meet the Press”, he was practically called a Communist and a Militant. Right before the March on Washington, many asked if it made sense to have “100,000 militant Negroes” congregating in Washington, DC, expecting violence. He received constant death threats, and was actually attacked several times before his final assassination.
King handled all of this with such poise and grace. It is amazing to watch.
What drove him, he says, was a sense of higher calling and purpose.
His conviction was built on the faith that he was called to do the work of God, and he was willing to die doing it.
Now everyone may not have the same conception of God (or even a belief in a higher power at all), but his achievements and the movement he inspired in millions of people shows the strength and power of having a burning sense of purpose.
Purpose keeps you on course when all else says to turn back. Purpose helps you get back up right after you fall. Purpose diffuses fear and doubt, and calls forward support from sources (and resources) unknown.
I re-established my purpose over the past few weeks:
- To work tirelessly towards my own increasing conscious awareness, and to help others to do the same.
- To be a force of harmony, even where there is chaos.
What is your purpose?
What drives you?
What star are you using as your guiding light this year?
I hope you have something that stirs you deeply inside. That inspires you to great action.
It doesn’t have to have the largesse of Dr. Martin Luther King (although it might). It should just inspire and feel right to YOU.
If nothing comes to mind, or if what comes to mind isn’t really floating your boat, then you might want to read “How to Define your True Purpose and Passion in Life.” It should give you some guidance.
2012 is just beginning. Make it count.
I’d love to hear your thoughts about all of this in the comments.
