Let us Not be Silent

It is Martin Luther King Junior holiday today.  It was a beautiful day in San Diego to have the day off.  But we are not to forget the significance of this day and this man and his legacy. So much has changed and happened over many years, yet lately there has been even more racial tension than in previous times. We know the stories, and I have refrained from writing about all the  controversy—partly because I avoid political topics in my blog, and try to focus on only the good and positive in a world that lives within much darkness. But MLK Jr had so much to say and he did so much good, and we must not let that slide by us as we have another day off school or work. As most of you know who follow me, I write a lot about faith. I have to—it is what drives my life, my words, and my actions. It affects my work, my choices, my family, and my priorities. So when I look at the short life of Martin Luther King, I focus on his faith and how he shared that in the midst of a dark, dark time.  There is hope, there is light, even while we live in the midst of darkness.

We have all seen the headlines, and some of us have been involved in the social media, the protests, the commentary of what is going in our community and our world. It isn’t pretty. But people bring about change—through their words and their actions. So that is why I love this quote by King that says:

“In the end ,we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends.”

Let’s not be silent friends. Let’s proclaim what we believe, and follow it with action.

Why did I start this blog almost two years ago? To bring to light the passion, joy, and intensity of living, despite being faced with stage four cancer.  I did not want to be silent. I was afraid though—afraid of what others would say, think, do, comment….and I decided that I have a voice and I was going to share it. People might not agree with me or my faith, but I certainly wasn’t going to be silent about it. And I know that I have made an impact. I know that friends are sharing my blog and my journey with others and I am hearing from strangers about how my blog has impacted their journey with cancer. If we have a passion, let us not be silent. Let us proclaim from that mountaintops. And let us let our words be positive and not dark or dismal. If our thoughts are about frustration on controversial issues, or the atrocities in the world, let us speak our thoughts, but include action to change—from the inside and then to the outside. If we don’t like what is around us, let us be the catalyst of change. We can start by sharing with words, but finish it with actions.  If we speak, then let our actions reflect what we speak. Let’s not be hypocritical. Let’s be real, and raw, and honest. Let’s make the change, let’s be the change we want to see. That is what MLK spoke for and fought for and ultimately died for. Let’s not let his legacy, his words, or his actions be forgotten. Let them spark within us more desire to speak out and DO.

Recently some of my sweet “young ones”—friends who are 25 or younger—have made pledges to stay off social media for “awhile” to focus on bigger and better things (they say).  I like this—I think social media can be such a mind suck and time suck, but it can also be used for beautiful things. That is how I like to see it. Each time we post or share, let it be something worthy and helpful and uplifting. It is okay to share about your favorite team or the incredible sunset, or your kids’ accomplishments. It is okay to post about your vacations and milestones. Go ahead, do whatever you want on social media, but do realize that your words and pictures are out there for all to see. Make what you say and what you post something that brings light to the world, not darkness.

MLK wrote much about faith as well. He said this:

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.”

And this:

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase.”

Jesus and his disciples spoke about darkness, light and faith too…..so many, but here are a few I LOVE:

“This is the message we have heard from him and proclaim to you, that God is light, and in him is no darkness at all. I John 1: 5

Again Jesus spoke to them, saying, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will not walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” John 8:12

And this one that I like to live my life by:

Philippians 2:15

….that you may be blameless and innocent, children of God without blemish in the midst of a crooked and twisted generation, among whom you shine as lights in the world

Martin Luther King spoke of light, of darkness, of faith, and of change. Join me in not only speaking, but of doing, changing, and making an impact each and every day. Let us not be silent.