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The Content of Your Character

king Today we celebrate the birthday of one of America's greatest men, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., a man light years ahead of his time. His commitment to principle and his personal responsibility to be a catalyst for change, represents the ultimate sacrifice, it speaks to his character. He understood that "injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere" and that "whatever affects one directly, affects all indirectly".

This gifted intellectual, stepped outside of his comfort zone and followed his calling to pick up the gauntlet and lead the multitudes to the proverbial "Promised Land", a place where "the beauty of genuine brotherhood and peace is more precious than diamonds or silver or gold", a place Offering Sanctuary to All in the Storms of Life.

Dr. King's lived experiences taught him that "violence is immoral because it thrives on hatred and not love". Well equipped to travel the journey of change with us, he did so, as long as he could, for as far as he could. It is now our responsibility to continue onward. What will be your sacrifice for a better world? What will be your legacy? How will your character be judged?

king

Posted by William Collins, Broker Associate on 01/15/2007 02:17 PM

Comments (21)

dr martin luther king, jr, peace, violence, hatred, injustice, justice

Originally posted at: Central New Jersey Real Estate: The Content of Your Character

21 Comments on The Content of Your Character

JAN

2007

great man.... but i agree, he was way ahead of his time.

too bad he didnt come along later, who knows what effect he would have had.

William... as I get older, I apprectiate more and more just what this great American has done for me personally. I am so inspired as I see his words and wisdom keep reaching deeper into the nooks and crannies of our culture.

I like "how will your character be judged?" On the news this morning they were talking about a museum for MLK. They had a copy of his report card from school. He only got a 'C' in public speaking. But that didn't deter MLK.

Very good post Wiliam, MLK was a geat man and deserves the spotlight today. Now if we all would just work towards fullfilling his dream all would be well with the world.

William...These words still ring true...

Have we not come to such an impasse in the modern world that we must love our enemies - or else? The chain reaction of evil - hate begetting hate, wars producing more wars - must be broken, or else we shall be plunged into the dark abyss of annihilation." by Martin Luther King Jr.

I would say we are real close to that darkness he speaks of.

Dr. King was an advocate for equality among men and women. I still quote him when I paraphrase:

"People should be judged on the content of their character, rather than the..."

Dr King said..."color of their skin".

There are many other endings we can insert.

BRIAN: And also with you, William (acknowledging your sign off)

He was indeed a great man who dares speak up for the rest. Every morning when I get up, I try to think about the phrase (as you put it), "Content of my character" each day and strive to do my best.

great blog for anytime of year, not just today.

www.EagleResort.scom

I love this challenge: "What will be your sacrifice for a better world?" If we took just a few moments to add an answer, even a small sacrifice, to our to-do lists, we could truly change the world, and make Dr. King proud. We owe that to him, and to each other. THanks for the thought provoking post.

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter." MLK

Every night when I watch the news and see the ridiculous things that pass as newsworthy and informative. I wish as a society we could focus more on things that matter and less on things that don't.

William - Great Post !!

It is hard for me to imagine the courage it took for Dr. King to do what he did. To sit back in the safety of the History Channel to watch it is one thing, to do what he did is something else. I often wonder about how I would have acted in the same situation.

Each of us takes a different message from the feats of great men and women. We all can't change the world with great and mighty feats of courage. The world is changed by small acts of kindness, fairness and truth. Each time we tell the truth and help another person we are acting as Dr. King would have wanted. Each time we treat someone unfairly we undo his work.

We all need to think before we act and looka t the results that our actions will bring to others. Doing the right thing is not always easy....it is the right thing and that is enough.

Great post.

William,

A comment on Dr. King's life is fitting in any forum and of course aptly in discussions of Ethics and the Realtor. The depth and breadth of what he did not just for a nation fbut for the entire world is staggering. I'd like to share that I was not born in this country and first came to the United States as a young adult during the 70's. I occasionally found some people inexplicable rude and impolite, and silly. One day, I had an aha moment.

To me, manifestations of racism still remain-rudeness, being impolite, thoughtless, coarse, crude, dishonest, and of course, cruel and unkind.

That's why Dr. King's work and life and legacy touched and continues to touch every area of our lives.

Thank you

The world today needs more good men like Martin Luther King. He certainly led the way for change and he was ahead of his time.

Phyllis Pafumi

A great post to honor a great man.

http://activerain.com/blogsview/35216/The-Rebirth-of-Cool

Great post and well written. I like your last sentences because it makes people think: how will they be remembered after they are gone and what will they sacrifice to make a change? MLK made a sacrifice indeed, we need more people like him in this world!

Very appropriate blog for today. During the month of January, my daughter, who is a 6th grade teacher, has her students prepare a speech, beginning with the phrase, "I HAVE A DREAM..." and then go on to explain what they would do to make the world a better place. We should all have an assigment like that, what did we do today to leave the world a better place for tomorrow.... Food for thought.

Thanks again for the post. It was excellent!

JAN

2007

Thanks for the post William. I know I am a day late finding your post but it just means I have another day to think about the greatest of this man who was born too soon and certainly died too soon. I hope my work reflects my passion to treat people as I would want to be treated. Wonderful post.

Thanks again

William great post. Here in Atlanta, we have a very high apreciation of this great civil rights leader. We learn first hand in grade school about the struggles of this great man. I will never forget my first visit to the King center as a child.

JAN

2007

This was an awesome post. William, your inspiration and your gift for writing shows. Thanks for honoring the King.

Thank you to everyone, who took the time to stop by and post a comment. Like Craig Schiller, I have come to appreciate Dr. King and his tremendous sacrifice, with each passing year. He gave selflessly and abundantly and to whom much is given, much is expected. So, with that appreciation comes the recognition of the obligation to make a real contribution to help realize the dream. Perhaps in some small way this post may have served as inspiration for those who dropped by, to make a more fervent commitment in their daily lives, to realize the true brotherhood of mankind. May we all live to realize the dream.

Peace be with you.

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