“…they have come to realize that their freedom is inextricably bound to our freedom. We cannot walk alone.” – The Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr., “I Have a Dream,” speaking about white Americans supporting the Civil Rights movement.
After a long search for a title for this blog, I found my inspiration in the words of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. King’s life and values lie at the heart of the message of this blog. Though he was a preacher firmly grounded in the American black church, his message of justice, equality, and the inherent worth of all humankind speaks to people of all races and religions across the world. Though his primary calling was to Christian ministry, he led a movement that transformed the most secular institutions of the United States – the government and the workplace – for the benefit of religious and non-religious alike.
In this quote from his most famous speech, “I Have A Dream,” Dr. King reminds his followers that they cannot be successful alone. Their struggle for dignity and freedom is inextricably bound with the struggle of others, including white Americans, for dignity and freedom. His people need all the friends and allies they can get.
This is an interesting paradox. We often confuse our quest for freedom with a quest for self-sufficiency. To be free of the forces that control us, we think we need to supply all of our own needs. But we cannot become free by ourselves. We face powerful forces, and alone, we stand no chance.
Becoming truly free requires making friends – friends who will recognize the freedom we ask for and stand with us in our struggle. Strength lies in numbers. We are most powerful not as self-sufficient individuals but as interdependent people who value companionship and care. We are inextricably bound.
Think for a moment about all of the people in your life. What relationships give you strength and courage? Where do you experience companionship and care? If you feel so moved, share with us below!
Since 1984, I have found enormous strength in the people of the United Methodist Church who are working for justice and full-inclusion. There are many of them I only see once every four years. There are others who remain connected with me in various patterns of frequency by phone, e-mail, and in person. The truth is, when I see, hear, or connect to one of them, I feel the presence of all of them. That strength is immeasurable and essential.
“We often confuse our quest for freedom with a quest for self-sufficiency. To be free of the forces that control us, we think we need to supply all of our own needs. But we cannot become free by ourselves. We face powerful forces, and alone, we stand no chance.” Brilliant! Thanks for stating this paradox so succinctly. I’m looking forward to reading your blog regularly and thoughtful comments by your readers. Best wishes in this endeavor!
Gracias Ken,
I have read your words several times. When words or action causes me think, I will pause, clear my mind as much as possible, then frame my thoughts around questions. These questions are not questioning your thought as such, but are questions for my inner conscious reflection which generate my curiosity, surface any underlying assumptions, touch a deeper meaning and hopefully will evoke more questions. So here I go:
- What does being in relationship with others require of me and what must I do differently or better?
- How can I have an unconditional friendship with myself and why is this important if I want to be in friendship (relationship) with others?
- When are situations and issues paradoxes and not problems and how do I best approach them as such?
- What does the intersection of “secular” and “sacred” look and feel like?
- What would it take to see every thing, every experience, every person and every moment as sacred?
- How can I better honor those relationships that give me “strength and courage”?
- What am I doing to prepare for those persons and relationships that are yet to happen in my life? Am I really open to the surprise, change and chaos they will create?
- How can your words Ken, and our collective thought generate hope, imagination, engagement, creative action, new possibility and create a climate of discovery for me and my community?
Thank for creating this space for the next level of thinking for me. It’s definitely sacred!! Forward!
“Enter the community consciousness and wise action will flow”