I was recently on a call with a friend that is dealing with at situation that is impacting her family and needs to change. She’s done everything she can think of to communicate their needs, to ask for consideration, and to influence that change but nothing seems to be happening.
As we visited I thought of a story I heard years ago about two children that were teased every day at school by a bully. In spite of their pain, their families encouraged them to be courageous, to speak truth and to be kind and loving in in their responses.
After an especially challenging day at school the two children were hurting, frustrated and discouraged.
So the little girl’s father took them on a trip to a construction site. They sat at a distance and watched as a man hammered on a large boulder. Repeatedly he hit the massive stone with no apparent results.
…And then in one sudden blow the boulder crumbled into hundreds of pieces!
The children were amazed, and wondered why that one blow broke the rock and the others didn’t.
The father explained that with each blow the rock was breaking inside – even though the exterior showed no evidence of what was happening inside.
Today we honor the life of a man who consistently modeled that change can be obtained with persistence, thought, discipline and love.
Martin Luther King Jr. spoke these words AFTER his home was bombed…
We are not advocating violence. We want to love our enemies. I want you to love our enemies. Be good to them. Love them and let them know that you love them.
As we honor his life I can’t help but to think about…
- The impact he had on the giant boulder of racism.
- Or of the gap that still exists between his dream and the reality for many of our brothers and sisters.
- Or of other boulders that exist that are destroying people, companies, nations and our world.
No matter who you are, or where you sit…
[Tweet “Change won’t happen by wishing for it.”]
Or by waiting for someone else to do it.
[Tweet “The change you want to see is waiting for YOU to act.”]
Below are links to tools to help you be that change and prepare for the boulders you will face:
- This post will help you learn how to speak truth with grace.
- If you are feeling lots of anger about your situation, this post leverages MLK’s example to highlight how you can turn wrath into great leadership.
- If you seek to influence people who have a bigger title, a bigger paycheck, and more power than you think you have this free download will help you prepare to influence them. (And if you a titled leader, it will also help you engage the wisdom and passion of your employees at a higher level.)
Image credits: iStock, Historical Stock Photos
Thank you for sharing this. I grew up in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan. We had minimal radio and TV up there but I don’t remember anything about Martin Luther King, Jr. I didn’t learn about him until my own kids were in school in the 1980s. What an amazing man! His wisdom and compassion together were evidence of what he had in this heart. Until I read your article I didn’t know his home was bombed. Now I know his wisdom and compassion expanded to forgiveness as well. I’m thankful for men like him. I’m just sorry his time on earth was brought so tragically to an early death.
Jane – That is fascinating! I don’t remember the first time I heard about MLK, or the first time I began to really understood about his vision or his sacrifice but I’m with you that knowing how he practiced forgivness and love just makes me admire him more!
Chery:
Love this, sharing this, and thanking God you are on my short list of daily reads:)
As I noted earlier, I was in my formative adolescence and young adulthood for much of the seminal events in King’s life. His words and his actions have been part of my life and I appreciate you sharing both the information about King and that great story about pounding away at the rock:)
With hammer in hand and much gratitude in my heart …
John
Thank you so much for your comments John! It would have been really awesome to know Dr. King in person, or at least to watch those events unfold live!
I am so glad you have a hammer in your hand and a grateful heart!
Martin Luther King was an extraordinary leader who understood the need to love and empathy.
Thank you for sharing his guidance and patience with us today.
Terri
Agreed Terri! I recently watched Selma. Each time I think about someone from history that has given their lives to a cause that will eventually create a better world for others I am fascinated. This time I was particularily struck with how exhausting it is for a leader to create massive change in the face of boulders that don’t seem to be breaking while they are sacrificing their time, energy, reputations, families, livlihoods, and their lives… Amazing!