Let's Be Beacons of Hope: The Power of Forgiveness by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. by Elisa Schmitz


Let's Be Beacons of Hope: The Power of Forgiveness by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Forgiveness does more than heal. Forgiveness is love. As we remember and honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. on Martin Luther King Jr. Day, I share one of my favorite quotes about forgiveness from him:

"We must develop and maintain the capacity to forgive. He who is devoid of the power to forgive is devoid of the power to love. There is some good in the worst of us and some evil in the best of us. When we discover this, we are less prone to hate our enemies.” – Martin Luther King, Jr.

In these challenging times, the words and hopes and dreams of Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. resonate so strongly today, and always. 

Let's not allow hate to divide us. 

Let's stand up for each other in the face of bigotry, bullying and deception. 

Let's shine a light on the positive rather than be dragged down by the negative. 

Let's be beacons of hope that encourage others to shine brightly, too. 

Let's encourage others to pursue their dreams, and help them along the way.

Let's empower others to be the best versions of themselves, and celebrate each success. 

Let's keep Dr. King's dream alive, so that "...children will one day live in a nation where they will not be judged by the color of their skin but by the content of their character."

And, let's remember Dr. King's powerful words: "Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that."

Thank you, Martin Luther King, Jr., for showing us the way. May we keep your dream alive, now more than ever, and always.

Read the transcript of the Martin Luther King Jr. I Have a Dream speech in its entirety.

Photo: Martin Luther King, Jr. National Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Bigstock)

Take 30 seconds and join the 30Seconds community, and follow us on Facebook to get inspiration in your newsfeed daily. Inspire and be inspired.

Related Products on Amazon We Think You May Like:

30Second Mobile, Inc. is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.

Martin Luther King Jr. Day: What’s the Link Between Health & Healing Racial Inequality?

Martin Luther King, Jr., Rosa Parks: Take a Walk Through History Along the Civil Rights Trail in Montgomery, Alabama

Is There a Misuse of Prayer? Martin Luther King Jr. Thought So & Perhaps We Should, Too

Holocaust Remembrance Day: Holocaust Survivor Eva Mozes Kor Teaches Us About the Power of Forgiveness

Ann Marie Patitucci
This is beautiful, @elisa. Thank you for sharing it today.
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you, Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead . I updated it a bit. I tend to get very emotional on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. Sending you so much love and light, my friend! xoxo And thank you, Donna John !
Stephanie Cannoe
His message is timeless. His truth resonates. I am moved once again. Thank you.
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you, Donna John and Stephanie Cannoe . His truth is definitely timeless and rings so very true today. Hugs to both of you (and Ann Marie Gardinier Halstead ), who are beacons of light in my life! xoxo
Gail Harris
That is very beautiful and true @elisa. I love it.
Tiffany Zook
Amen!!! Read this to the kids tonight. Great post!
Elisa Schmitz
Thank you, Gail Harris and Tiffany Zook . You two inspire me every day. Thank you for being bright sunshine in this world! xoxo
bepositive
Powerful stuff. MLK the Legend.
Meredith Schneider
Beautiful! Elisa All Schmitz 30Seconds, if only more people would live by these words, the world would be more peaceful and filled with more love. I will do my part and shine light in my path everyday and pass along to my children to do the same.
Elisa Schmitz
Agreed and thank you so much, Meredith Schneider ! You do your part every day as a beautiful light in this world. Love you, my friend! xoxo
Elvira Larsen
What if your kids are grown and he stold everything while you are left disabled that injuries he caused...?

join discussion

Please login to comment.

recommended tips

Happy International Women’s Day: Celebrating Women's Achievement & Driving Gender Equality

Volunteering: Gain Marketable Jobs Skills Through Helping Others!