Let's Be Beacons of Hope: The Power of Forgiveness Inspired by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Editor's Letter Holidays Relationships Make a Difference Become the Fire

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."

Let's be the light that drives out the darkness. 

Let's embody the love that drives out the hate. 

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)

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