How am I keeping The Dream alive? What am I doing to manifest The Dream? Do I believe in The Dream? These are a few questions that people are asking themselves today as they commemorate Martin Luther King Jr. Day. For many, service will be the go to answer. Yes, service is noble and necessary. However, purity of intent is vital to the efficacy of service.
While committing to service, we should identify areas of need in our communities. We should consider how service can decrease those areas of need. We should examine how our individual actions exacerbate those needs. Reflection and truth telling increase accountability. Reflection and truth telling help to purify our acts of service.
I would love for each of us to commit to servant leadership beyond this holiday. Life-long commitment to servant leadership is the only way to sustain progress. The commitment may be arduous and frustrating. Yet, it’s the only way we may heal our world.
This year, I did not create a list of ways that you can serve. You know your skill set and areas of expertise. You know your community best. If you do not, this is your opportunity to learn. This is your time to connect with those persons around you who are doing good works and helping to heal the land. Connect, listen, learn, reflect, and serve.