Why We Can't Wait
At least once a year, I reread Why We Can't Wait by Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, quite possibly one of the greatest non-fiction books I've ever read. It's a work not often talked about but it is often quoted. You may have heard the following:
"We will have to repent in this generation not merely for the hateful words and actions of the bad people but for the appalling silence of the good people."
"Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere."
Every time I read it, I find a new gem or source of relevant inspiration. My most recent reading proved no different.
On January 25th, protesters in Egypt spoke out loud and clear about their frustration with Egypt's President Mubarak.They marched, led civil demonstrations, and in some cases rioted and clashed violently with nationalists. The world watched as the Egyptian drama unfolded and we all breathed a collective sigh of relief when on February 11th, the President gave in and resigned. Despite his February 1 pledge to not run for reelection, the Egyptian masses said, "No! We can not wait! You must go now."
In my own life... I've had similar revelations. My long-term goals include professional development in the non-profit arena and more stage/film experience. I can dream about these things and hope that it will come to pass, but for them to come to fruition, I have to take action. That means acting classes, saving for a possible move to Los Angeles and seeking opportunities in my office to develop new skills.
Saying that you "will not wait any longer" does not mean that you aren't willing or able to be patient, nor does it imply that you're restless or overanxious. It means you will no longer wait for life to pass you by; it means that you will allow the passage of time to be accompanied by activity, progress and hard work.
In the book referenced in this title, MLK says:
[There] is a tragic misconception of time... a strangely irrational notion that there is something in the very flow of time that will inevitably cure all ills. Time itself can be used destructively or constructively. There comes a time when the cup of endurance runs over, and men are no longer willing to [wait].
How will you use your time wisely? What goals/plans/discarded resolutions could you be working towards? I implore you to begin to be proactive today. Do something concrete to bring your dreams closer to reality. If it's simply drafting a budget for a savings plan or if it's something bigger, like applying for 501 (c) 3 status for your dream non-profit, it's a step in the right direction.
I'm no mogul or huge financial success encouraging you to take a journey that I've already traveled; I'm simply a fellow human in this thing called life encouraging you take a journey with me, so we can inspire each other. :)
Black History Moment
In my continuing quest to share information about unsung Black Americans this month, I encourage you to check out Guy Johnson, a great writer. Guy Johnson is an example of someone who took several stabs at life. He's held several jobs including managing a bar in Spain, working on oil rigs in Kuwait, photography, and finally.. as a writer. As the child of Maya Angelou, you'd think he know he was born to be a writer, but not so. I highly recommend his historical fiction novel entitled Standing at the Scratch Line. While Why We Can't Wait is my favorite non-fiction, Standing at the Scratch Line tops my fiction list. It gives you drama, romance, action, a lot of history, and even some voo-doo.
Learn more about Guy Johnson here:
1. Guy Johnson at Random House
2. Guy Johnson at Barnes & Noble
As always, I welcome your comments. I'm especially excited to hear about any plans you have for moving your life forward.