“Only One”

Post #30

Today, we celebrate the life of the Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.  In gatherings large and small, we will be uplifted and inspired again by hearing his speeches and remembering his courageous leadership.  Unlike holidays like Presidents’ Day, when we mostly reflect on the past, this day always seemed an appropriate time to focus on the present.

How are we doing with race relations?  How much progress have we made in addressing poverty in the United States?  Can working families realize the American dream?

For nearly a week, we have been horrified by the devastation in Haiti.  With the shocking government failures after Hurricane Katrina still fresh in our minds, we want the victims and survivors to be treated humanely and quickly. 

As we read, hear, or see the enormous challenges facing the relief workers, many of us feel helpless.  As individuals, we lack the ability to repair the infrastructure so that food and fresh water can be delivered.  As much as we might like to, we can't join in the rescue of those who have been trapped for days.  With the exception of our public safety workers who are traveling to Haiti to help keep the peace, we probably can’t help protect the families and their belongings from frantic scavengers.

But we can still make a difference, in Haiti and in our own country.

One of my very favorite singer/songwriters, John Flynn, captures a philosophy we might all consider in his song “Only One” as we try to figure out what we can do on this day of community service and action.  In our own modest way, we can be sure that:

One hungry child

won’t be denied bread.

One lonely soul

won’t be neglected...

One by one dying hearts

will heal when they've bled

for all the things that we have left undone.

We each can change the world with only one.

We each can change the world with only one

(For more on John’s music, please visit www.JohnFlynn.net)

I hope that, in whatever way seems appropriate to you, you’ll join me in doing a small part to realize Dr. King’s vision for all that America can be.  Make a donation to UNICEF or the Red Cross.  Volunteer at a local food bank.  Mentor a child.  Help an immigrant learn English.  Or offer help to a neighbor in a time of need.

I would love to hear from you, dear Blog reader!  How do you honor Martin Luther King and all he represented?  What have you done to make your community a bit better?  You may send an email to Blog@CherylKagan.org or click on the "Comments" link below to express your views.  Please be sure to indicate which post (#30) you're addressing.

Thanks for reading.  I will post again soon.