Martin Luther King Jr. labored his whole life to change the way we look at each other.

In honor today of the 50th Anniversary of his tragic assassination, I share my dream for this beautiful country, beautiful world, and the beautiful people of the human family.

I still have a dream that one day this nation, and all nations, will rise up and live out the true meaning of the creed spoken long ago, and memorialized today: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”

I still have a dream that one day the sons and daughters of all men will live together in peace and friendship.

I still have a dream that one day even war-torn countries, nations ripped apart by ancient animosities, will be transformed into oases of freedom and justice.

I still have a dream that one day my children, and your children, and the children we will never know, will not be judged by the color of their skin – nor their religion, their culture, their lifestyle, their past, their riches, or their poverty – but by the content of their character today and the hope in their tomorrows.

I still have a dream today!

I still have a dream that one day those down in the gutters, the most desperate of each society inaccurately labeled by too many as filth and residue, will be able to rise up, as we reach down, and join their hands and hearts with ours as sisters and brothers.

I still have a dream today!

I still have a dream that one day every man, every woman, every child, will live a life free of disparity and ridicule, full of hope and passion, and complete with love.

This is my dream. A dream based on hope and the faith hope generates.

I believe I can make a difference. I believe you can as well…

• By lifting where we stand, raising an encouraging voice, and extending a hand of fellowship;
• By giving acceptance, offering forgiveness, and accepting the same;
• By believing in one’s ability to change for the better, including our own ability;
• By believing in the gift of Love.

I still have the dream.  I hope you do as well.

Thanks for letting me share.

Les

Thoughts of inspiration come in many forms, and may be expressed in many ways. The collection of stories, essays, and poetry shared under Red Edge Perspective represents some of my personal efforts to Gain The Red Edge through creative expression. Thanks for letting me share.