"I have a dream that my four 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." Those powerful words are part of a speech given by Martin Luther King in August 1963.
Those are the words of a man who was persecuted and then murdered for preaching non-violent civil disobedience whilst fighting for black peoples civil rights in the United States during the turbulent early sixties.
His dream was manifested a year later, when President Lyndon Johnson signed the Civil Rights Act, which (also) guaranteed blacks the right to vote.
In that same year, at age 35, King was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize.
We all have a dream.
Or more accurately, we all had a dream.
As children, not preoccupied with what is possible, sensible or logical, we all dreamt of making a difference.
I remember myself dreaming of being the best brain surgeon in the world, saving people - making a difference.
At the age of 15 I become a vegetarian, determined not to kill anymore.
We all had a dream!
It involves 'growing up', some falling down and too much listening to those who never made a difference to arrive at the 'conclusion': "I cannot make a difference."
Think for a moment, how the world would be if all people had chosen not to strive for their dreams and make a difference. People like Martin Luther King, John Kennedy, Mohandas Gandhi, Nelson Mandela, Mother Theresa...
You may look at these names and feel somewhat intimidated and be tempted to ask : "Can I really make a difference? Is it worth the price I would have to pay?"
It is easier to live a compromised, mediocre life, hoping that someone else makes a difference, while you read about it.
However, if that was your choice, you wouldn't be reading this article now.
Now is a time for action.
As Barbara Streisand said, "Remember, one voice can save Mother Nature. It can help bring about peace. Even one voice... this one voice... can make the difference."
It is time to confront our upbringing, conditioning and circumstances.
We all had and have people in our life, telling us that dreams are for children, encouraging us to 'grow-up'.
It is time to share with them the old Chinese proverb, "Man who says it cannot be done, should not interrupt man doing it."
Making a difference is like throwing a pebble in a pool. The ripples spread from the center to larger and larger circles of influence. It begins within you.
Find your dream again. Shake off the dust.
Put it before you and say, "Hello, I'm back! " Get reacquainted!
Feel the energy, excitement, enthusiasm, fire and passion, overflowing within, calling you to movement and action.
Take a stance! Let people know what you think and what you believe in, remembering the old phrase: "Stand for something or fall for anything" - Words are not enough - let your actions talk.
Making a difference challenges you to think and act differently. To be different!
It requires daring. Being different is rarely considered a quality.
It requires commitment. Commitment both to yourself and to your integrity.
It requires persistence. As Winston Churchill said, "Never, never, never, never give up!"
If you're not sure yet, why you should make a difference, let me put it simply:
It stretches you to fulfill your potential
It gives a meaning to your life
It lights your being and actions; and
It encourages others with their dreams so that they can make a difference too.
If more of us would make a small difference, this planet is bound to become a better place.
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