quotes by Martin Luther King

We Hold These Truths To Be Self-Evident

– You Can Take A Stand

In the long and rocky road of human evolution, there are times in history when it becomes necessary to take a stand. I am saying this not as a political statement, but a spiritual declaration.

It is an inconvenient truth that there is right and there is wrong. There is good, and there is evil. These are not only social and political truths, but they are also spiritual truths. These concepts are across all religions and are also revealed in the books of guidance followed by every path in life.

What I have always found to be both significant and fascinating is the agreement and commonality of the essence of these teachings about truth. Across all of the divides of dogma and denomination that can cause argument and disagreement, the essential truth of right and wrong stands forth. That common thread of understanding and wisdom demonstrates time and again in the human experience that we are all more alike than different.

Just as there is within each human heart and mind a certain resonance that is felt when truth is expressed, so there is an archetypal understanding of what is fair, right or just. Even if your try to ignore it, that “felt sense” of what is right is known to you.

I believe that inner sense of knowing comes from your Soul and it cannot be completely drowned out. No matter how much you try to bargain away this sense of inner knowing to convince yourself to go along to get along, deep in your heart and deep in your Soul, you know the truth.

This feeling of knowing comes from the spark of Divinity that separates a human being from the animal kingdom. This spark of Divinity is what is recognized and celebrated around the world when in many cultures people greet one another with “Namaste.” The Divine spark in me recognizes and honors the Divine spark in you.

You Have A Choice

Of course, over the vast history of human evolution men and women have done unspeakable horror to one another. People have made choices and committed atrocities that are unimaginable. You need only to look around the world to see that evil can at times win in the world.

In fact, there is a famous quote that speaks to this dilemma:

The only thing necessary for evil to triumph
is for good men to do nothing.

This quote has been attributed to Edmond Burke, however; it has also been attributed to, as diverse political voices as, John F. Kennedy and Ronald Regan. I find the difficulty with trying to find who originally made this quote makes my point. There is within all of us an inner voice, the voice of the Soul that knows this truth and issues a warning to everyone.

This quote, this inner voice of advice, calls from the depth of your Soul that there are times when it is important to make a stand. At times the only right action is to take action.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness:
only light can do that.

Hate cannot drive out hate:
only love can do that.”

– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Our Fathers Took A Stand

The United States forefathers understood the importance of taking a stand when Thomas Jefferson penned the immortal words:

When, in the course of human events, it becomes necessary. . .

That stand that they took so long ago changed the world and influenced the progress and evolution of all of human life.

The framers of the United States Constitution understood that the subtle creative energy in the universe moves more powerfully when invoked by what you are for:

We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness. — That to secure these rights, Governments are instituted among Men, deriving their just powers from the consent of the governed…

The values in the Declaration of Independence that our founders put forth are there to remain as a guidepost for the American people and by example, for the world. The values of Life, Liberty, and the pursuit of happiness are now woven into the American Dream.

In those simple principles lie the seeds of The Bill of Rights and all the freedoms we as a people have enjoyed for the last 240 years.

However, throughout the history of our people there have been many times and many ways that ordinary citizens have had to stand up and be counted to make that vision a reality. There are many times that to take a stand is the call to action from your Soul. There are times that it is necessary to stand up for what that inner voice that defines right vs. wrong, good vs. evil, truth vs. lies.

In those times, you are called to be a beacon of Light in the world. You are called to consider what you believe, and what is important to you.

These are not light and idle considerations. The lessons of history reveal the unspeakable horrors that can be unleashed on the world when “good men do nothing.”

It is inevitable that when you take a stand for good in the world that you stimulate and empower others to do the same.

Never doubt that a small group of thoughtful, committed citizens can change the world; indeed, it’s the only thing that ever has.
– Margaret Mead

What Do You Stand For?

What are the principles of Right Relationship for which it is important to take a stand? What are the guidelines of right and wrong that will make a difference? What can you do to make life better for you and the world? These are questions worthy of pondering and taking action on!

The Ageless Wisdom guides Right Human Relationship with principles that are timeless and broad and yet possible to judge every human interaction. They are Harmlessness and Right Speech.

A simple rule that has helped human beings make these moral decisions was probably learned in our youth but is still an excellent moral compass. It is called the “Golden Rule.”

Do unto others as you would have them do unto you.
– The Golden Rule.

Familiarity may have made it easy to disregard the wisdom of this rule. Certainly, selfishness, greed, and self-interest can make it seem archaic and irrelevant. This simple guideline for moral behavior, as ancient as the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, still serves as a moral compass. This simple ethical consideration still works because the inner self that is the voice of your Soul that recognizes and understands right and wrong knows good from evil and can acknowledge the essential rightness of this simple rule.

Take a moment to consider what the world would be like if that simple life rule guided more of human behavior.

Take a moment to consider all of the issues you can choose to take a stand on that violate the Golden Rule.

The world seems to have lost its moral compass of following the advice that this simple rule advises. Concepts such as honor, standing by your word, and the all to frequent excuse, “it is just business” seems to have sacrificed the concepts of fair play for the greed of a few.

But right is still right and wrong is still wrong no matter how many people do what is wrong. Deep in your heart you know this and more importantly, deep in your Soul you know this to be true.

Time To Take A Stand

Today, I encourage you to consider your life, your values, and your relationships and consider who you are by the test of what you do. I invite you to re-affirm the values you hold dear and decide today to stand up for what you believe is right and good in the world.
– Genevieve Gerard

To help empower you in your life and work, I am enclosing one of my favorite ancient mantras that can align you with love and service to humanity as you consider and identify with these words:

Affirmation of the Disciple Mantra

I am a point of Light within the greater Light.

I am a strand of loving energy within the stream of Love Divine,

I am a spark of sacrificial fire, focused within the fiery Will of God.

And Thus I Stand!

I am a way by which men (and women) may achieve.

I am a source of strength enabling them to stand.

I am a beam of Light shining upon their way.

And Thus I Stand!

I am a radiating center of Joy, Serenity, and Quiet Mind.

And Thus I Stand!

And standing thus revolve.

And tread this way the way of men.

And know the way of God.

And Thus I Stand!

I invite and encourage you to claim your power as a citizen of this country and a citizen of the world to choose to be a force for good in the world; to work for right human relationships. I encourage you to spend your precious life energy making this world a better place. In small ways and grand ways remember that you can make a difference in this life. Your life is a unique gift to life. No one else can do what you can do when you make a stand.

Namaste,

Genevieve

The Blessing of Love on All That You Do!

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About the author:
Genevieve Gerard teaches Transformational Consciousness – from first awakening to enlightened Soul awareness. She helps you experience the joy that results from the spontaneous “touch of your soul.”

Be the Change You Want to See

Genevieve Gerard

Be the Change You Want to See in the World

The new day dawns.

Once again I am reminded that the Light is victorious. This world gives us that reminder every day.

For me the transition from darkness into light every morning is one that brings joy and hope into my heart.

Yet, as I enjoy and appreciate the blessing of peace, love and joy that comes as the prequel to my morning meditations I am aware that for many the peace of mind and spirit that I enjoy is only a dream.

As I began my morning meditation with the question of what I can teach and demonstrate that will help and serve those who read my words this week, I became aware of how fear limits so many lives.

Recent geopolitical events, the Presidential impeachment hearings of Donald Trump, the threat of Countries being invaded, bombings and multiple acts of terrorism across the planet have raised the fear threshold.

As I write these words the logical part of my mind argues that the world has long been plagued by both wars and rumors of wars. Certainly in my lifetime I cannot remember a time of peace in the world.

It seems that new words are used to describe the “not peace” experience of life on the planet that deprives people of the peace that is so deeply desired.

Although in my life I spent great effort working for peace, being both an advocate and activist for peace, the only thing I could ever really achieve was inner peace, the peace I enjoyed in my morning’s meditations. Sadly, the peace in my heart and mind is not the peace in the world.

How Can Peace Be Achieved?

What can I do and what can you do to create peace?

As I pondered on this awareness a quote that Mahatma Gandhi made during his epic fight to end apartheid came to my mind. He said:

You must be the change you wish to see in the world.
– Mahatma Gandhi

As he fought against the evil of apartheid you can observe in his life and his writings something that is very important:

Evil cannot be overcome by using the tools of evil.
– Genevieve Gerard

Evil has a way of taking the forces of Light and converting them and perverting them to serve its purpose. Fear mongering, hate and anger can be dressed up by what is evil in the world to justify and encourage greater evil. Revenge and retribution long used, draped in patriotism and nationalism serve to perpetuate war and stimulate hatred.

Love Is Stronger Than Hate

Gandhi, in the midst of his life’s struggle for equality, and liberty realized, much like Martin Luther King did, that love was where the power is.

Recently, reactions to a variety of global acts have increased people’s fears once again. And fear seems to quickly be the handmaiden to hate. The well of man’s inhumanity to their fellow man seems to never run dry. If when you look at another who believes differently or dresses differently you focus upon what is different it is easy to create a belief in separateness. Yet, that separateness is an illusion. That sense of separateness is used to create fear and from that fear comes violence. That fear stimulates hatred and for some justifies acts of evil.

If when you look at someone you realize we are all more alike than different then the unity of the human experience stimulates compassion. Love is ultimately stronger than hate. The desire for peace can be a common denominator in our human experience.

Transcending fear is a part of the path to enlightened awareness. Learning to Love is what our spiritual journey is about. As Light by its very nature ends the darkness, so love ends hatred.

I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.

I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love
will have the final word.
– Martin Luther King, Jr.

Be The Change You Want To See

Ultimately, you can choose to be the change you want to see in the world.

To bring love into the world you must love. To bring peace into the world you must be peaceful.

At times despite your best efforts you may not be able to achieve peace of mind. At times even when you strive to love unconditionally you may realize that your needs and expectations have more influence than you desire.

Compassion for others and compassion for yourself are very important. Forgiveness of yourself and forgiveness of others is a grace you can claim as you acknowledge that you are a work in progress.

Just to strive to be the change you want to see in the world is already a significant choice.

You are not perfect and fortunately you don’t have to be perfect but each time and circumstance in your life that you demonstrate unconditional love you have brought love into the world.

Each time you have forgiven, even what seems to be unforgivable, you are an instrument of grace and compassion.

Each time you conquer anger or the ravages of hate you are joining in bringing in the Light to dispel the darkness. Each time you are able to bring peace to your heart and peace to your mind is a victory.

The more life situations where you are kind, loving and treat others the way you wish to be treated you are an instrument of good in the world.

Do To Others What You Want Them To Do To You

Since the ancient times of Babylon when the code of Hammurabi was first written, a code of right relationship was created.

In many human religions, human cultures, and animal kingdoms it is believed that one should treat others as one would like others to treat oneself. Today we know this as “The Golden Rule.”

The “Golden Rule” has been attributed to Jesus of Nazareth, who used it to summarize the Torah:

Do to others what you want them to do to you. This is the meaning of the law of Moses and the teaching of the prophets.
– Jesus of Nazareth (Matthew 7:12)

It is such a simple concept, yet as I often say, “simple is not easy.” So much of what is wrong in the world would be eliminated if everyone followed that simple Golden Rule.

If you are considering how you can be the change you want to see in the world this simple golden rule is a good place to start. The Golden Rule is found in almost every religion and affirms the unity of the human experience in a way that acknowledges the principles of brotherhood of all humankind.

Imagine for a minute what the world would be like if everyone everywhere did only to others what they wish for themselves. Harmlessness, one of the most important parts of Right Relationships is inherent in the Golden Rule (checkout my article about the Golden Rule.) Right speech is also included.

Loftier and profound concepts such as love, forgiveness, and kindness are enjoined by this way of being. World peace is the logical conclusion. It seems that to fall back to this very ancient code of conduct creates the change that the world needs today.

Loving unconditionally and forgiveness may not be that easy. However, to treat someone in any interaction in life the way that you wish to be treated is eminently understandable. By the very application of this way of relating you are affirming unity with all of humanity.

So, today I encourage you to be the change you want to see by actively treating all who cross your path the way you wish to be treated. To do so is to be an agent for Light in the world.

Namaste,

Genevieve

The Blessing of Love on All That You Do!

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