Monday, January 21, 2013

Hope

In the summer of 2009 my family vacationed in Washington, D.C. We saw so much, learned so much, and were reminded how much our country has endured in its short life. But one of my most poignant personal moments on the trip came when I ascended the steps of the Lincoln Monument, looked beneath my feet, and found this:


When I realized what the stone was marking, I turned and gazed over the Reflecting Pool, imagining Martin Luther King, Jr.'s view that day in August 1963. Thousands of expectant and hopeful people listened as he gave the speech of a lifetime, as he spoke words that still echo across America today.

"I have a dream," he said.

And as I stood there, imagining, remembering . . . the power and hope contained in those four small words swept over me. It's a moment I revisit when I need to remember what hope feels like.
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23 comments:

  1. LOve this post...I forgot it's Martin Luther King day, as I live in Mexico and it's obviously not celebrated.

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  2. I live in Canada, so I had no idea it was Martin Luther King day until now. But that does explain why my CP's son doesn't have school today. :)

    Great post and inspirational message.

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  3. Such an inspiring post! Even though not all of us have this memory of yours, I think it's safe to say that we all still need a reminder of hope every once in a while, so thanks for sharing!

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  4. Thanks for the great post and the inspriration.

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  5. Washington DC is a very inspiring place to visit. I love the Lincoln Memorial! I hope our country can continue to be a place where we can all fulfill our dreams.

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  6. I read that "I Have A Dream" speech every year to my students and cry every single time. I'm always touched by their own "I Have A Dream" essays for themselves, their country, and the world. As the mom of a 12yo girl who truly aspires to be president one day, she's in awe of this inauguration ceremony. MLK Jr. is my daughter's biggest hero:-)

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  7. Beautiful! Hope is such a strong feeling. It's good to dream!

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  8. Love the post. It's been years since I've been to washington DC (as in more than 20 years) I think it's time for another visit.

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  9. Thank you so much for this post. The kids were asking me why we celebrate MLK day and I'm going to crib from your post to give them a cogent response.

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  11. Thanks for the lovely reminder, Barbara. I had forgotten (I'm in Canada, so it's not a holiday today). I would love to visit Washington, D.C. some day.

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  13. Oh, now that just gives me chills. I've been to the Lincoln Memorial way back in 1967. I don't think those words were set in the stone yet. But just standing on the steps and looking out was pretty darn intense.

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  14. I listened to his speech today. It never, ever fails to move me with its brilliance and truth.

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  15. Talk about a dream worth fighting for. ;)

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  16. It's because of people like him that I'm enjoying so many rights today. I hope to be able to go there in person one day.

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  17. I always re-read his I Have A Dream speech around this time. It never fails to inspire me and give me hope.

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  20. Beautiful post! He's such a great example of someone who made a difference.

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  22. What a beautiful moment! Thank you for sharing it with us. :) Dr. King was so amazing and we can learn so much from him. We spotlighted a book about him week.

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  23. Beautiful. I think the speech becomes more and more powerful with time.

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