Learn, Share, Grow – Learning from Martin Luther King, Jr.

Below is a lesson from toptenz.net on 10 Things You Can Learn From Martin Luther King, Jr., as well as our key learning.

The Blue Courage team is dedicated to continual learning and growth.  We have adopted a concept from Simon Sinek’s Start With Why team called “Learn, Share, Grow”.  We are constantly finding great articles, videos, and readings that have so much learning.  As we learn new and great things, this new knowledge should be shared for everyone to then grow from.

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http://www.toptenz.net/10-things-you-can-learn-from-martin-luther-king-jr.php

10 Things You Can Learn From Martin Luther King, Jr.

By ELIZABETH DOWNING January 19, 2010

On the nationally observed Martin Luther King, Jr. Day, take a second to learn a little bit about the man and his mission, and the bits of wisdom you can take from a quick look at an amazing life.

10. Sometimes things don’t always go as planned…

Continue reading here.

Our Key Learnings:

Dr. King epitomizes qualities of leadership and self-sacrifice in the face of overwhelming odds. As we celebrate his life on the day set aside to honor him, let’s look back at some of the most important events in his life. From them, there are plenty of lessons we can apply in our own lives – both personal and professional.

• Life will throw things at you. Things don’t always go as planned but everything happens for a reason.
• Passion will always persuade people! You may not agree with what is said, but you will always be moved by eloquent words.
• We are better together, than we are alone! No man or woman is an island. You must have friends, a support system. Life is about relationships.
• It’s not about you! We are all in this together.
• We must stand for what we believe in. The impact could last a lifetime and affect future generations.
• Violence and hatred have never been the answer, but the power of love, compassion, empathy – that IS the answer.
• Do something! After Dr. King’s arrest, he did not give up his cause. His 20-page response became a populist battle cry against injustice. Turning on phrases like “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere,” and “One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws. Conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws.” Dr. King parlayed his own personal setback into a greater motivator for an entire social cause. Nothing would stop him.
• People won’t always like you, appreciate you, or accept you but be you. No matter what color you are, what religion you are, what you look like, what you sound like, and no matter where you’re from. You belong.

Beyond the lasting impact of Dr. King’s contribution to our society, his methods and reactions linger as important lessons that can be applied to challenging situations in life. From confronting difficult relationships with peers, to challenging accepted social norms, even to overcoming personal tragedy, his life is a legacy of lessons that each of us can apply in our own lives.