To Have Courage, to Be Tolerant

When I consider Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., he was so rich in virtue it is tough to know where to begin appreciating his work.

He made room for realization to sweep through him-utterly. In a time of intense turmoil, he liberated others via example. Endowed with expressive verve, his speaking gave needed shape to both predicaments and possible answers.

Yet, beyond the bold strokes of landmark legislation, key campaigns, and revelatory speeches, King was patient and tolerant. He saw justice as a long game. Perhaps these are the attributes most needed now: It doesn't mean timid inaction, but a more mature view of situations to collect a perspective that can yield right action. It can be the wherewithal to hear out views incompatible, even irreconcilable, from our own and find interest in what could be accurate. Moreover, it is a commitment to find our way with others to the greatest extent possible.

By becoming more adept at championing connections, we can begin to wake up to the dream endowed to us by King.