I admit that yesterday was the first time I actively celebrated Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. It has long been a free day, lacking in personal meaning and allowing a welcomed hault in a string of early Monday mornings. But not yesterday. Yesterday I woke up at 6am to be up and ready for a rally and march held in a low-income, black neighborhood in inner city Washington DC. The energy was genuine, empowering, grateful.

I in my auburn-haired ponytail and American Eagle jeans, with my Nike knapsack and perky freckles. I turned out that I might show an appreciation for a man who played a vital role in changing this country; a man who spoke inspiration and hope with a commanding eloquence, whose words turn up to emphasize points of clarity and optimism in the pens of syndicated columnists and speeches of leaders everyday. His message transcends the racial barrier for which it was originally intended, seeping into all phases of struggle in this life. For every individual in this country, regardless of color, MLK represents the possibility of a dream come true. To dedicate one’s life so fiercely to something that seems impossible is so rare an occurance in the history of humankind. There are few who require such extravagant commemoration and from those gems we must steal appreciation. Think on the significance of the struggle, the consequences had the strong not fought. Think on the words that continue to drive a nation, of the dignity to literally and symbolically keep his head raised up.

What can be said of this man that hasn’t already been uplifted to the masses? I’m not sure what I can add, but I know that my life must exist to defy mediocrity because I'm so convicted by those who've gone before. Most people ignore the tug on their hearts to do something, to change something, to be something…justifying away the time that could be spent stepping up to the plates they are called to. Passion is a gift, and if you have it about anything, no excuse merits ignorance of that calling. If passion is a gift, ability is your obligation to try and fulfill that. My gratitude to MLK for living out that mission is endless. His faith-filled perseverance steadies the spark of my own ambitions to help make the world a better place. Thank you, Mr. King, for your dreams.