Be First In Love

How do we commemorate the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King? How do we individually and collectively strive to create the world for which he advocated and in which he so fervently believed?

Be First In Love. Throughout each year and especially on MLK day, I take time to reflect on my favorite of Dr. King’s messages, “The Drum Major Instinct” sermon (text; recording). You don’t have to practice Christianity to take in the message of “Be first in love.” What does this message of being first in love look like to you? To me it means accepting others unconditionally. It means being curious and compassionate in understanding where others are coming from. It means believing and putting into action that everyone deserves to have their basic needs met, regardless of circumstances. How being first in love is demonstrated can be simple on an individual level. Helping others often comes naturally when it comes to our own families, friends, and community. The bigger question is, what does being first in love look like on a societal level?

Reflecting with your children. These are all questions that are important for us to consider as adults, and also questions in which to engage our children. For resources on commemorating Dr. King this MLK Day, please visit The King Center.