You may not have known that the Martin Luther King Jr. National Historic Site is here in Atlanta. He was born in a neighborhood known as “Sweet Auburn,”and attended Ebenezer Baptist Church. You can visit his childhood home, and the historic church, as well as the King Center to learn more about this charismatic leader. And I’m sure, at some point, you’ll hear or read the words from his famous speech.
Here’s something else you may not have known. Martin Luther King had prepared a fine speech to deliver on August 28, 1963 in Washington, D.C. But over half-way through, he laid aside his script and said, “I have a dream.” What followed was one of the world’s most famous speeches, powerful words that inspired a nation then, and continue to inspire us now.
I can’t say for certain why Martin Luther King felt compelled to leave his prepared text and speak extemporaneously. But I suspect the spirit moved him. And perhaps the Spirit moved him, too. And that spirited passion made all the difference.
Imagine what you could do with a little spirited passion in your writing. Don’t be afraid to leave your script and see where it takes you. Just one more thing I thought you’d like to know as we celebrate the life of Martin Luther King, Jr.
Cathy C. Hall Writes 
I've visited the King Center, and it is full of so much history from an important time in American life. Everyone should see it. King gave us words that inspired a nation, and you have given us writers food for thought as well. Great post!
Inspiration can come in many forms and from any direction. We should never be afraid to grab hold when it passes and see where it takes us.
Arlene, so glad you liked it. And yes, Sally, fear can sometimes hold us back from trying something new and different.But we'll never know if we don't step out!
Greetings, found your blog through another blog… Great post on MLK. I did not know that about his speech! Very inspiring. Just goes to show that we all should sometimes take a chance and throw our 'preparedness' to the wind and speak from our heart…Best,Gloria
Welcome, Gloria! Did you know I'm having a contest right now? If you sign on as a follower, you'll be entered to win a Barnes and Noble gift card?So, um, why not take a chance? 🙂 And thanks so much for dropping in!
Nice post, Cath. Proof positive to us type-Aers that following a script isn't always the best, or most inspired, way to go.
Ah, but it feels so safe… Here's to new inspirations, Lisa!
Cathy,You are right, veering from the script or scripted life takes us to new heights. Thanks for the comment on my blog.
Hi Cathy,What an inspirational post. You managed to combine history, a life lesson, and a challenge.Brilliant!Donna V.http://donnasbookpub.blogspot.com
I believe in learning something new each day and I have gained some information here. Didn't know that MLK had set aside his prepared speech. The spirit did indeed move him. I'm open to moving in a different direction from my prepared outline if I believe it makes for a better story.
Why, thank you, Linda and Donna! I do what I can. :-)J.L., I'm glad you stopped in. I found that tidbit about MLK's speech from a blurb on this book: King's Dream: The Legacy of Martin Luther King's "I Have a Dream" Speech.