Martin Luther King, Jr. and a Spirited Speech

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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.

Finding Something Friday on HUGE Hugs and Reading

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Almost every day, I open a Google Alert to find my name on someone’s blog because of the Big Bang B & N Followers Contest. And then I go wheee! Wheee, wheee, wheeee!

I know just how the little piggy feels! It’s so thrilling to find so many of my blogger friends, spreading the word about the contest. Not because it’s such a thrilling contest (though winning a B & N gift card is nifty), and not because I’ve gained quite a few new followers (though that’s awfully swell, too). But because I have such totally awesome friends!

Honestly, y’all have gone way beyond the call of duty, and I’m so blessed by your generosity. In fact, I’m a little farklempt…talk amongst yourselves for a minute, okay?

So. What else I found in my inbox today: the newsletter from Reading is Fundamental. RIF is a non-profit group that supports literacy, particularly among those children, from birth to age 8, who are economically challenged. To put it another way, RIF wants everybody to have books. Because how can you instill a love of reading without wonderful books?

We always had books in our home when I was growing up. And when my kidders were small, I loved taking them to the library, or when I could afford it, allowing them to pick out a book at the bookstore. Oh, how we agonized over which book to buy! It’s so special to have your own books, isn’t it? That’s what RIF is all about.

January’s RIF sponsor is Nestle. Remember that jingle? N-E-S-T-LES. Nestle’s makes the very best…chocolate. Mmmmm…chocolate. I could go for a Butterfinger right now. Or a Baby Ruth. No, I’m sticking with the Butterfinger…peanut buttery chocolate bliss. Mmmmmm.

Um, where was I? Oh, yeah. RIF. Check out how you can help Nestle share the joy of reading here.

And thanks again to all y’all who’ve shared the joy of reading my humble blog. HUGE chocolate hugs are winging their way to you!