Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was born on January 15, 1929 in Atlanta, Georgia in an America that judged many of its citizens "... by the color of their skin.." When he was assassinated on April 4, 1968 in Memphis, Tennessee, Dr. King's actions had started a movement that would not stop until our citizens were judged "...by the content of their character."
During history, most men who have created such a huge effect on their countries were military leaders or famous politicians. Dr. King was a minister who stood up and, like Mahatma Gandhi, a man he deeply admired, proved that a non-violent protest could overcome hate and legal barriers.
In 1964, at the age of 35, Dr. King became the youngest person ever to win the Nobel Peace Prize. After his death, Dr. King was awarded the Presidential Medal of Freedom and the Congressional Gold Medal. In 1986, Dr. King's birthday became a national holiday.
On the day before his death, Dr. King said the following words:
Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn't matter with me now. Because I've been to the mountaintop. And I don't mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I'm not concerned about that now. I just want to do God's will. And He's allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I've looked over. And I've seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I'm happy, tonight. I'm not worried about anything. I'm not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.
Here are some additional statements made by Dr. King that made it impossible for his dream of a "color-blind" America not to occur:
- A man who won't die for something is not fit to live.
- A nation or civilization that continues to produce soft-minded men purchases its own spiritual death on the installment plan.
- All labor that uplifts humanity has dignity and importance and should be undertaken with painstaking excellence.
- Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better.
- An individual has not started living until he can rise above the narrow confines of his individualistic concerns to the broader concerns of all humanity.
- Faith is taking the first step, even when you don't see the whole staircase.
- Hatred paralyzes life; love releases it. Hatred confuses life; love harmonizes it. Hatred darkens life; love illuminates it.
- It may be true that the law cannot make a man love me, but it can stop him from lynching me, and I think that's pretty important.
- Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.
- We must learn to live together as brothers or perish together as fools.
- Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.
- The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.
At Novus we take pride in helping courageous people who demonstrate the faith of people who have decided that they must beome free of drugs or alcohol. They may not be on the national stage but their efforts bring light to the world. We want to share one of their stories.
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Iron Worker:
(Xanax)
"To anyone with a problem like mine (Benzos) or opiates for others, I highly recommend Novus because of their knowledge of the length of time that danger of these withdrawal symptoms can last. Other detoxes back home in NY are all pretty clueless about this.
For me I can't say enough about all the staff, counselors, nurses and even the cooks were all very good to me. Friendly, fun, caring, cool people. There is a very comfortable, private, relaxing, no pressure atmosphere here. It's about getting you well.
Drug addiction is something I never thought would happen growing up as a young 16 year old iron worker. Instead of being in high school, I saw first hand alcoholism and drug addiction and swore that I would never become one. And now I am. The only way to live with affliction is 'one day at a time'." |
