Today is the national holiday to celebrate the birth of Martin Luther King, Jr. For many, it is a day off from work. Banks and post offices are closed and department stores are hosting sales. And personally, in our home, it is the frantic last day to finish science fair projects due tomorrow.But it is so much more.This country, my country, the country of my parents and the country of my children is better because Dr. King spoke to all hearts that would listen. He spoke to freedom. He spoke to morality. He spoke to humanity. And so I, as a Southern white girl, say thank you.Last year, I wrote this post and I think it still captures how I feel about this man, my hero, and his dream.

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All of us have dreams but few dream big enough for a nation.All of wish to make a mark on history but "few will have the greatness to bend history itself" as Robert Kennedy once remarked.All of us want to bring light to the world but few spark a light in souls everywhere.Martin Luther King, Jr. did all of that. He spoke not just to the hearts of African-Americans, he spoke to the heart of all Americans willing to listen. His dream was not just for his children but for all children. And he changed the future of my children and my country for the better.It is easy to think that he simply changed the lives of black Americans but there is no such thing as freedom for any if there is not freedom for all. My country would not be the country that I love if it were not for Dr. King. Beautiful, life-changing people might not have touched my life if it were not for him. So, thank you, Dr. King for opening our eyes to injustice, opening our minds to difference, and opening  our hearts to love -- love for all of God's humanity.May I allow my dreams to honor your greater dream. May my mark on history be worthy of the bends you made. May I carry your light in my heart and my life every day. Thank you for being my hero.

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And the words that drive me on the hardest of days.