Article by: Sarah Koontz, Founder of Living by Design Ministries
I don’t know about you, but all of these holidays tend to run together in my mind….Columbus Day, Labor Day, Martin Luther King Jr. Day.
I find that I enjoy the idea of a break from the hustle and bustle but rarely take time to consider the person or reason behind the holiday.
But today is different.
Today I’m choosing to take a moment to remember the man whose dreams changed our world, and I hope you will join me.
The man we are remembering today was a dedicated father and minister, a man with a clear mission and vision for his life.
I am certain that Martin Luther King Jr. was far from perfect, but there was something special about him.
So special that nearly 50 years after his death our nation slows down for a full day to remember his powerful message of equality and civil rights.
My mother and father had the privilege a few years back of meeting Dr. King’s youngest daughter Bernice, and her family.
She was interested in the unique health concepts that my father writes about in his books, and she invited my parents to the annual celebration of her father’s life at Ebenezer Church in Atlanta, GA.
My parents were honored to meet the entire King family on that trip, including Bernice’s mother, Coretta.
Although she was only 5 years old when her father was assassinated, Bernice has dedicated her life to carrying on his legacy.
I love this quote from Bernice:
Say that out-loud with me: We too have a calling and an assignment in life!!!
I believe that there is a part of each of us that wants to impact the world in such a profound way that we will be remembered long past our time here on earth.
We each have a unique set of talents, skills and passions and it is our responsibility to focus and direct those passions for the greater good.
No matter what your journey looks like, or what dreams you are pursuing, having a clear purpose and goal set out before you will increase your chances of success ten-fold!
It’s not always easy to sit down and put words to your hopes and dreams, but it is a worthwhile endeavor.
Just imagine what our world would have been like if Martin Luther King had never taken the time to write out his hopes and dreams!
I spent the first few weeks of January establishing my mission, vision, and purpose for the year. I then took all of that information and compiled it into my own Manifesto.
This exercise helped me to define my purpose, goals, and vision for my career and narrow my focus on the things that truly matter.
Whether you are a full-time mom, a teacher, a pastor or a writer like me, taking a few moments at the beginning of the new year to establish your purpose, mission, and vision is a worthwhile endeavor.
No matter what your journey looks like, or what dreams you are pursuing, having a clear purpose and goal set out before you will increase your chances of success ten-fold!
It’s not always easy to sit down and put words to your hopes and dreams, but it is a worthwhile endeavor.
A Glimpse Inside My Personal Manifesto
My constant prayer is that my only passion be for Christ.
To make Him known.
To honor Him with each moment of my day, every word on the page.
I am slowly learning that my writing career isn’t about me, it’s about Him.
In the upcoming year, I long for….
More of Him in my heart.
More of Him in my words.
More of Him in my future.
And more of Him means less of me.
Less of me in my heart.
Less of me in my words.
Less of me in my future.
I believe that writing can become my personal stairway to heaven, if I write for HIM.
Write for HIM and no one else.
Then I will become a channel of God’s resources rather than a reservoir.
I am not sure where this writing journey will take me, but I will continue to pray that God gives me words that are filled with hope and faith to share with my readers.
And emboldens me to share my story without fear of what others may think of me, in hopes that my story will inspire others to embrace their own!
