Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was a man of great courage and influence. Dr. King stepped out in faith with every act. He stood on his faith and standards in fighting for the rights of others. Dr. King was one man with a plan who made a tremendous difference in the Civil Rights fight.

“The time is always right to do what is right,” Martin Luther King, Jr. I want to challenge us all to take this quote to heart. We have choices every day. We can choose hate over love and division over inclusion. Redirect the first thought if it is negative. Redirection of our thoughts prioritizes the good over the bad, right over wrong.

Choosing right over wrong has been around since Adam and Eve. They lived in the presence of the God Almighty and chose wrong. The cycle continues today. We are confronted with decisions every day. When we make a choice on impulse, the decisions don’t take into account our moral or ethical values. Taking time to breathe, consider the consequences and weigh the importance of the decision allows us to make the right choice.

I want to challenge us all in the coming days, weeks, and months to take the time to breathe, consider and weigh our options in choosing what is right.

Choose forgiveness.

Choose hope.

Choose mercy.

Choose faith.

Choose love.

Choose inclusion.

Choose to do right, now.

“Use me, God. Show me how to take who I am, who I want to be, and what I can do, and use it for a purpose greater than myself.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.