Top Ten Things Not to Do on Martin Luther King Jr. Day

January 18, 2021 · by · in Ten Things Not to Do · 73 Comments

Photo by Clay Banks – Unsplash

It has been 93 years since Martin Luther King Jr was born. Today we celebrate his birth, although the actual day was January 15th. Today’s Top Ten is a focus on just one thing not to do. Do not hate your neighbor and take a lesson from Dr. King’s non-violent approach to change.

I wish for a day of peace that will become so comfortable that it extends into a week, then a month, then a year. Who knows? It could last a lifetime.

Let’s hope Dr. King’s example serves to guide our behavior going forward.

Tags: , , , , , , , , , , ,

73 comments

  1. Gwen M. Plano · ·

    Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. was/is one of my heroes. We need his leadership now, if not in our Capitol, then in the streets and in our hearts. “We may have all come on different ships, but we are in the same boat now.” So simple, so relevant, so true. Thank you for focusing on him today, John. ✨💗✨

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I agree on the need for leadership. It has to come from the people. Thank you, Gwen.

      Liked by 1 person

  2. Victoria Ray NB · ·

    wonderful message for this day or any day, really 💙💙📚☕️

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, VR. 🍩☕️ 😁

      Liked by 1 person

  3. Dan Antion · ·

    Excellent, John. That’s a perfect wish. Thanks for reminding us of a great man and his wonderful dream.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Dan

      Liked by 1 person

  4. Pit · ·

    I’m hoping with you, John.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Maybe a great sea of hope will turn the tide. Thanks, Pit.

      Liked by 1 person

  5. Jill Weatherholt · ·

    Dr. King’s message has never been more important. Thank you, John.

    Liked by 3 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Jill. 😊

      Like

  6. Frank @ Beach Walk Reflections · ·

    Perfect words for today, tomorrow, and the tomorrows to come. If people only knew – so I shake my head at those who still do not acknowledge his cause.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yes indeed, Frank.

      Like

  7. Staci Troilo · ·

    Amen.

    Liked by 2 people

  8. patgarcia · ·

    Hi John,
    I too wish for peace but a peace that exists in a loving and forgiving environment where people respect one another and agree that it’s okay to disagree. If that happens no one needs to be afraid and the next generations will grow up in safety instead of hatred.

    Shalom aleichem

    Liked by 4 people

    1. Liz Gauffreau · ·

      Well said, Pat.

      Liked by 1 person

    2. John W. Howell · ·

      A tall wish, Pat. As I look around I see both sides of the political spectrum spewing the same venom. Dr. King’s lessons are being universally ignored. Shalom.

      Like

  9. Dale · ·

    Beautifully said, John. Love over hate. Always. It would change the world if everyone decided to choose love.

    Liked by 4 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      It can start as a small movement and build. Unfortunately the government isn’t the answer either. As we swing into a socialist phase there will be more hatred espoused by both sides. Thank you, Dale.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Dale · ·

        Yes, it can.
        And no, government is not the answer. What you guys need is a third party to pop up, right in the middle…

        Liked by 2 people

  10. Liz Gauffreau · ·

    It takes people to keep Dr. King’s dream alive and see it come to fruition. Count me in.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Liz.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Liz Gauffreau · ·

        You’re welcome, John.

        Liked by 1 person

  11. Teri Polen · ·

    Perfect.

    Liked by 1 person

  12. Darlene · ·

    This is a perfect Top Ten for today. Thanks.

    Like

  13. markbierman · ·

    Amen to that, John.

    Like

  14. Charlotte Hoather · ·

    I wish for peace for the USA this week.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thnk you, Charlotte. We welcome your wish. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  15. Teagan Riordain Geneviene · ·

    Simply and eloquently to the point, John. Terrific sentiment and post. Hugs on the wing.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Teagan. Hugs

      Like

  16. Debbie · ·

    Well said, John! Peace and an end to hate are worth working for.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      They sure are, Debbie. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  17. Baydreamer · ·

    Perfect message and wish, John! Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Lauren. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

  18. Jan Sikes · ·

    I share your wish for peace, John. Thank you!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Jan

      Like

  19. Book Club Mom · ·

    I’m hopeful, John. Thanks for sharing this. I love that statue/sculpture.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      It is beautiful. Thanks, Barbara.

      Liked by 1 person

  20. D.L. Finn, Author · ·

    Yes, perfect thing to take away from Martin Luther King, John. I hope many hear his message today and every day.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I do too, Denise. Thank you.

      Liked by 1 person

  21. B R Chitwood · ·

    We need a ‘calming and soothing’ air to wash over the people, to fill their hearts and minds…sweet whispers from God to take away the greed and hate!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      If only, Billy Ray. If only that would happen.

      Like

  22. Becky Ross Michael · ·

    Such an important hope!

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Becky. Maybe the most important right now. 😊

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Becky Ross Michael · ·

        Probably so!

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😊

        Liked by 1 person

  23. Susannah Bianchi · ·

    I so loved this John. You said so much with very few words, the same way he did. I have a lump in my throat now. Thank you. 🙂

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I think we all ought to have a collective lump in our throat. Thank you so much for your lovely comment, Susannah. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Susannah Bianchi · ·

        No, thank you John.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        😊

        Like

  24. Marie A Bailey · ·

    You have the perfect perspective, John, and I do believe it is shared by many. Thank you for this post ❤

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you for the comment, Marie. 🤗

      Liked by 1 person

  25. Luanne · ·

    Oh, I love that! Hate is such a poison.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      It is, Luanne. Thank you.

      Like

  26. petespringerauthor · ·

    So sad that history continues to repeat itself. Generations of hate can take a long time to overcome.

    I loved the curriculum teaching fifth-grade as social studies were all about US history. We spent a lot of time studying the civil rights movement, acting out the Rosa Parks bus ride. It was an age when we could get into important issues in-depth.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Hate is a tough one, Pete.

      Liked by 1 person

  27. shoreacres · ·

    It’s a shame that this year’s celebration was overshadowed by events that he would have condemned. Perhaps by next year, we can have regained our senses, and the remembrance of his life and legacy can be more focused.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      I agree. Looking forward to next year. Thanks, Linda

      Like

  28. Kim of Glover Gardens · ·

    Yes! But let’s go beyond hope to ACTION.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Sounds good to me.

      Liked by 1 person

  29. Don Massenzio · ·

    Excellent message, John. It’s especially fitting for this week as we (hopefully) witness a peaceful transfer of power.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      There is seems to be enough firepower on the mall in DC for a peaceful transfer. Let’s hope all those knuckleheads decide to do something else like go to McDonalds instead of starting trouble. Thanks, Don.

      Liked by 1 person

      1. Don Massenzio · ·

        Ironic that you need firepower to keep things peaceful. I don’t envy those poor military folks having to protect the area from our own misguided citizens.

        Liked by 1 person

      2. John W. Howell · ·

        I agree. But we can’t repeat the mistake made by the DC police.

        Liked by 1 person

  30. circadianreflections · ·

    Great message and tribute to MLK, John!

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Deborah.

      Liked by 1 person

  31. noelleg44 · ·

    Too bad too many of us have seem to have forgotten his message.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Yes it is too bad, Noelle. Maybe over time we’ll remember.

      Liked by 1 person

  32. Sorryless · ·

    Beautifully said, Boss.

    Liked by 1 person

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Marc.

      Liked by 2 people

  33. Jennie · ·

    Hear, hear! This was just perfect, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      😊

      Liked by 2 people

  34. Andrew Joyce · ·

    Good one, John.

    Liked by 2 people

    1. John W. Howell · ·

      Thank you, Andrew.

      Liked by 1 person

%d bloggers like this: