Today is January 16, 2012, and America is observing Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s birthday. I missed the marches, parades and other celebrations because I used this holiday weekend, like so many others, to visit my mommy. So while most of my friends and family went to events or spent time resting, I was driving back to Florida with my baby girls and grandson. What an interesting ride! LOL
In between refereeing the girls’ many arguments, laughing over their crazy observations and entertaining ‘lil man to keep him from crying, I had a lot of time to think. Because Dr. King’s speeches have been in heavy rotation all weekend, my thoughts kept returning to him. What would he say about today’s America? How far had we come to achieve the many facets of his dream? And what more do we have to do?
As I pondered these thoughts, I started thinking about my own journey. As I looking back over my time on this side of the Jordan, I realized that many of Dr. King’s aspirations and hopes have manifested themselves in my life. I have earned a bachelor’s degree from one of the finest institutions of higher learning (Rattler for life baby!), in spite of being the product of two love-confused teenagers who had not finished high school. In spite of some temporary financial setbacks, my husband and I have owned a home. Yes, we have lived the “two and a half kids, home with a picket fence and a garage and two vehicles in the yard” dream. Big C and I have both worked hard to achieve management-level positions in our careers. Both of us have even operated our own businesses that served people from all types of backgrounds. And I have not only registered, but voted without fail since my 18th birthday.
But then I found myself digging deeper? Yes, I could see Dr. King’s dream come alive in my own world, but what vision did I have? What would my legacy be? If you turn to Habakkuk 2:2 in the King James Version of the Bible, you will find these words: “And the Lord answered me and said, “Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.”
See, I, too, have a dream…a vision. Am I a prophet like Jeremiah, Isaiah, Elijah or Habakkuk? No, I don’t even proclaim to be. But I came to realize long time ago that I my love of writing wasn’t just for me. It was a gift that the Almighty intended me to share with others. Through it, I might be able to bring about personal “Ah-ha” moments like my pretend mama Oprah or South Florida brother Rod J. And if it tickles you along the way…oh well, that’s a bonus.
Through my writing I want to be a voice for those who have been muted. If you have ever felt ignored, was too afraid to speak, or was forced to zip it, then I want to speak for you. When you read my prose, I want you to jump up and say “That’s what I’m talking about D’Anne.”
I want lift up anyone who has found themselves knocked down by life. I hope to bring courage to those who have been bound by their fear. I desire to inspire confidence in those who have been afraid to embrace their beauty…those who have come to believe others’ declarations of their ugliness. I want someone to read something I wrote and suddenly walk with a swagger. Yep, I want them to feel as phenomenal as I did after I received my first taste of Maya Angelou.
Now don’t get confused. I want to be a best-selling author. The writer who says he or she doesn’t…trust me, you have just heard a lie. I wouldn’t mind writing myself straight into a millionaire existence. I remember watching an interview of Oprah where she made no apologies for being rich and successful. In fact, she loved it. I hear you girl…that’s gonna be me when I grow up. LOL
So as I drove along earlier this evening, I received the confirmation of this blogging journey. I am nearing the end and things are coming into focus. My thoughts, while random at times, have a purpose. And once written, those thoughts give voice to others. My ramblings…excuse me...my observations may not be as profound as the ones expressed by Dr. King, but that’s okay with me. See my writing is liberating! And if only one person gets it, I will be quite tickled!