Do What Is Right

In an age when immorality and all around bad behavior is being modeled by everyone from politicians and celebrities to our own neighbors, I want to remind us all of this quote by Dr. Martin Lutheran King Jr.

The time is always right to do what is right.

As everyday Americans, we may not have control over the big things or over what those around us do but we can control our own choices.

Be kind to someone who can offer nothing in return. Share the good stories. Compliment a stranger. Support the businesses and organizations that uphold values you can live with. Let others know they aren’t alone. Model the behavior you want to see in others.

Do the right thing even when no one is looking and even when there’s nothing in it for you.

If enough of us choose this path, maybe we can balance out the cruelty and apathy this world has become so accepting of lately.

Do what is right.

The Lorraine Motel and Dr. King

Several years ago I took a wonderful trip through Tennessee, visiting both Memphis and Nashville. Our time in Nashville was fun but Memphis is one of my favorite places on Earth. There’s amazing music everywhere, not to mention the food, the history and a sense that you’re the first to discover all that’s amazing here.

This trip has been top of mind the last few days with the approach of Martin Luther King, Jr. Day. You see, Memphis is home to the National Civil Rights Museum which is located at the Lorraine Hotel where Dr. King was assassinated in 1968.

Visiting here was moving. It was informative. It was sobering. And it is something I would do all over again if I ever have a chance. Sadly, it did nothing to piece together in my mind how anyone can be so hateful and intolerant to another human or group of humans. That, I will never understand.

You can read about the museum at the link above if you’re interested. Here are a few pictures from my visit.

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In case you would like to know more, the Lorraine Motel had a rich history even before Dr. King stayed here. You can read about it here.

The time is always right to do what is right. 

Martin Luther King Jr.