What are you doing for Others?

Today’s blog was inspired by an email I read today that came from UWBA over the weekend asking for volunteers for MLK Day of Service.  This blog I speak for myself, and not on behalf of anyone else.   I was interested to learn more, and being inspired by what MLK Day of Service was about, I thought I would share …

Did you know, for those non-US citizens … each year, on the third Monday in January in the United States, there is a MLK Day of Service that is observed as a “day on, not a day off.” MLK is short for Martin Luther King, a man of change.  The MLK Day of Service is intended to empower individuals, strengthen communities, bridge barriers, create solutions to social problems, and move us closer to Dr. King’s vision of a “Beloved Community.” Philadelphia is the birthplace of this day, which is now far and wide across the US.  January 21st was chosen in honour of Dr King’s birth.  He would strive not just one day, but every day in a year, to make a difference, either his fight for social justice and civil rights, or to serve his communities. 

In my humble opinion, what a great day to celebrate and to get out there and do something to help the community; but why stop at one day?  Should not “serve others” be something that is instilled in each of us no matter what country and where we live, be every day, no matter how big or small? 

Amongst those organisations that was promoting such a significant day, the Organisation I had the priviledge of working with when I was in San Francisco, United Way Bay Area.  I received an email that shared what they were organizing as several volunteer opportunities to get boots on the ground and hands in the field. A quote they published … By the man himself, Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. once said, “Life’s most persistent and urgent question is: ‘What are you doing for others?‘”  If you missed the activities, there are plenty of other ways to get involved on another day/s. you can view their activities and calendar.

Although I am not in the US, and wasn’t able to partake in the MLK Day of Service, I personally do strive to help others where I possibly can, as regularly as I can.  And serving others, this can mean helping family, this can be helping a complete stranger, or volunteering at a Foundation or Not for Profit organisation.  There are many ways to serve!

One of my recent goodwill for serving others was in fact over the weekend just been, helping a pensioner.  My story … a pensioner had come into the hairdressers where I was getting my hair done, having some me time.  Mary, whom apparently lived close by, walked in asking about public transport.  When questioned if she was alright, she burst into tears.  She was so upset as her husband was in hospital after having a stroke, and she wanted to go and visit him.  With no license, and her son not able to take her at that time, she was desperate to be by his side.  She was trying to find out what time the next bus was.  Being the weekend, and because she was so upset, I did not hesitate to order her an Uber and thought nothing of paying the fare.  So after a teary hug from Mary, asking my name through her tears, I made sure she was safely in the car, and asked the driver to take Mary wherever she needed to go.  My heart melted for her, but being of service can do that for you, open and expand your heart!

So I wonder, how many of my followers in the US got involved in the MLK Day of Service? If not in the US, what recent goodwill story do you have? Why not comment below, and share.  I would really love to hear your personal stories, and what activities you got up to! 

Great movie to watch – click here
MLK Autobiography – click here