Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community?

The dedication of the book Where Do We Go From Here: Chaos or Community by Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. reads:

"To the committed supporters of the civil rights movement, Negro and white, whose steadfastness amid confusions and setbacks gives assurance that brotherhood will be the condition of man, not the dream of man."

It is good to remember these words now when so many of us have been giving our souls to try and make positive change on the planet. We have been working, educating, writing, singing, organizing, creating, praying; and speaking with our families, neighbors, and strangers. Are our efforts in vain when it seems so little is being accomplished? Absolutely not.

Every time we take steps on behalf of the universe, in the name of love and truth, we change the world. Every time. That collective action creates big change. If we are lucky we get to see the moment when the tide shifts. But there are no guarantees, only dedication to our truths.

A movement would not be a struggle if it did not take some sacrifice and commitment. It is not always hard. It is not always easy. For many of us, this is the only way we know how to be and we have got to be willing to continue on—independent of the immediate results. There will always be a struggle for justice and balance. If we can detach from the outcome of our individual efforts then we can find our strength over and over again to keep moving forward.

So as we are contemplating where we are and where we go from here we have our answer already: from truth and love towards truth and love. Let that be our compass my friends and we will find the strength together to move forward as a whole. Even if some individuals don't make it all the way for whatever reason, the greater community of "we" will benefit from all our collective efforts over time.

More information about Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. can be found at The King Center.