Happy Martin Luther King Day!

A couple of years ago, I wrote an essay on my transformation from a traditional capitalist in search of money to a conscious capitalist who eventually creates meaningful work. This process of enlightenment occurred within the context of personal defining moments and external economic challenges.

In the essay, I quoted Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. from a 1960 Founder’s Day address at Spelman College in Atlanta, Georgia.  I believe his words ring true today, especially in the current economic climate.

One of the dangers we must always watch in our nation and in the system under which we live is known as capitalism. As you know, capitalism stresses the profit motive. Of course capitalism has done some marvelous things for our nation and the world. Through this economic system we have been able to build up the greatest system of production that the world has ever known, and we have become the richest nation in the world. All of this is marvelous. But the danger point is that we will become so involved in the profit-making and profit-getting aspects of capitalism that we will forget certain ends of life. There is always the danger that we will become more concerned about making a living than making a life that we will not keep that line of division between life and one’s livelihood. And there is also the danger that our system can lead to tragic exploitation. We must come out of the mountain and be concerned about a more humane and just economic order. And I say, this afternoon, that we cannot solve this problem by turning to Communism. Communism is based on an ethical relativism and a metaphysical materialism that no Christian can accept. I do believe that in America we must use our vast resources of wealth to bridge the gulf between abject, deadening poverty and superfluous, inordinate wealth. God has left enough space in this universe for all of his children to have the basic necessities of life.

You can read the entire essay, From Capital I to Capital We, here. Have a wonderful Martin Luther King, Jr. Day! 

Remembering Martin Luther King

My kids and I have been spending the morning remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. I am the product of parents who grew up in a segregated Atlanta, Georgia. Their generation was the first to taste "freedom". I am thankful for his great leadership and honor all those who endured intense bitterness and hatred as they crossed all of us over to a more just society. What a trememdous legacy!

Therefore, we have been viewing videos on You Tube. There, you will find a host of interviews, speeches, and sermons - some of which are very popular, others obscure. Here is an excerpt of a message on serving others: 

Whether we acknowledge it or not, we are reaping the benefits of Dr. King's life which was sown in this nation. Celebrate by remembering today.