Only light, only love!

I can remember my first teaching job at the now closed French Elementary in Mississippi. I started my first official teaching job in January 2008. As I was thrust into a new position as an elementary gifted teacher, I was also able to witness the first of many MLK Day Oratorical competition preps. Our school counselor at the time worked hard to ensure all of the students and their submissions were well prepared. The theme each year was "Only Light, Only Love" taken from Dr. Martin Luther King Jr's famous quote,

"Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that!"

Watching those elementary babies write and recite amazing speeches about light and love never left my memory. I think about all of the ways darkness attempts to rule, but darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. The "only light, only love" mantra for me is a constant reminder to fight evil ,darkness, and hate with LOVE and LIGHT.

If children can learn that and operate from that perspective, why can't adults?

I will forever lead with love, no matter how much hate attempts to infiltrate. I will operate in light, no matter how dark the outside becomes! Only light, only love will live here!

If you decided to serve today in honor of Dr. King, good job! If you as a Black woman, decided to opt for rest instead, good job! I chose the latter. I live a life of servitude daily so rest is essential to my existence and both welcome and appreciated!

As we begin another week, focus on the light!

Love you!

MichelleRena