Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr, was a man of nonviolence. He often preached on peace, justice and love. In the world today it is hard to see that peace, justice and love is working. When I think about what I, a ten year old girl, can do to stand up for peace, justice and love in our world, it was easy to respond first with a big NOTHING! But thinking more, I realized there were things that I COULD do.
For instance, if someone calls me out of my name, I could get mad, put my hands on them or call them a name right back. But that gets us nowhere and it makes me act like them. To move the world forward, I would remind them of my name and walk proudly away. I would pretty much ignore them and not let it bother me.
If two of my friends are arguing or throwing shade, I would ask them what the problem is and help them find a compromise. In the end the disagreement is over something that is not that important. We have to show love toward each other.
There was an issue in my community to have a statute removed. I took time to stand with a poster on the Main Street to show that the statute should be relocated because it was hurting people.
Also, I read books, I pray for others, I help those in need and I try to do the right thing. I listen to adults and I like to learn. While this may not seem like much, it is what I can do right now, at this point in my life, at the age of 10. As I get older I plan to do more.
Dr. King said, “If you can’t fly………. then run........if you can’t run…….then walk….if you can’t walk……..then crawl but whatever you do….you have to keep moving.” I plan to keep moving in the right direction for peace, justice and love in this world and in the community where I live.
Harper N. Lanier
Grade - 5
School – Davidson Charter Academy
Church – St. Stephen United Methodist – Lexington
Pastor – Rev. Dr. Arnetta D. Beverly