Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Day

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” – Martin Luther King Jr., Strength to Love, 1963 Dr. King’s words remain true today in many ways. They’re true if someone has an addiction to drugs or alcohol, because addiction is a time of challenge and controversy. Addiction tests us mentally, physically, and spiritually. It can damage or destroy our health, relationships, careers, well-being, and so many aspects of our lives. There’s also controversy surrounding addiction as well. People question what addictions are and how people should treat them. Sadly, they even stigmatize people with addictions. Stigmatization isn’t the answer, of course. People with addictions don’t lack morals, they have a disease. How they face this disease defines their characters—the disease doesn’t define them. People who admit they have problems with addiction and go to rehab centers to address these problems are taking action. They’re courageous and doing things that are incredibly difficult. Dr. King displayed tremendous bravery by saying and doing difficult things in difficult times. He did these things because he felt they were right and needed to be done, despite the consequences. As we know, the consequences were severe and Dr. King was killed in 1968. His legacy of bravery, action, and eloquence continues as we honor him on Martin Luther King Jr. Day and the rest of the year. We honor Dr. King and everyone who stands strong in times of challenge and controversy as well as times of comfort and convenience.

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