There comes a time when one must take a position
that is neither safe, nor politic, nor popular,
but he must take it because
conscience tells him it is right.
~ Martin Luther King Jr. ~
~
They are heroes today.
But they were revolutionaries in their time.
The ill-mannered louts at our polite tea parties.
They threatened our assumptions, our comfortable ideas about life and power.
They took the stands that weren’t “safe, nor politic, nor popular”.
~
First, we dismiss them.
Then we vilify them.
And then, if we are lucky and events force us to our senses – or if these people spend decades in prison, or, at worst, are assassinated – we deify them. Praise and beatify them for their courage.
Yesterday’s revolutionaries, today’s heroes.
Thank you, Martin Luther King, Mahatma Ghandi, Nelson Mandela
Thank you, Harriet Tubman, Rosa Parks, Viola Davis Desmond.
Thank you for daring to take a stand.
Did you go into the battle knowing that you would be vilified?
Did you know that it would take a long time to change our ignorant or hardened hearts?
Thank you for your courage.
~
Dedicated to people who take a stand against injustice.
Cynthia Reyes 
Well said, Cynthia! These are names that should never be forgotten because of the bravery of the people to whom they belonged. These people made a difference to everyone’s lives.
Yes, indeed, Clare. Well said.
They made a difference not just to the people who were oppressed, but to others as well.
Nicely expressed Cynthia and sadly true that we seem to need to go through this cycle. This is a clever way to honor Martin Luther King and the other brave souls who have paved the way for us.
May we remember and bless them.
Thank you, Brad. May others who also fight to do the right thing today be blessed. Even if they are not noticed or lauded.
I have to believe they did know the cost and were brave enough to move forward. There are also some brave souls we never hear of who fight their own small battles, but remain faithful to a cause they feel is just. Oh, to have that same courage even if no one notices.
So well said, Karen. Courage isn’t always measured by the big things that others notice, but by the small steps we take against adversity.
Well said Cynthia. And well done to all the unsung heroes who do stand up for what is right.
Amen to that!
Where would we be without those who made the ultimate sacrifice before us? The only ones who annoy me are those who show up to get publicity from what someone else did out of goodness.
Right on, Judy.
I think they did know, and that’s one of the things that makes them great.
I suspect that you’re right, Allen. Thanks for replying.
I am also thankful for all of the bloggers that reach out and offer encouragement and friendship to each other. It means so much to me.
Blessings,
Theresa
thanks for your reply, Theresa. I’m wishing you a good day.
A beautiful tribute, Cynthia. Thank you for reminding us all to be grateful for the courage of those who came before and to try to be brave when fighting our own small battles.
Their courage amazes me. It’s like volunteering to go into the lion’s den.
Yes, that’s right ! They show us the way , one that departs from cowardice , individualism , one that that does not focus on herself and knows revolt (or rebel ) when necessary
Do you ever wonder who will be our next heroes? We still need them.
I expect that they are among us now. But we won’t know for quite a while!
Powerful message. Courageous men and women who all had a dream.
Yes indeed.