January 2022 Newsletter
Article by Judy Wieber
As I sat and thought about what I might write, many thoughts and images came to my mind.  
I thought about how throughout the holiday season, many of our traditions call for us to light a candle, a light to be seen against the darkness.
    
Light has been depicted as a symbol of hope, something to hold on to, something to treasure. It is a source of calm and refuge to the sailor, navigating the rough seas in the dark.

I thought about what gives us, a people who need to overcome challenges, the same feelings of hope and guidance. Then it occurred to me. Words spoken from leaders serve as hope and guidance. People we can relate to and gravitate towards when we are not sure where to go.  

I know for myself, I am greatly inspired by two great leaders who both have birthdays in the month of January, Louis Braille and Martin Luther King. 

Louis Braille, who felt so strongly about his desire to read and write, created a tactile reading system, benefiting many people without vision.  He was a young person whose system was not accepted by those in authority.  His passion was so great, however, he did not let this opposition stop him from speaking out on behalf of his accessible written communication system.  He did not let those in authority shake him from his goal.  He had conviction, a belief in a dream. His determination and faith in his dream not only enhanced his own life, but the lives of many blind and visually impaired who lived after him.  

Martin Luther King, too spoke out about his insight and vision for all people to be treated equally with respect and dignity.  Though his passion cost him his life, it still did not stop his spirit or words from living on, carrying his dream, giving inspiration to many.
       
 Let the words of these two inspiring men be what guides us this year when we are called upon to advocate for ourselves in the workplace or in our communities when the role of advocate seems to be a hard and arduous task.
  
The following quotes are the inspirational words of Martin Luther King Jr.:  
 
"Almost always, the creative dedicated minority has made the world better."  

"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter."

"Faith is taking the first step even when you don't see the whole staircase."

"Human progress is neither automatic nor inevitable... Every step toward the goal of justice requires sacrifice, suffering, and struggle; the tireless exertions and passionate concern of dedicated individuals." 

"If a man hasn't discovered something that he will die for, he isn't fit to live."

"In the end, we will remember not the words of our enemies, but the silence of our friends." 

"Life's most persistent and urgent question is, 'What are you doing for others?'"

"Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness." 

May you all have a fantastic and adventurous and prosperous New Year!