“Be an example to all believers in what you say, in the way you libe, in your love, your faith and your purity.” (I Timothy 4:12b)
Being February, Black History Month, I have found myself looking back over my life. Specifically I was focusing on times where I influenced others in a positive way and how that influence brought about perpetual change, impacting individuals over decades. Specifically I had a flashback of being an 18-19 year old young man who observed some inequalities in the workplace. It was an affiliate of one of the major networks at the time and there were only a couple of Blacks employed. Probably moved or motivated by the civil rights movement, I spoke with the General Manager about what I was seeing in terms of hiring and promotions. Remember, here I am a teenager on my first job. As I describedwhat I felt was needed, I talked in a respectful, yet truthful way. The GM let me know that he did not owe me and “expletive” thing. I left feeling like my purpose was unfulfilled. However, I believe I brought about positive change. The hiring of Blacks and the promotion of Blacks started happening. Chamge took place, Today, as I look at the on aire personalities, I believe thatthere is a connection between the increase of minorities and women hired and places in their positions and my visitin the late 1960’s to the General Manager’s office. I believe my action could fall under the category of bringing about perpetual change; change that is still happening.
I did not write this to start a parade of employees into their general manager’s office, No, I wrote this to simply show that our behavior, our choices on howto act, if done right, we can bring about perpetual change in ou rhomes, our workplace, and our nation. We just needto show integrity, including expressing our opinion when it is unpopular, recognizing the truth is the truth. And, we need to show forth our righteous behavior so we can impact and influence others, leaving them with a good example to follow. Consider how you are influencing others today. Set out to be the salt of the eart; perfecting, purifying, protecting, and perserving the world around you and in the future. Be responsible for perpetual change. Be blessed!
“You are the salt of the earth.” (Matthew 5;13a)
Still committed to the climb,
Mark L. King