Intrinsic

Mine. It’s one of those four letter words we learn early. Ask any two year old refusing to share what’s theirs. Mine declares possession. Mine proclaims ownership. Even at that young age, mine speaks of boundaries not to be crossed. Granted, we all have to learn to share and grow out of that two year old mentality. However, intrinsic to each of us belongs something we will never have to share—our worth and our value.

We are “endowed by [our] Creator with certain unalienable rights.” This creed laid the foundation of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.’s dream. From 1776 to 1963 to 2020, since before the foundations of the world, dignity distinguished every human. In claiming dignity, we cry, “Mine.”

When we cry for justice, we cry for dignity. When we respect the worth and value of ourselves and others, we land in that place of dignity. Dr. King pointed us in this direction when he appealed for his children to be judged by the content of their character. Issues of dignity rest within the quality of character.

As my Pastor preached tonight, with regard to current events, he commented how, “Times like these reveal our true character.” When Dr. King dressed in a suit and tie while marching alongside others similarly dressed, they demonstrated their intrinsic dignity as they gathered with a peaceful purpose.

What reveals the quality of a person’s character can be measured in how they regard themselves and others. Part of realizing our own intrinsic worth and value, and regarding others in that same way, comes in having dignity. This dignity—respectfully acknowledging the worth and value of each person—is what we can offer to one another. With words unspoken to say, “I see you and you matter to me.”

May this be our method as we confront injustice.

May we hold each other in respect.

May we listen well while engaging others.

May we extend dignity.