Visiting a new city is always exciting to me, like wearing a new pair of shoes out to début. I recently slipped on a pair like that during our family vacation to Atlanta, Georgia. We arrived on a sunny day, which was in stark contrast to the week of grey skies we’d just left behind.

The city’s skyline was a collection of modern architecture with glass panelled buildings, lit tops and ornate rooftops. People seemed happy; maybe it was the Friday effect. We took a trolley around downtown for only a couple of dollars (pretty reasonable) and opened our eyes a little wider to take in all the interesting sights. There were many parks, water fountains, university campuses and all sorts of landmarks. Trees are not abundant around downtown Atlanta, and some areas were a bit overwhelming but the urbanism is still pleasant.

We made our way to the Martin Luther King, Jr. historical site and explored. Sweet Auburn Avenue is certainly rich with African-Americans heritage and history. I would argue it is also a significant point of reference for the ideas of equality, peace and, dare I say,- love?!
As I read the different displays and observed the people in the museum, I could not help but feel moved by the legacy this man has left behind.

Walking along the same street where a young ML King, Jr. May have played ball and attended church touched my heart.
It has been just fifty years since African-Americans were given the right to vote, a right my generation takes for granted. It was moving to read and hear clips of ML King, Jr. asking his people to choose peace; to resist the temptation to use violence to prove their point.

Choosing the peaceful way wasn’t easy for Americans in those days of segregation but it certainly paid off. King chose to slip on the tight shoes of his calling, and never let go of it. He walked alongside those he desperately wanted to help empower, not to be above others, but simply to seek equal rights for all.

But what does this matter to a Latino gal who happens to live in a country like Canada? It served as a reminder to me that activism is not only protesting, lobbying, fighting…or endless petitions on social media. We can bring about political or social change without hurting people. This all made me realize the privileges I enjoy today are relatively new and shouldn’t be taken for granted. Not EVER. This challenged my outlook, making me see everyone as a fellow citizen, casting out prejudices that creep into my mind. (Those who claim to never have these “anti-” thoughts are simply not human.)

Our greatest challenge is, still today, to choose peace. It is a constant battle between pride and humility. It is choosing peace when you face insults or discrimination. It is realizing that common sense and education are still hostages of a ‘shocking-seeking” society; hungry for entertainment and anything that would distract us from doing life.

The best strategy for winning the battle is the greatest command; “Do to others as you would have them to do unto you.” Wearing the shoes of our fellow human would certainly open our eyes to different kinds of pain, struggles, victories, and needs. The shoes may feel too big, too small or simply unbearable, but regardless of the fit, they will provide a broader perspective that will make us better people.

Take the chance. Do Love and shoes!

“Do to others as you would have them do to you.” Luke 6:31 (NIV)