Holding up our lanterns

One voice, one vision, one light at a time

"Each one of us has a couple of lanterns to hold up.

That's it, just hold them up.

Those are yours. And if we all do it, the whole path will be lit."

- Jen Hatmaker

Photo by Kornelia Kusiowska on Unsplash

Today, as we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., I'm reminded that transformation often begins with a single voice speaking truth.

Dr. King didn't wait for perfect circumstances to rise and speak. He led with hope and conviction, even in the face of overwhelming opposition. His vision of "Beloved Community" was a radical reimagining of how we could live together. He saw a world where conflicts would be resolved without bitterness, where economic justice would prevail, and where love and trust would triumph over fear and hatred. 

Most important, it was an invitation for each of us to step into our role as change-makers.

History reminds us that change often starts small, with one person choosing to speak, to act, to hold up a vision for what's possible.

Like many of you, I've been feeling the weight of these divided times. Last week, seeking some inspiration, I found myself returning to an episode of The Way of Love podcast with Bishop Michael Curry. Guest Jen Hatmaker reflected on how, throughout her life, people just a little further along the path helped light the way.  

"They had the kindness, the generosity of spirit to hold up a lantern," she said. "They held up their lights and said, 'This was my story, and this is how I got through.'"

Her words brought me hope and a renewed sense of purpose. When we share our light, we inspire change far beyond ourselves - and even beyond our own time.

Yes, change can feel painfully slow. Hatmaker didn’t sugarcoat it: "When it's in your time, it's so slow. When it's your generation, it's just so slow. The wheels of justice just grind." But they do turn. And this is our moment, our little stretch of time to lead and love with hope and integrity.

Think about it:

• When you create a space where members feel safe sharing their real challenges

• When you bridge differing viewpoints and open the door to honest conversation

• When you help someone see their potential and give them the courage to pursue it

You are holding up your lantern.

You don't have to be everything to everyone. Lest you feel daunted, Hatmaker encourages, "We can't do everything, but we can do something... Each of us has a couple of lanterns to hold up. That's it. Just hold them up with diligence and commitment. Those are yours. And if we all do it, the whole path will be lit."

Building beloved community in 2025 doesn't require grand gestures. It starts with bringing together real people with shared values and common purpose. Creating spaces where voices matter. Where different perspectives are met with genuine curiosity. Where people naturally step up for each other.

These are exactly the ideals we champion as community builders today.

And, this is how we transform isolation into connection, division into understanding, and uncertainty into hope. 

Want to put these ideas into action? Join me February 5th for "Community 2.0: Creating Your Strategic Framework for 2025." 

Just as Dr. King taught that sustainable change requires both personal transformation and collective action, we’ll explore how to build communities that inspire connection, growth, and shared impact. Whether you’re just starting or evolving an existing community, you’ll leave with clear strategies for building spaces that matter.

Join us Wednesday, February 5th, at 1 PM EST. 

In a world that can feel so divided, your light matters more than ever. The way you bring people together matters. And I'm so grateful to be walking this path with you.

Here's to lighting the way forward,

What's your lantern? How are you creating connection in your corner of the world?

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