As we celebrate the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., we must remember the work that still needs to be done. His message and wisdom are reminders that each of us have the responsibility of making this world a better place. We must begin with ourselves. In our homes, and especially as we raise our children. We have to lead by example by being the conscience adult that is of service and recognizes what is needed in order to be the best person possible. Although King’s messaging was focused on human rights, it also applies perfectly to our most sacred relationships, our marriage. Here are a few of Dr. King’s quotes that speak life into our marriages.

“We must accept finite disappointment, but never lose infinite hope.” Couples will have moments where their marriage won’t look exactly like they thought it would. We can’t be afraid of disappointments we experience with our spouse. Every challenge should make us stronger and better overall. Difficulties are temporary, limited. But the joy you can bring to your marriage is limitless.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness; only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate; only love can do that.” Sometimes we have to love our partners through their struggle. Partners should take turns being the example and the light in the relationship by making necessary sacrifices.

“Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a permanent attitude.” Do you know the power forgiveness has on a marriage? It shifts the relationship and transports it back to happy. It is an ongoing commitment every couple must make.

“I have decided to stick with love. Hate is too great a burden to bear.”
We all must remember love is a verb and we should always experience it and deliver it more than we hear it.

“Faith is taking the first step even when you don’t see the whole staircase.” In a marriage it’s about taking the initiative and being the spouse you’d like your partner to be. Without concern about what they will do in return. It’s taking a chance to love unconditionally even when you don’t know the results.

“Life’s most persistent and urgent question is, ‘What are you doing for others?” Simple yet necessary. Always ask, what am I doing for my spouse?

“Never succumb to the temptation of bitterness.” Don’t hold on to anything negative in your marriage. Communicate about what you feel and focus on solutions.

“Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things that matter.”
Your marriage matters and we must speak up when we think about it’s well being. Brag about it to others, discuss what’s bothering you in your own, and speak life to other marriages around you. Solid marriages strengthen our communities. We must stop thinking ours doesn’t matter.

“We may have all come on different ships, but we’re in the same boat now.”
You and your spouse have different upbringings, but your common goal is creating the best marriage possible, together.

“The ultimate measure of a man is not where he stands in moments of comfort and convenience, but where he stands at times of challenge and controversy.” Do you shut down, accept responsibility and look for ways to grow during adversity? What you do during the trials says more about your commitment to the marriage than what you do when times are good.

I am grateful for Dr. King’s message and will continue to carry his words of wisdom with me in every area of my life, including my marriage.