How Purpose Overcomes Fear
by Rochelle Melander
Purpose encouraged Martin Luther King, Jr., in his fight against injustice.
In 1963, when Black people protested segregation in Birmingham, Alabama, they were often attacked by members of law enforcement. Baptist minister and Civil Rights Activist Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. participated in a Good Friday march, protested this brutal treatment of Black people. King and several organizers were arrested and jailed.
Eight white clergy members published a letter in the paper, encouraging King and the other protesters to be patient and work out their battle in the courts. They urged King to back off—and wait for a better time to fight this battle.
King wrote his 7000-word “Letter from a Birmingham Jail” to challenge them. King said, “This “Wait” has almost always meant “Never.” We must come to see, with one of our distinguished jurists, that ‘justice too long delayed is justice denied.’”
King’s letter was published in many newspapers and magazines across the country and helped set the stage for the March on Washington. In addition:
- Archbishop Desmond Tutu quoted the letter in his sermons
- Singer and songwriter Bob Marley kept a copy near him for inspiration
- Ghana’s Prime Minister’s children chanted from it as though Dr. King’s text were a holy writ.”
The Lesson: When King’s colleagues were telling him to be quiet and not make waves, King’s deep and abiding sense of purpose gave him the courage to fight against injustice.
Does fear hold you back?
Whenever we set out to do something big, we may feel fear. Our amygdala freaks out: why would you write a book? What will people think? What if it’s no good?
Rather than push forward, we procrastinate. We feel overwhelmed, so we don’t write anything. Maybe we look for a new project to work on. Or imagine a new computer program or notebook might help us write more easily.
The antidote is purpose. Studies demonstrate that people who have a strong sense of purpose experience lower levels of anxiety and depression. A strong sense of purpose, like King had, helps us navigate life’s challenges. We become better able to navigate stress. We are more resilient.
If you would like to reflect on your sense of purpose, your big “WHY” in the face of current adversity, consider coming to my class “The Power of Purpose.” You’ll learn about several writers who took decisive action because they felt the strong pull of purpose. You’ll also get the chance to examine your own purpose through multiple journaling exercises.
Write Now! Coach Rochelle Melander is an author and ADHD-trained professional certified coach. She helps wildly creative people get stuff done. From writing and publishing books to finishing that work project–she’s got you covered. If you’re struggling to start or finish a project, connect with Rochelle to create a personalized plan for overcoming procrastination, dealing with distraction, and staying focused. Book a private consultation: https://writenowcoach.com/consultation/
