By Bob Reilly –

Rideshare by Robert: Every Ride’s a Short Story, contains stories, observations, inspirations, and reflections resulting from a 7-Year, 25,000 ride journey before, during and after the Covid-19 Pandemic.

Here’s one story from the book:

Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.

Passions were running high, and confusion, fear and chaos reigned. And as human nature would have it, anytime something goes wrong, or can’t be explained, people are quick to find scapegoats. Some persons or groups are to blame for the ills of society, and global pandemics are a trigger point as good as any.

Emotional instability, uncertainty, and fear make for ready soil to plant distorted ideas and easy finger-pointing. A perfect storm scenario for opportunists of every stripe, political belief, or otherwise to fill the void of normalcy. Such was our global environment during this crisis. All solidifying the notion that chaos does indeed offer great opportunities.

There was no more tolerance for moderate or middle-of-the-road politics. A person had to choose sides, and be all in. The very thick lines were drawn.

The idea of collegiate or civil relationships with the other side was, and remains to this day, unacceptable to many. The very idea of negotiation was viewed as treasonous. This lack of civility, and hatred towards opposing parties, groups, sexes, races, and viewpoints, trickled down and out from leaders into mainstream society.

The impact of this global, top-down poisoning will be felt for generations. Politics was virtually becoming the blood sport, as it’s often termed.

More like watching ESPN Extreme Games than a time-honored tradition of a politician being a servant of the people. An extreme sport married with extreme theater.

So, here we are today.

My hope is for a more compassionate, and truly tolerant future for all people worldwide as I share this writing from our shared Covid history.

I almost made a commitment to myself to disengage from social media for a while and simply, let it be.

I can’t.

I’m a writer.

I’m a seeker of the truth. I cannot sit silent. I will not apologize for who I am.

Every week, while driving in the city of Washington, D.C., I am reminded of Martin Luther King when I drive by his memorial statue off Independence Ave., or when I drive on Martin Luther King Ave. in Southeast. Then, of course, when we celebrate his life in January every year as a federal holiday.

In addition, I cannot count the number of riders who bring up Dr. King in their conversations. The current state-of-affairs, in our country and around the world, is heartbreaking.

Vision and love are lacking among many world leaders, thus, the life of Martin Luther King is further amplified as an iconic standout. He had both the gift of vision and love, and as a vessel of God’s purpose, Dr. King marched forward, and his message was clear.

I completely understand why this current social-political movement disassociates from him and his call for peaceful protests.

To some, Dr. King was simply not radical, violent, or extreme enough to be considered a prominent figure in alignment with the by any means necessary mantra of today.

I just want you to know, that for me and many other people around the world, he helped bridge some of the racial divides through his heart for all humanity. His non-violent heart for humanity, inspired by the non-violent protests model established by Mahatma Ghandi.

Ghandi forged a successful non-violent social-political movement in India based on his country’s Buddhist teachings.

Both “morally and practically” committed to nonviolence, King believed that “the Christian doctrine of love operating through the Gandhian method of nonviolence was one of the most potent weapons available to oppressed people in their struggle for freedom” (King, Stride, 79; Papers 5:422).

Many considered the social change realized through Dr. Luther King’s inspired and bold approach to protesting was the 2nd civil war in the U.S.

His dream was our collective dream.

His life, unwavering faith, clarity, and his dedicated pursuit of truly non-violent protests exemplified self-control, grace, and undeniable maturity in a time when such constraint must have been unbearable for a Black man in this country. Through Jim Crow racism, God’s spirit shouldered his burden and elevated him above the fray. Dr. King’s words, seasoned with determination and clarity, will inspire humankind long after the violence, hate, destruction, and the many isms associated with this present moment in history, pass on.

Thank you, Martin Luther King, for being a positive and desperately needed example of love and hope to and for humankind.

Thank you for laying down your life in pursuit of your calling.

As an artist, I realize sometimes stark contrasts bring out the beauty of a composition. His social justice movement, and his very life, are a stark contrast to the current movement we see around the globe today.

I believe his own words summed up this concept brilliantly.

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.”

Dr. Martin Luther King’s life was, and is, beautiful to behold. The light of his life shines even more powerfully in the darkness of this present age.

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The book, Rideshare by Robert: Evey Ride’s a Short Story, by Bob Reilly is available online everywhere including the publisher, BookLocker, as well as Amazon, Barnes & Noble, and Walmart.

YouTube

Reach out to him directly if you want a Personalized Signed Copy. He will be available at “Band & Book” and “Meet The Author” events.

Three events are scheduled for this week:
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Jan. 19th New Deal Café “Band & Book” Greenbelt, Maryland

Jan. 22nd New Deal Café “Meet The Author/Band & Book (Acoustic)”

Jan. 21st VFW Wheaton, MD “Band & Book”

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