What is your life's blueprint?

2020

Martin Luther King, Jr. spoke to the students at Barratt Junior High School in Philadelphia on October 26, 1967. The address has come to be known as the “What is your life’s blueprint?” speech. While his message was tailored to students who were still deciding what to be and how to serve, Dr. King’s message resonates over time and at any life stage.

As he said:

“And whenever a building is constructed, you usually have an architect who draws a blueprint. And that blueprint serves as the pattern, as the guide, as the model, for those who are to build the building. And a building is not well erected without a good, sound, and solid blueprint.”

Dr. King offered three principles of a good blueprint:

  1. “…A deep belief in your own dignity, your own worth, and your own somebodiness…”
  2. “…The determination to achieve excellence in your various fields of endeavor…”
  3. “…A commitment to the eternal principles of beauty, love and justice…”

At John Muir Health, we recognize and value our diverse workforce that embodies these principles. We sense the belief they have in their own dignity as well as their commitment to the dignity and worth of those for whom they care. We see examples of excellence across our system as they provide exceptional care to our community day in and day out.

In honor of Dr. King’s legacy, John Muir Health and John Muir Medical Group are continuing a tradition of jointly making a $10,000 donation to the Center for Human Development (CHD), which serves Contra Costa County. CHD’s work focuses on reducing health disparities, inspiring healthier choices and violence prevention. The organization predominately reaches underserved communities, empowering individuals to adapt to adversity and realize their full potential. Embodying the spirit of Dr. King and his life’s work, CHD plans to apply the donation to a variety of prevention activities and supportive services.

As Dr. King would say, “We must keep going. If you can’t fly, run. If you can’t run, walk. If you can’t walk, crawl. But by all means, keep moving.” For those of us in health care, every day is a day of service. Our team’s work is inspiring and greatly appreciated.