The life and journey of a hero is often romanticized long after they're dead and gone. But usually what makes them a hero is that they were willing to do and say what so many others at the time would not. Heroes are those who count the cost and pay the price for the greater good. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. is one of the most revered and recognized figures in America's history. He's quoted during difficult times and pushed to the forefront during Black History Month as a great example of what leadership and courage looks like. Though he was so much more than his "I Have a Dream" speech, it's what he's most known for. It's a dream that we are still working to realize as Americans today. One of the most valuable lessons of Dr. King's life that's not highlighted as often is the cost of his dream. The call of God on Dr. King's life was expensive long before he paid the ultimate price of giving his life. He's quoted as saying, "There's nothing more majestic than the determined courage of individuals willing to suffer and sacrifice for their freedom and dignity." As a black man in America, I know that our nation has come so far in so many ways, and that we're not fighting the exact same fights in the exact same ways, but the price of the fight has not changed. Whatever God has given you to do will cost you. The call of God on your life will often not be popular or glorious. More than likely it will be thankless. There's also a strong chance that you will be misunderstood, falsely accused, slandered, disappointed, betrayed and still expected to be your best self. Many of us see so much that is wrong with the world that we'd like to change. God stirs our hearts to make a difference and we get excited and we get our dream underway. But as time goes on and we begin to fight that uphill battle, we often realize that what God has given us to do will cost us more than we bargained for at the outset. You're not alone. Whatever God has put in your heart to do is worth it. Sleepless nights, financial sacrifice, inconvenience and personal discomfort come with the territory. As we salute and recognize Dr. King this year, let us remember the cost of our own dreams when things get hard. Let us remember that paying the price to see God's glory manifest in our lives will be worth it no matter what.

– Vois Cornerstone