Inspiration is balm for the soul and a powerful kick in the resolve to take action.

Last year, to honor Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr on his birthday, I posted this call to share his quotes that have most inspired you. I hope you’ll go read them, for I know you’ll be inspired to use your “power to” to take action.

Upon rereading the quotes, I was struck by what King said about power: “I am not interested in power for power’s sake, but I’m interested in power that is moral, that is right and that is good.” In words far more eloquent than mine, King tells us to define power on our terms. To reject the oppressive power-over model; to use the power to, in order to do good.

As I mourn the effects of power over, carried to its logical extreme by Jared Loughner in Tucson a week ago, I am so grateful for King’s uplifting words. They remind me to celebrate Congresswoman Gabrielle Giffords’ moral, right, and good use of her power to make life better for her constituents, her state, and the nation.

And I am inspired all over again.

What MLK quote most inspires you to use your power to? Please share it here to honor Dr. King’s birthday.