on a daily
basis. How
he dealt with
them helped
to define the
purpose for
which he was
born and
how he would
ultimately be
remembered.
The key
is the ability
to recognize when a moment does indeed
matter. As his speech drew to a close, it
was Mahalia Jackson who shouted from
the crowd, “Tell them about the dream,
Martin.” Having heard him speak of his
dream in a previous speech, she realized
they were at a critical juncture in the move-
ment and others needed to hear what she
had previously heard him say. Dr. King
quickly recognized the significance of
the moment and incorporated, “I Have A
Dream” toward the end.
Far too often, lives are cut short,
dreams are unrealized and destinies unful-
filled because someone, who should have,
failed to recognize a moment that mattered
could shatter a life. When these moments
pass without notice or appropriate atten-
tion, emotional or physical harm can leave
the impacted life broken in spirit—or worse.
This is especially true for impressionable
children.
Marion E. Brooks exemplifies the char-
acter of which Dr. King spoke in his speech,
20 HimPower January/February 2019
and his story
is at the heart
of ours. At
age 6, there
was a pivotal
point in
young Brook’s
life when a
moment that
mattered
changed his
trajectory and
helped chart
the course to discover his purpose.
When you see Brooks today, you would
never know that his life could easily have
become counted among the heartbreaking
statistics you see in the news instead of the
amazing man he is had it not been for the
wisdom of his beloved grandmother. Her
love and quiet grace guided young Brooks
on the path God wanted his life to take
despite the obstacles that suggested he
might do otherwise. Yet, neither of them
knew at the time a defining moment and a
grandmother’s loving support would lead
to an overflow of blessings for Brooks—as is
evidenced by all he has accomplished and
the example he has become for many.
Today, he is an internationally certified
executive coach, keynote speaker, business
executive, entrepreneur, and Best-selling
author of What You Don’t Know Is Hurting You:
4 Keys To A Phenomenal Career. He has more
than 20 years of experience building and
leading award-winning teams in one of the
top medical companies in the world, including