I’ve Been to the Mountaintop

Like any good child of the 80s, today’s date sticks in my memory as song:

Early morning, April 4
Shot rings out in the Memphis sky
Free at last, they took your life
They could not take your pride

And thank god for that. I’ve been reading and listening to King’s last speech (full text here), given the day before he was assassinated 40 years ago. While reading the text is powerful, I am moved to tears by watching his eyes well up and listening to the passion in his voice on this sadly prophetic last passage:

We’ve got some difficult days ahead. But it doesn’t matter with me now. Because I’ve been to the mountaintop. And I don’t mind. Like anybody, I would like to live a long life. Longevity has its place. But I’m not concerned about that now. I just want to do God’s will. And He’s allowed me to go up to the mountain. And I’ve looked over. And I’ve seen the promised land. I may not get there with you. But I want you to know tonight, that we, as a people, will get to the promised land. And I’m happy, tonight. I’m not worried about anything. I’m not fearing any man. Mine eyes have seen the glory of the coming of the Lord.

On this 40th anniversary of his assassination, NPR remarked that King has now been dead longer than he was alive. Imagine what could have been accomplished under 40 more years of his leadership and vision. I weep at the thought. And another song floats through my head.

One comment

  1. Suzanne says:

    Great post! It was amazing to listen to that speech…it’s been years since I actually watched a recording of him speaking (besides just short clips) and I had forgotten how powerful he was.

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