Sunday, January 20, 2008

chronicle of a death foretold

Every year on MLK Day, we hear recordings of the mellifluous "I Have a Dream" speech, but the "I've Been To The Mountain Top" speech is the one I want to hear. Dr. King gave the speech on the eve of his assassination. Somehow, the man knew he was going to die and gave his own eulogy. Whenever I listen to it, I am shaken:

"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."

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