When MLK Jr. Went To The Mountaintop

I love this video. For in this clip the filmmakers capture a brief, one-minute clip of Martin Luther King's famous and final speech, " I've been to the mountaintop."

The words and the imagery are brilliant. Watch and/or read these words together and imagine this being among the final things you say in life.  If you're like me, it's difficult not to weep.

"And you know, if I were standing at the beginning of time, with the possibility of taking a kind of general and panoramic view of the whole of human history up to now, and the Almighty said to me, 'Martin Luther King, which age would you like to live in?'

Strangely enough, I would turn to the Almighty, and say, 'If you allow me to live just a few years in the second half of the 20th century, I will be happy.'

Now that's a strange statement to make, because the world is all messed up. Trouble is in the land; confusion all around. That's a strange statement.

But I know, somehow, that only when it is dark enough can you see the stars.

And I see God working in this period of the twentieth century ...the cry is always the same: 'We want to be free.'"

I am in no way even attempting to assume that I know anything about the political/social realities at play in the world at the moment, but at quick glance it seems as though violence breeds more violence. The people who changed the world, were the ones who laid down their arms - chose to forgive - to restore - to love - people like Jesus, Mandela, Gandhi, Martin Luther King. Just before he was assassinated on April 3rd, 1968, Martin Luther King preached the sermon ‘I’ve been to the Mountaintop’. Its a profound account of hope, amidst despair - where he considers the significance of being born into the turmoil and unrest of the twentieth century. His outlook provides unique context for pain and suffering as he says ‘only when it is dark enough can you see the stars’. He goes on to say; ‘Men for years now have been talking about war and peace. But now no longer can they just talk about it. It is no longer a choice between violence and nonviolence in this world; it’s nonviolence or nonexistence. That is where we are today.’ He modeled a way of non-violence - and it cost him his life. Inspired by his words one night I cut together this clip using old archive footage from the Prelinger Archives - those words are as poignant today as they were back when he first spoke them - if not more (for me personally at least). Score: Ryan Taubert

If you want to read the full text, click here, otherwise just enjoy MLK's closing thoughts from this sermon...

"Well, I don't know what will happen now. We've got some difficult days ahead. But it really 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 so 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!!"

I hope to face my challenges with merely half the grace MLK Jr. did.  Inspiring indeed!