On a day that is set aside to remember Martin Luther King, I think it would be important to get the words from his speeches that have impacted me. Since college, I made it a point to study the influences of Dr. King, as well as famous quotes, in an effort to better understand the man whose actions and words led to changing opinions and feelings about how we should treat others. MLK Day is usually preceded by nights out on the town and skipping of work or school, with little regard to the reason why this is a national holiday. So since you're probably not going to church, or discussing the merits of a truly selfless individual, I'm going to bring some of his words to you.
I accept this award today with an abiding faith in America and an audacious faith in the future of mankind. I refuse to accept despair as the final response to the ambiguities of history. I refuse to accept the idea that the "isness" of man's present nature makes him morally incapable of reaching up for the eternal "oughtness" that forever confronts him.
I refuse to accept the idea that man is mere flotsam and jetsom in the river of life unable to influence the unfolding events which surround him. I refuse to accept the view that mankind is so tragically bound to the starless midnight of racism and war that the bright daybreak of peace and brotherhood can never become a reality.
I refuse to accept the cynical notion that nation after nation must spiral down a militaristic stairway into the hell of thermonuclear destruction. I believe that unarmed truth and unconditional love will have the final word in reality. This is why right temporarily defeated is stronger than evil triumphant.
I believe that even amid today's motor bursts and whining bullets, there is still hope for a brighter tomorrow. I believe that wounded justice, lying prostrate on the blood-flowing streets of our nations, can be lifted from this dust of shame to reign supreme among the children of men.
I have the audacity to believe that peoples everywhere can have three meals a day for their bodies, education and culture for their minds, and dignity, equality and freedom for their spirits. I believe that what self-centered men have torn down, men other-centered can build up. I still believe that one day mankind will bow before the altars of God and be crowned triumphant over war and bloodshed, and nonviolent redemptive goodwill will proclaim the rule of the land.
"And the lion and the lamb shall lie down together and every man shall sit under his own vine and fig tree and none shall be afraid."
-Dr. King's Nobel Peace Prize Acceptance Speech, Dec 10, 1964
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. 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.[1]
-Dr Martin Luther King Jr. LAST speech. The conclusion of his last speech. This was used by many people, but a recent placement in Jay Electronica's Guru Tribute song "Jazzamatazz," and since I've heard it, it's been on my mind. Nobody was more hardbody than the Kaing. In the face of certain death, he still demonstrates that his life is in God's hands, something that I think we all could strive to be like.
These are just a few of my favorites. Feel free to do your internet and your life a service and check out some more of MLK's best. These are words than anyone of any faith or creed can appreciate. May the Lord bless your life, and let's make peace and understanding a priority for all people, not just those who think or believe like us. That's word.
-JK
No comments:
Post a Comment