"Shots rang out, in the Memphis sky; free at last, they took your life, they could not take your pride."
Those are the lyrics from U2's song "Pride" commemorating the death of Martin Luther King, Jr., on this date in 1968. The world could really use another Dr. King right now, someone whose words and deeds inspired millions to stride toward freedom.
The closing words of King's last public speech, on April 3rd in a Memphis church, always sends chills down my spine. A tired and weary, but utterly determined, mortal man proclaimed:
I don't know what will happen now. 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.
Keep hope alive.