Kismet: A Single Garment of Destiny
“All I’m saying is simply this, that all life is interrelated, that somehow we’re caught in an inescapable network of mutuality tied in a single garment of destiny. Whatever affects one directly affects all indirectly. For some strange reason, I can never be what I ought to be until you are what you ought to be. You can never be what you ought to be until I am what I ought to be. This is the interrelated structure of reality.” Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
Kismet: Martin Luther King, Jr ~ I Had A Dream ~ Famous Speech at March to Washington Rally
Part II – Kismet: Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr ~ A Single Garment of Destiny
Dr. Martin Luther King Jr left an indelible mark on the lives of many around the world. Today, as we celebrate the enormous impact his life’s work and divine calling had on the Civil Rights Movement, I am again drawn to the subject of destiny. As Dr King so eloquently explains above, all life is interrelated and it behooves us to recognize that when we deny others the right to be, we inevitably diminish our own chance at true greatness. It was with this spirit that he carried the torch of equality in his heart, knowing somehow, that even if he did not reach that promised land or place of freedom, others will definitely get there. We are all cloaked in that garment of destiny; albeit to different degrees.
As I was pondering which story to share with you today, I re-read I’ve Been To The Mountaintop on Wikipedia and felt compelled to share both an excerpt of the speech and the back-story with you below. What is so striking about that speech, aside from it being his last one, is the tone of finality and the assurance in a higher power or intelligence.
And then I got to Memphis. And some began to say the threats, or talk about the threats that were out. What would happen to me from some of our sick white brothers? Well, 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. MLK
On April 3,1968, the day before he was assassinated, Dr. King addressed a rally at the Mason Temple in Memphis Tennessee. He had delivered a speech “I’ve Been to the Mountaintop” and made a reference to the fact that his flight to Memphis had been delayed by a bomb threat. The excerpt above was his final comment and essentially the last portion of his final public speech to us all. He left with his entourage and checked into Room 306 at the Lorraine Motel. Read: More below…
“A man who won’t die for something is not fit to live.” Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.
Dr. Martin Luther King,Jr.: A Legacy Of Courage & Hope…
Full MLK: I’ve Been to the Mountaintop Part 3/3
The following day, April 4, 1968, he was in the company of The Reverend Ralph Abernathy, Jesse Jackson and other close friends. Ben Branch, a musician, was also present and scheduled to play that night at an event that Dr King was to attend. According to Jesse, Dr. King’s last words on the balcony before he was murdered were said to Ben. He said, “Ben, make sure you play “Take My Hand, Precious Lord” in the meeting tonight. Play it real pretty.”
In that poignant moment, just before he was cut down by an assassin’s bullet, Dr. King prophetically gave us a reminder about the single garment of destiny that enfolds us: Remember to include the well being of others in the play of life, and for those who are open to the idea of praise, prayer, prophesy and worship, Remember to ask – Take My Hand Precious Lord.
Dr King’s eloquence and courage has always been a source of fascination and pride to me. It is my hope that we will continue to honor his legacy and spirit by honoring the best in each other. What are your thoughts? Do Share!
Positive Motivation Tip: When you feel down, reach out and help your fellow man. Good begets good.
Related Articles
- “Day of Service for Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day” and related posts (my.barackobama.com)
- “VIDEO: Remembering Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.” and related posts (newsjunkiepost.com)
- Honoring Dr. Martin Luther King’s Life and Legacy (whitehouse.gov)
- Movies to Celebrate the Life and Work of the Reverend Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. (beliefnet.com)
- Dr. King and New York City (cityroom.blogs.nytimes.com)
PHOTO CREDITS: Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, Dr Martin Luther King, Jr, via Wikipedia & Credit: National Archives and Records Administration
Until Next Time…
Ask. Believe. Receive. ©
Elizabeth Obih-Frank
Mirth and Motivation
Positive Kismet
Trackbacks
- Black music « Flickr Comments
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- Reflections: Que Sera Sera… | The Blog Farm - A Growing Blog Community
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Legacy Of Courage & Hope… | Mirth and Motivation
- Dr. Martin Luther King & President Obama: Faith In The Dream… | Mirth and Motivation
- Dr. Martin Luther King & President Obama: Faith In The Dream… | The Blog Farm - A Growing Blog Community
- Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr.: A Legacy Of Courage & Hope… | The Blog Farm
- Motivation Mondays: Silence Is Betrayal – #MLKDAY | Mirth and Motivation
LOVE the opening quote. It reminds me of the one about the effects of a butterfly fluttering its wings on one side of the world being felt on the other side.
Thank you for a wonderfully informative post about Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. He was a great man and the fluttering of his wings was felt around the globe during his lifetime and continues to impact all of us today.
He was a great soul… definitely a man of his season! 🙂
Thank you!
E
Great tribute piece to Dr. King! Also liked your positive motivation tip – it really works!
Yes, it does work… Thank you for the comment.
🙂
Eliz
Dr. King’s eloquence and courage has always been a source of fascination and pride to me too. Thanks for this tribute composed by you!
Hey Frizztext,
Thank you for the kudos… I have always admired the spirit of Dr. King. 🙂
E
Very powerful..outstanding post and such detail. Many messages there all with hope and a knowing. Thanks Eliz!
Thank you Deb, I’m glad you enjoyed reading it… Dr MLK has always been one of my favorite activists of the last century… 🙂
Eliz
Elizabeth, I feel it is the duty of those of us who lived through the ’60’s to ensure the lessons of that time are never forgotten. It was a very tumultuous era and a time of great change in the world. It helps me to know that sometimes great things come for unthinkable tragedy.
Great post!
The lessons of the last season must never be lost. Those were heady days and the legacy is a blessing!
E
they attacked Kennedy, Dr. Martin Luther King etc. – and it seems, that there is no end (thinking of Tucson…)
I pray that we all find healthier ways to deal with each other…:-)
Eliz
pingback to your article now at flickrcomments.wordpress.com/2011/01/13/
because I love, that he also had a heart for black music …
Ta love!
Outstanding post! Beautiful Title! Thank you for helping us remember this day isn’t just another day off but a time to reflect, remember and as you so well put it “that we will continue to honor his legacy and spirit by honoring the best in each other”.
Thank you so much… I have always marveled at Dr King’s fearlessness during those battle days. We are all now beneficiaries of his bravery, 🙂
E
I just cried when I read this post. It is so beautiful, so touching and reaches to the core of MLK’s teachings
Very inspired post. Keep writing girl, God’s promise to you is coming.
B
TY and I was moved to tears too when I heard his speech… hugely inspiring and prophetic. TY!
“The time is always right to do what is right”
-MLK.
R.I.P. MLK. You were a great soul. Alas, there’s no place for good people on the earth. What they deserve is much more. Heaven.
@the post- I love iT! 🙂
TY for your comment… He was a brilliant light during a time of darkness in American history… We are all blessed by his effort.
Truly inspirational. I always enjoy reading your quotes and stories. Wonderful!
I appreciate your feedback and enjoy reading your blog posts too. Thank you!
Thanks for the shout-out! 🙂
E