Up to the Mountain...

I know so many people that admire Martin Luther King, Jr. Certainly said people admire him for various reasons that likely represent values or characteristics that really resonate with them.

I think I admire and respect him for everything he did and said but above all, I admire him for his determination and the decision he made every day, multiple times a day, to live by example, to embody and represent what he desired to have most: love and peace. It is no coincidence that his impact and influence are so great because he lived his mission. He lived the life he wanted others to live. He was genuine and humble and saw each human as a creation of God and deserving of the love and respect that we all owe each other, at Christ's command.

A few years ago, I heard the song, "Up to the Mountain" by Patty Griffin (my favorite artist). It was inspired by Dr. King and his last speech. The lyrics convey the meaning of his life for me: he was obeying God's command for him to bring peace and love by living a life of service and love for others. Thank you Dr. King for your example. Here's the video. The lyrics follow below.



the lyrics:
Up To The Mountain (MLK Song) lyrics

I went up to the mountain
Because you asked me to
Up over the clouds
To where the sky was blue
I could see all around me
Everywhere
I could see all around me
Everywhere

Sometimes I feel like
I've never been nothing but tired
And I'll be walking
Till the day I expire
Sometimes I lay down
No more can I do
But then I go on again
Because you ask me to

Some days I look down
Afraid I will fall
And though the sun shines
I see nothing at all
Then I hear your sweet voice, oh
Oh, come and then go, come and then go
Telling me softly
You love me so

The peaceful valley
Just over the mountain
The peaceful valley
Few come to know
I may never get there
Ever in this lifetime
But sooner or later
It's there I will go
Sooner or later
It's there I will go