Remembering MLK Jr., Pursuing the Dream
21. January 2008 by BruceSmith.
Lessons From a Dream Life, from Bruce’s book, Soul Storm: finding God amidst disaster
The Change You Always Dreamed Of
Martin Luther King Jr. lived a dream life. It sounds odd, perhaps, but it is true. Though his life was cut short tragically, this king of oratory lived his life calling for a better dream in America. His was one of the most important voices in the history of our nation, and his legacy lives on forever. It was not an easy dream or an easy life to follow, but it was a life well lived. His was a life calling for change, radical change. And in keeping with much of the research on change, most did not want to change, and the change did not come easy. Eventually, however, the change did come and we are all the better, though not perfect, for it. We have all seen the world through a different frame as a result King’s life and his passionate speeches, and the course of our nation’s story has been altered for the better because he was willing to be a change agent. King’s life and words offered us the opportunity and encouragement to embrace a new worldview.
Let’s take a close look at a few of those powerful words.
We have all heard time and time again the famous passages from Martin Luther Kings’ “I have a dream” speech. But another of his speeches which is lesser known gives us a look at the foundation for his dream speech and dream life.
The night before his death, in his “I’ve been to the mountaintop” speech, Dr. King closed with these words, “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 Lord”.
These may be some of the most important of any of Dr. Martin Luther King’s words—and he spoke many important ones. They are important for the depth of spiritual courage and for their crystal clear divine perspective. These words are rich with many lessons that offer us insight to how we make change and our course of action for living the “dream life”. Below are a few of the deep truths revealed in this brief excerpt from King’s speech.
- Once we have seen the glory of the Lord, then and only then, does life come into proper perspective. In light of the knowledge of God we see ourselves as we are, we see the majesty of the creator, and we recognize the futility of all that does not derive its meaning and purpose in Him. If we are to have any power for change, it must come from outside or ourselves. Change, as the researchers point out, is very unlikely for the majority of us. Enabled, however, by a power beyond ourselves, change is attainable.
- When we are living life for a purpose bigger than ourselves, the dream becomes the “the thing”. Even our own lives seem dispensable for the cause. The thought of death, while real, does not deter us from our passion for the fulfillment of the dream. Many in New Orleans and the surrounding areas are contemplating a new dream for the city. The unfortunate reality, however, is that most are beginning to call for a “life as usual” approach. The dream seems to be a desire to get back to the way things used to be. If we can embrace a dream beyond “normal”, beyond “the way it used to be” then we can find passion for a pursuit worthy of our time, effort, and sacrifice. There does appear to be a great deal of rhetoric flying around about building New Orleans bigger and better, yet, the outworking of that rhetoric is not quite living up to the dream at this point.
- One glimpse of the mountaintop is enough to convince us of the sufficiency of the dream giver, the one who actually created the mountain. He becomes our all in all. From the mountaintop, everything else looks so small. If we can gain a fresh understanding of God’s agenda for human community we will be on our way to building our cities and our nation better than ever. The Maker of the mountains has a dream for our communities that provides for the economic opportunity, educational enhancement, vibrant social initiatives, care for the poor and needy, and spiritual revitalization. With a holistic approach to rebuilding that is pointed toward the building of soul and structures, we have a much greater chance for success. Change research points this out as well.
- Quality trumps quantity. As an investment broker of rare collectible assets I have always told my clients that quality rather than quantity of assets should be the goal. Dr. King understood this was true of life. Longevity was not the ultimate aim; rather, the quest of the dream is what determined his essence. To live life well is the goal. To build well should be our goal. As we look toward rebuilding our cities and our lives, we must begin the process with an acknowledgment that quality of rebuilding is what counts. Some will say “rebuild everything”. The reality is that a more strategic approach should be embraced with an eye toward shoring up the quality of those parts of New Orleans that really ought to be rebuilt.
- When you know the “promised land” is secured in the future, worry and fear diminish. The knowledge that the ultimate dream will at some point be fulfilled is the soul’s anchor amidst any storm. Like Moses and so many others, King found his strength in the promise of victory ahead. The knowledge that the dream life you are building is a God-given vision assures you of the outcome. Some see the promise fulfilled here on earth, others are used to call out the dream and empower others to chase after it. In the end, the victory is for all. Knowing that God is smiling upon the building of you life settles the soul and gives grace amidst all obstacles that my come. Nothing can stop the man, woman, boy or girl that is pursuing God’s call for the future.
- The desire to do the Lord’s will is enough. The Westminster confession tells us of the ultimate issue: to know God and enjoy Him forever. The two go hand in hand. Those that know Him enjoy Him. He really does give life and life abundantly. We tend to get caught up in the world’s agenda for obtaining “happiness”. The message given is that the pursuit of toys and pleasure is the road to happiness. In reality, these pursuits and many others distract us and hinder us from obtaining the life God has for us. In exchange for the temporary, God’s offers us peace, contentment, and an internal life that apart from God we can never know. That is why no matter how high we climb, how much money we make, we will never be at rest apart from a knowledge of God. St. Augustine once wrote that our souls were created with a God-given void. In that place, a place only God can fill, He offers to place His Spirit. We will have no rest, says Augustine, until we find our rest in God.
- If the dream is God given it MUST be pursued. As was the case for the nation Israel in the Old Testament, the life God calls us to is the only option if we want a sustainable future. To turn from God’s agenda for our life personally, as a city, as a nation, leads only to more misery. If we are to rebuild with the promise of a hopeful future we must build according to His plan. In stark contrast to the lives of those already rebuilding the “old way” we must pursue a new future. It is sad to hear that the first businesses re-opened in New Orleans were the strip clubs. Equally disturbing are calls for the city to embrace an expanded gambling district in New Orleans in an effort to “jump start” the economy. In a city notorious for crime, filth, immorality, drunkenness, and dirty politics an embrace of an industry leading to more of the same is not the answer. If we fail to understand that a different way is best for our future, and if we miss God’s call for change, we are in for more destruction. It is incongruous for leaders to call for the help of the Church amidst disaster, and then turn from God’s message for life building and community building once the panic has subsided. Similarly, those caught in the violent storms of life as a result of bad decisions cannot call on God and claim His name while pursuing the very activities that have led to their demise. His plan, His way, is the only way. The very pursuit of His plan is what will bring us fulfillment, purpose, poise, and passion; things we all crave. Dr. King’s life and speeches were characterized by a life filled with these values and his call for change in American was eventually heard. Change is possible. A change for good is preferable. God offers us the means for change.
In the aftermath of hurricane Katrina our nation has became aware of the depth of the storm which still rages in our country regarding race and class. The looting, desperation, and revelations of the extent of poverty in one of America’s most visited cities gave onlookers a tragic look at how much change is still needed in America. The changes we must pursue will not come overnight, and they will require a radical approach. In the end, however, these changes, should they be accomplished offer us a much brighter future. The changes accomplished through the efforts of Dr. King came at a great price to many involved and certainly to him. The goal and the achievements were worth the struggle. All the difficulty, pain, loss, and sacrifice paid off in the long run. Our nation, as a result of the extreme changes called for in the battle for civil rights, is stronger, more diverse and much richer. The changes God calls us to are always for our good. At times those changes require that we go through intense turmoil and loss. What we lose in the exchange, however, is always returned with much greater reward. When we move from the slavery of brokenness, division, and spiritual poverty, into the light of healing, community, and integrity, as people and as a culture we always win. In the wake of disaster and displacement God’s desire is to bring radical change into our lives. These changes in values, priorities, location, profession, goals, relationships, and the like will result in a future we could not have imagined.
Bruce Smith
optimuslife.org