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MARTIN LUTHER KING JR DAY

January 18, 2021

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone

Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When my way grows drear precious Lord linger near
When my light is almost gone
Hear my cry, hear my call
Hold my hand lest I fall
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

When the darkness appears and the night draws near
And the day is past and gone
At the river I stand
Guide my feet, hold my hand
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

Precious Lord, take my hand
Lead me on, let me stand
I’m tired, I’m weak, I’m lone
Through the storm, through the night
Lead me on to the light
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home
Take my hand precious Lord, lead me home

This Sunday morning I was watching Vineyard Columbus online* and at the conclusion of their recognition and remembrance of Martin Luther King Jr., one of their vocalists sang “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” It was one of the best renditions of the hymn I’ve heard.

Shortly before his assassination, Dr. King requested this hymn to be sung that evening. I pondered that song and the times Dr. King and America faced, I also feel tired, weak, and alone with the chaos of the far right and their assault on our capital, the devastation of the Covid pandemic in the world, countless hyper-vigilant gossip and conspiracy theories, systemic racism, corruption in high places, and on and on it goes.

Will we rise to the occasion? Are we able to emulate Dr. King? Can we individually and corporately become men and women that stand for a righteousness that includes justice and mercy together, even if we are tired, weak, and alone? There is one who will take our hand.

*The music begins at the 27.52 mark.

My friend, Alan Cottrill with bust of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.