When was the last time you had an experience that made you stop and intentionally reflect on how the past 300 years has shaped the world we live in today? What about how your life has been shaped? I was fortunate to tour The National Civil Rights Museum, located in Memphis, TN. Noted as one of the nation’s premier heritage and cultural museums, the museum is steadfast in its mission to share the culture and lessons from the American Civil Rights Movement and explores how this significant era continues to shape equality and freedom globally. The museum made a profound impact on my perspective of civil rights and increased my knowledge of the beginnings of slavery in America, and the long journey of obstacles, oppressions, tragedies, and triumphs black men and women have experienced in our country.

Established in 1991, the National Civil Rights Museum is located at the former Lorraine Motel, where civil rights leader Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. was assassinated on April 4, 1968. Through interactive exhibits, historic collections, dynamic speakers and special events, the museum offers visitors a chance to walk through history and learn more about a tumultuous and inspiring period of change. The museum explores eye opening facts regarding the origins of slavery, leads visitors through key historical moments, and shines the light on important figures who shaped the Civil Rights Movement over hundreds of years.

The museum honors the life and legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and the many challenges and successes of his life. Towards the end of the tour, one of the final exhibits caught my attention with the headline, “HIS LAST REQUEST.”

The exhibit reads:

Chicago’s Operation Breadbasket Orchestra came to Memphis to perform at a rally supporting the sanitation strikers. Delayed by bad weather, Ben Branch, Memphis native, orchestra leader, and tenor saxophonist – arrived at the Lorraine Motel on April 4th, just before 6:00 PM. Dr. King, along with Branch’s close friend Reverend Jesse Jackson, greeted Branch from the Balcony just outside the motel window. King called down to Branch, and requested Branch play his favorite song at the rally. Precious Lord, Take My Hand. King said, “I want you to play it real pretty.” Branch replied, “You know I will Doc.” Moments later, the assassin’s bullet struck King.

The lyrics to “Precious Lord, Take My Hand,” are as relevant today for all of us who are fighting battles in our lives, just as they were to Dr. Martin Luther King on April 4th, 1968, as he stood boldly against injustice, racism, ignorance, and hate. What battle are you fighting in your personal life? Are you frustrated? Are you weak? Are you overwhelmed? Are you anxious for the future? Are you lost? Are you lonely? Are you scared? Are you angry? Are you depressed? Are you bitter? Are you about to quit? Have you requested, “Precious Lord, take my hand?”

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

Live TPG