A word with negative connotation is one that has some negative situation or condition attached to it. "Sadly Crippled by the manacles of segregation and the chains of discrimination". The words Sadly Crippled has a negative connotation, because these particular words are often used in a negative context. The entire lines from Dr. Kings speech have a negative connotation, because we know the history and the meaning behind his words.
I would go with C. Being a repentant sinner
