Use With Care
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STLT#181, No Matter If you Live Now Far or Near
Among the most meaningful compliments I’ve gotten so far about this series is from my colleague and mentor, Michael Tino, who told me about a month ago how he now turns to it when making hymn choices and how frustrated he was that I hadn’t gotten to #181 yet. I’m here now; I have never sung… Continue reading
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STLT#180, Alhamdulillah (Alleluia)
I wish… I wish I lived with someone, because I would have made them sing this round with me so I could revel in the fullness of this beautiful piece. Although there’s a good chance I would have gotten the pre-coffee stink eye, so maybe it’s just as well. I wish the hymnal indicated that… Continue reading
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STLT#179, Words That We Hold Tight
I have little to say this morning. In fact, most of what I have to say in this hurried morning will be below the lyrics. But I will say WOW, these this song is timely. I appreciate it when this spiritual practice meets the times, even I grumble going through it – because it always… Continue reading
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STLT#178, Raghupati
This morning’s practice started as it normally does, with me flipping to the page and meeting my first reaction – depending on the song, it might be one of joy, apathy, annoyance, or curiosity. Having never sung or heard this one before, curiosity won the day. Because it’s in an unfamiliar language and set to… Continue reading
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STLT#177, Sakura
I had the opportunity to sing this once, as a solo, to commemorate Hiroshima Day. While set on a pentatonic scale, it is in what musicologists call Phrygian Dominant Minor Mode – which is another term for “very unfamiliar but striking intervals that are at once difficult and haunting.” It was not easy for me to… Continue reading
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STLT#176, Daya Kar Daan Bhakti Ka
I suspect most of us have flipped past this a thousand times. I suspect the combination of Hindi language, no translation, and fear of the unfamiliar keeps us away. And it’s too bad. Because not only is this a beautiful lyric, but it’s a beautiful and catchy melody. Take a listen: Isn’t that great? It’s… Continue reading
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STLT#172, Siph’ Amandla
This is another freedom song from South Africa, from during the time of apartheid. It’s got energy and power and a sense of urgency that is compelling and captivating. And while it isn’t the only thing that makes liberation happen, song does remain a powerful tool in the activist toolbox. From the songs of enslaved Africans,… Continue reading
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STLT#171, N’kosi Sikelel’ i Afrika
I started this post thinking it was random thought day here at the Far Fringe, but as I write, I realize I do have some thoughts, largely because what I have learned about the song. So here goes: First, it’s helpful to know what this song is and where it’s from. It was written in… Continue reading
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STLT#170, We Are a Gentle, Angry People
The downside of this spiritual practice is that it demands attention even on days when attention is hard to give. And more often than not, it is demanding the exact kind of attention I want to hide from on that particular day. This song, written by Holly Near in the wake of the Harvey Milk… Continue reading
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STLT#162, Gonna Lay Down My Sword and Shield
Ear worm in three.. two… one…. As an American growing up in the 1970s, I learned this in elementary school, and I associated it with Vietnam War protests. This might even have been the first African American spiritual I learned, and I didn’t even know at the time it was one. In fact, I don’t… Continue reading
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links
Learn more about my ministry at The Art of Meaning
Read my thoughts about congregational life at Hold My Chalice
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