When we speak our truth honestly and openly, it allows the light of others to enter in, and our light to shine out to others.
"Light and Darkness"
March 25, 2020
In addition to my reflection video on Ephesians, I wanted to share a little about the the song I've shared below, "Truth" by Dr. Andrea Ramsey and words by Gardenia Bruce. The women from the MPB Music Ministry performed this song at our Advent concert in 2017.
MPB women performing "Truth" around the baptismal font. Women at the well, lifting each other up.
MPB Music Ministry women rehearsing "Truth" with the composer, Dr. Andrea Ramsey, in the Mary Chapel
During our weeks of concert preparation, I emailed Dr. Ramsey and asked if she would come work with our choir and she said yes! It was a highlight for all of us and it elevated our connection to the text.
Below is the text which inspired the song, taken from a poem by Gardenia Bruce. I hope it inspires you to shine your light as much as it has inspired us!
"Truth" — Gardenia Bruce
My roots are earth, Muddy river and honeysuckle
Sturdy and rigid, like farmhouse planks.
I shared a sisterhood with the amber grasses
My dreams climbed endlessly like the kudzu in July.
I shared a sisterhood with the amber grasses
My dreams climbed endlessly, no fear in sight.
In nature, in naive youth,
All the forest was possible
All the pasture was my own,
My mother told me I was beautiful
And I believed her then. Why shouldn't I?
There is no doubt in a pond,
Insecurity does not grow in a meadow,
It will not sprout beneath the Southern pines.
It is planted by the boys on the school bus
Tended by the words of small minds,
And words may wound you, But are they true?
You are beautiful, You are enough,
You must believe in that, believe the truth.
My roots are earth, Muddy river and honeysuckle
My roots are beautiful, my roots are strong.
Sturdy and rigid, like farmhouse planks.
I shared a sisterhood with the amber grasses
My dreams climbed endlessly like the kudzu in July.
I shared a sisterhood with the amber grasses
My dreams climbed endlessly, no fear in sight.
In nature, in naive youth,
All the forest was possible
All the pasture was my own,
My mother told me I was beautiful
And I believed her then. Why shouldn't I?
There is no doubt in a pond,
Insecurity does not grow in a meadow,
It will not sprout beneath the Southern pines.
It is planted by the boys on the school bus
Tended by the words of small minds,
And words may wound you, But are they true?
You are beautiful, You are enough,
You must believe in that, believe the truth.
My roots are earth, Muddy river and honeysuckle
My roots are beautiful, my roots are strong.
May you be well and filled with light and mercy,
Teresa Stone
Director of Music
Fourth Sunday of Lent
Brothers and sisters:
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention
the things done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
You were once darkness,
but now you are light in the Lord.
Live as children of light,
for light produces every kind of goodness
and righteousness and truth.
Try to learn what is pleasing to the Lord.
Take no part in the fruitless works of darkness;
rather expose them, for it is shameful even to mention
the things done by them in secret;
but everything exposed by the light becomes visible,
for everything that becomes visible is light.
Therefore, it says:
“Awake, O sleeper,
and arise from the dead,
and Christ will give you light.”
"Truth" by Andrea Ramsey
Performed by MPB Music Ministry in concert on December 1, 2017.
Please share with friends and family.
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