Without a Song

Songs play a great role in the lives of people. There is a song somewhere suited for all occasions. Songs were born out of joy, sadness, problems, and prosperity of people

Lifted beyond mere entertainment, our songs tell us something we cannot phrase otherwise. Therefore, it becomes difficult for me to think of any situation so gruel that one is left without a song.

I have watched from the pulpit at funerals people who seal their lips when the songs of Zion are sung. They experience deep human hurt and loss. They brush back the tears from their eyes. They cannot handle it. The hurt is too grave to have a song during this unusual hour. However, I have watched others whose loss is just as dear and deep; their voices have rung out with perfect clarity. They had a song.

Depressing moments can be setbacks unless you make them set ups. In the Black experience, many depressed people have turned scars into stars. The Negro spirituals were no accident. They are on purpose. The blending melodies across the long cotton rows in exile were purposeful. They signaled a message that, otherwise, could not be told.