Songs

Light and Darkness

Sunset behid the Isle of Canna, from Rùm

#MonthOfMinistry Days 17 and 18 In Quaker circles we talk a lot about the “Light”. It’s one of the commonest words we use to point at the sense (beyond all words) of good and loving kindness within each of us. We say we “hold someone in the light” when we wish to uphold them perhaps at … Read more

Peace

Protest in Harmony choir singing in support of a ceasfire in Gaza

#MonthOfMinistry Day 12 War is a crime against humanity. I am therefore determined not to support any kind of war, and to strive for the removal of all causes of war. War Resisters’ International Declaration Much of my activism is working for peace, and an end to all wars, opposing the arms trade and military … Read more

Surrender

Sink down to the seed

#MonthOfMinistry Day 11 “Surrender” is another word I find very difficult: it clearly has military origins. It seems to be about giving up the struggle, ceding control of our lives and our society to the brutal forces of power over. It seems very clear right now that we can’t afford to do that. The forces … Read more

Faith

A white feather on brown sand

#MonthOfMinistry Day 8 Imani, faith, can come like a spirit Spirit come like walking on air. Take a step and trust in the path and Mother Imani meet you there. This joyful song speaks to me of faith as that which sustains us when we step outside our safe zones of comfort. Sing along! Imani, … Read more

Love

Stop in the name of love (banner on fence at Faslane)

#MonthOfMinistry Day 6 I know you’re scared And I’m scared too But here I am Right next to you African-American singer/songwriter and activist Melanie DeMore reminds us to lead with love in these times of fear and chaos: Lead With Love – Melanie DeMoreYou gotta put one foot in front of the otherAnd lead with … Read more

Easter Day 1938

Apricot tree in spring bloom

Another powerful song that feels fitting for the times. This is Bertolt Brecht’s “Easter Day” set to music by Hans Eisler. Brecht wrote this in 1938 on a small island in Denmark, having fled Germany after Hitler came to power. This is the version sung by Robyn Archer (I’m not sure who made this translation): … Read more

One foot in front of the other

Anti Trump Protest March London July 13 2018 - Women's March

A song for today, by African-American singer/songwriter and activist Melanie DeMore. We sometimes sing this uplifting song in Protest in Harmony. I think it’s going to be needed in the time to come. Lead With Love – Melanie DeMoreYou gotta put one foot in front of the otherAnd lead with lovePut one foot in front … Read more