As many of you already know, my family and I have been taking our time healing and processing our grief. Many of you also probably already know that grieving often tempers creativity. What better way to share, to ponder, and to celebrate creativity than a blog series like this one. “What Are You…” explores finishing that sentence. Through this series I’ll be finishing those sentences with …singing…listening to…and reading, getting to share some of my favorite hymns, songs, music, bible stories, and authors.
What Are You Singing? Hymns!
I always really wanted to be a talented singer. After months of begging, my parents even signed me up for vocal lessons when I was younger. I think that’s the only reason I can sort of carry a tune. Honestly I know that I will never be a soloist, and I am grateful our worship doesn’t need the pastor to cantor. But I love to sing, especially in worship. Sometimes with my favorite hymns I feel like my voice just sounds better.
Amazing Grace
I know it probably seems cliché, Amazing Grace is by far the most known and popular hymn. And it was also the first song I ever sang at a recital. It was the song that I sang over and over again as I prepared. It’s the hymn I found myself singing whenever I felt down or hopeless. That amazing grace always manages to bring me hope and comfort.
Be Thou My Vision
A few years ago I wouldn’t have thought of Be Thou My Vision as one of my favorites, but then I learned to play it on my accordion. Similar to Amazing Grace, it was the process of practicing it over and over again and the memories this song brings up for me every time we sing it in worship. It reminds me of the evenings coming home from a difficult day at the hospital. I feel my focus towards our Lord, to God’s grace, to God’s presence around me.
You Are Mine
I first heard You Are Mine in seminary, and it quickly became my favorite. It wasn’t until my dad went to the hospital that this song became my favorite hymn. As I find myself praying, crying, and needing God’s presence around me, I listen to You Are Mine.
Here I Am Lord
For someone who struggles with anxiety and depression, I often feel inadequate, unsure, and unworthy. During moments of anxiety, when I worry that I’m not sure what God was thinking calling me into ministry, into relationships, into the world, Here I Am Lord reminds me of God’s greatness, justice, and mercy. It reminds me of the promises God makes to us, and the calling God has for me.
A Might Fortress is Our God
Does this need an explanation? I mean, I’m Lutheran!
Honorable Mentions
Great is Thy Faithfulness, Abide With Me, Healer of Our Every Ill, Softly and Tenderly,
What are you singing? What are some of your favorite hymns? Comment below!
