Hymns

Every once in a while I highlight a song on this blog. I really should have highlighted more songs we sang in South Africa and DRC. I realize how much I miss the much more daily singing and praise and dancing in South Africa. I realize this most when I am in a large group of people singing.

But when it comes to United Methodist hymns or hymns Methodist sing a lot things strike a cord with me. Blessed Assurance was the first song at the United Methodist Women District Annual Meeting I am at right now. It is actually not my favorite tune, but I have heard it in so many languages now that memories flow as it is played.

Then a choir sang "We are Called" which has a special place in my heart from singing around the piano at Dumbarton UMC with the people who taught me what being called met. I love the song, and the energy it is sung with there. At a conference in DRC I realized singing was the way to engage people. So in front of 500 people cut my presentation a little short to sing We Are Called in front of the entire room. It is moments like that I know I am not acting alone, but am lead. Or a bit crazy.

Today we also had communion. The last song the leader started was "One Bread, One Body". The message is one I think we need constant reminding of. But also it makes me feel safe and at peace. The sing reminds me what I am connected to. And as the others the places of home I have sung it.

And then towards the end of the session we sang "Hymn of Promise". Part of the reason hymns are important to me is the connection to my Grandmother Mary Lou Hanson. I believe she is the root of my being Methodist. There were other family members before her, and my parents decisions, and some really great United Methodists I grew up with and work with. (there are also other things more connected to beliefs, but that is for a different more complex discussion).

My grandmother died 7 1/2 years ago and my Dad decided to have "Hymn of Promise" sung at her funeral. I remember wanting some other song, that today I can't remember. It was an interesting time for me in understanding my identity as a women in our family and the strength my Grandmother had. The words of the song are written on the wall of my room in my Dad and Janes house. (One of the only times I remember getting away with writing on the wall. )

So when I hear the song I remember home and my Grandmother.

and especially as with all these hymns

I imagine my grandmother singing them

And I lift my voice in song.