Way back in 2014 I spent a year with hymns. Challenging myself to think about and arrange a different hymn each week and then, despite my own insecurities, share these thoughts with others. It was an extremely revelatory experience. I learned a great deal and was quite moved by the many responses I received. I admit that by the end of the hymn project, I was a bit weary of the process and the self-imposed pressure to meet a deadline, so I mostly let this activity of hymn exploration go by the wayside.
But life has a funny way of asking us to do things for reasons we didn’t originally intend. When I started out I was simply looking for a project. A way to understand and explore where I came from musically and spiritually, and a means of forcing myself to be creative. Today I think there is value in embarking on another year-long challenge. It has been floating through my mind for months that I wish there was something I could do to counter the incredibly negative energy that has blanketed our lives in the past couple of years. I am often overwhelmed by the sheer quantity of disturbing news, behaviour and events that I read about each day. I am baffled by our desire to take in these things; to share them, to discuss them, to allow them to dominate our lives. I wonder where the line is – when is it obsession and preoccupation with the information; when is it rising against injustice and being aware. It seems we’ve lost something in our ability to work for good, rather than just be outraged and paralysed by the bad.
Now, hymns are not the answer. Obviously. I don’t have any idea what the answers are, but what I do know, is that finding solutions comes far more easily from a place of shared strength and support than when we are helplessly flapping in the wind. I haven’t much to offer, but I can do this. I can look for words of wisdom in these age old texts. I can attempt to soothe by providing sounds that try to fill our spaces with beauty.
So we begin another year of song. These songs represent my heritage, my experience and my childhood. These kinds of words and music have been a constant in my life and have become a part of me. They are a starting point for me and do not necessarily represent all I am, or all I believe. But, they have stood the test of time and I hope to find ways to understand them in a broader context – meaningful to many, despite our different experiences, circumstances and beliefs.
I want Jesus to walk with me;
I want Jesus to walk with me;
all along my pilgrim journey,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
In my trials, Lord, walk with me;
in my trials, Lord, walk with me;
when my heart is almost breaking,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
When I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when I’m in trouble, Lord, walk with me;
when my head is bowed in sorrow,
Lord, I want Jesus to walk with me.
I have always liked the idea that Jesus should be viewed as an example of the power of kindness. An example of how we should treat people. Perhaps you have another figure that provides that example – be it religious or otherwise. Find that example. We need these examples. I read these words and think we are in trouble and we all need someone to walk with us. We are in trouble and we all need to walk with someone else. Wherever we find ourselves, we are on one or the other side of this equation – sometimes both. So my desire for this second year of song is to walk with you all. Whether heart breaking or head bowed in sorrow, we walk together. We walk in kindness. We walk for good.
Jake Klassen said:
Thanks, Carla.
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Gloria Houston said:
I was so happy to hear that you are doing this, Carla. I really appreciated your other hymn project and especially your comments.
Gloria
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Suzanne said:
I agree tones of negativity surrounds us all one must be strong by turning ourself away from it all and give out something positive easier said than done…
I tend to slack off from our forgiven and loving God when life is good for me I am reminded that none of the kindness and beauty I hold each day came my way by luck but by the blessings and the acknowledgment of our loving God he knows what moves needs to be taken even if I put him aside never does he let me go my shadow is him by my side I would of not succeeded what I got today if it wasn’t for the peoples he sends my way every day and choices I make.
Once again Carla this always reminds me to look at where I am and what I do to make life more positive for me and those around. We all need the gift of each smile! It’s a new day, Amen.
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Kathy said:
Thanks, Carla. I love this.
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Ann Reimer (Beatrice, Nebraska) said:
I am so glad you have embarked on another, very meaningful year of song, Carla. Listening to you playing the peaceful strains of “I WANT JESUS TO WALK WITH ME” and reading its words was most welcome on a stressful day. Thank you! May the Lord bless you as you remind us of these examples.
~ Ann Reimer
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Harold and Carolyn said:
Thanks for the beautiful note and uplifting music. Carolyn and I will look forward to each posting. With all our love
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Sue said:
Bravo, Carla. Looking forward to this year’s project.
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Irene said:
Carla, wonderful you are doing this again. Indeed there is so much ‘out there’ that causes us disgust and outrage and fear – and where is that line? How can we navigate our world without believing in something bigger than us, and focusing on goodness and love.
Blessings to you as you embark on this project.
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