Oh, FreedomSample

Most African American churches sponsor a Black History Program at least annually, to commemorate culture. This year, my daughter Candacee coordinated a presentation with a group of junior high students. She did an excellent job organizing slides flashed on the big screen while students recited essays, poems, and as they sang. I dabbed tears when they got to the part about the Middle Passage and the history of slavery. What a season of hopelessness and despair. I thought, hurry up and get to the freedom songs. “We Shall Overcome”; “Ain’t Nobody Gonna Turn Me Around”; and other inspiring tunes’ uplifting lyrics reminded me God had never forgotten us.

Our ancestors, and those in the Civil Rights Movement, practiced the admonition laid out in the letter to the Ephesians, about singing spiritual encouragement—psalms, hymns, and more (Ephesians 5:19). The testimonies of God’s grace-filled power were on display in voiced prayers. When they ran out of words to articulate their faith and pain, someone started singing. Negro spirituals and gospel songs also gave vent to their frustrations, opening an avenue for the Holy Spirit to soothe hearts. The public or private melody in one’s heart represented God being in total control. Music has exhorted believers to rise above evil and wickedness. Singing became like breathing. When freedom could be found nowhere else, it could be found in a song. -Victoria Saunders McAfee

Prayer: Lord, thank You for inspiring so many to write and sing the freedom songs that encourage us even today.