2 Witches Blog » Even a Pagan Can Be Moved By a Christian Spiritual

Jun

30th

Even a Pagan Can Be Moved By a Christian Spiritual

Category: Mama Kelly's Musings, Mind Body & Spirit, Music & Song | Written by Mama Kelly

One of my favorite movies is The Color Purple
. I can’t even tell you how many times I’ve seen it, but the most recent viewing was the most special as I watched it from beginning to end with Princess Nibbles. She had requested it for one of our cuddle on the couch evenings as we’ve caught snippets of it here and there on cable and she was intrigued.

The above scene makes me cry every time I see it. In fact, I viewed this Youtube video again before posting it here and sure enough my throat tightened and tears rolled down my face. It is a scene I can count on when I need a good cry.

I love it because, if you’ve never seen the movie, it is a scene of redemption. The character who comes into the church, Shug Avery (played by the phenomenally voiced Margaret Avery), is hugged by her father after years (decades) of his being unable to accept her “sinful ways.” It is a moment that serves not only as a balm to Shug’s soul after years of torment but, as I always imagine watching the face of the preacher, is a balm to her father’s soul also.

I love it because, Pagan or Christian, there is something about the musical genre of gospel/spirituals that can move me. Raising ones voice in song, regardless of whether or not you can carry a tune, has a long time-honored tradition in the worship of the Divine. And while once, as a young Witch, I would’ve been unable to see past the Christian language in order to relate the hymn to my own faith I no longer have that particular stumbling block.

And so I share this here, no insult intended to my Christian readers (I know I have at least a few) because we all need redemption at some time or another. We all need to be reminded that in the darkest nights of our soul that the Divine (call it God, call it Goddess, call it Lord & Lady, it matters not) can and does reach out and speak to us.

If I were you, I would say yes, speak, Lord. Speak to me.
Oh, Speak, Lord. Won’t you speak to me?
I was so blind, I was so lost until you spoke to me
Oh, speak, Lord. Speak, Lord. And hear my mind,
Oh, with your word, heal my soul
Oh, speak, Lord. Speak to me. Speak, my Lord.
I love you, Lord. Save my soul

Can’t sleep at night and you wonder why
Maybe God is trying to tell you something
Crying all night long, something’s gone wrong
Maybe God is trying to tell you something

written by Andrae Crouch, Quincy Jones,
Bill Maxwell & D.Del Sesto

I want to thank Sherry, Kathy, and Brahnamin for their kind words on my last post. This blog is a blessing in my life because it allows me to connect with wonderful people like you.

Blessings

Mama Kelly

PS If you need a laugh instead of a good cry I recommend this, though you may still find tears rolling down your cheeks, just for a different reason.