“I Remember, I Believe”
My maternal grandparents: Felix and Annie Mack I don’t know how my mother walked her troubles down I don’t know how my father stood his ground I don’t know how my people survived slavery I do remember that’s why I believe Sometimes, when life becomes too much to bear, I escape into music – listening or singing songs with lyrics that resonate with me or dancing to the rhythmic invitation of the Holy Spirit to enter into grace. When I don’t have the energy, I let Sweet Honey in the Rock soothe my soul with songs like “We Are,” “Sing Oh Barren One,” and “Balm in Gilead” from their album Sacred Ground . Or “Ballad of the Broken Word,” “Wanting Memories,” “No Mirrors in My Nana’s House,” and “Sojourner’s Battle Hymn” from Still on the Journey , their 25 th Anniversary album. Lately, since 2020, I’ve lingered, listening to “Stay on the Battlefield” (from Sacred Ground ) and “Ella’s Song” (from Breaths ) more and more because “We who believe in freedom cannot rest.” But some