SojoMail - This gospel soundtrack sustains me in uncertain times

This week: gospel music for an uncertain year, the dangers of AI-fueled warfare, and what the rising incarceration rate for women means for mothers. 10 Gospel Songs That Sustain Me in Troubling Times Adam Russell Taylor writes that songs by gospel artists remind him of God’s reckless love, constant presence, gravitational grace, and perfect will — and he made a playlist of his favorites to share with you: Gospel music is my oasis in troubled times. My colleagues can also attest that it’s the background music by which I conduct most of my work. In many ways, these songs brought me through some of my darkest times, biggest struggles, and most memorable periods of life, reminding me of God’s reckless love, constant presence, gravitational grace, and perfect will. Simply put, gospel music has strengthened my faith and sustained me. Today, we find ourselves in a time of incredible uncertainty, anxiety, and even trauma with each news alert, from the recent decision by the Supreme Court’s conservative supermajority granting sweeping presidential immunity to record-breaking heat and climate disasters fueled by climate change to deep polarization in our culture to growing anti-democratic forces that are propelled by a resurgence of white Christian nationalism. And while there are many strategies for getting through tough times — from worshiping in church to engaging in many forms of self-care to experiencing solidarity with others by advocating for free and fair elections — gospel music continually inspires resilient hope and steadfast faith. Gospel music conveys that God is indeed “a rock in a weary land” and a “bridge over troubled waters,” reminders that will be particularly critical in the weeks and months ahead. Below are 10 of my all-time favorite gospel songs. Though there are so many more songs I was tempted to include, I hope this playlist will pique your interest in a genre that has been a source of hope and inspiration for me. Read the full article Advertisement Our Latest Stories The Reconstruct: After CCM Teen Stardom, Jamie Grace Wants Better for Those Like Her (by Darren Saint-Ulysse) The singer, songwriter, and producer reflects on how she is working to make a safer path for the young people that want to make Christian music. Read more Episcopal Church Says Israeli Evacuation Orders Forced Gaza Hospital Closure (by Nidal al-Mughrabi, Reuters) “We protest the closure of our hospital in the strongest possible terms,” a statement quoted Anglican Bishop of the Diocese of Jerusalem as saying. Read more AI and Drones Have Made Killing Easier, Not Less Sinful (by Nathan Hosler) The development of the capacity of lethal drones and AI targeting has been pioneered by the U.S. and Israel. Read more From the Magazine: Giving Birth While Shackled to a Bed (by Beatrice M. Spadacini) The United States has the highest female incarceration rate in the world. What does that mean for mothers in prison? Read more Advertisements A Hopeful Path Forward for Those Who Have Been Hurt by the Church For anyone who has felt pushed out of the church, Othered is your invitation to find belonging in a God who pursues the marginalized. Drawing on her experience growing up as a biracial child in the American South and working in toxic ministry environments, Auman reveals a hopeful path forward. The Urgent Need for Justice-Oriented Churches in the United States: Embracing Sankofa At the Margins “Justice-oriented churches actively seek to address systemic injustices and serve marginalized communities. The biblical command to ‘act justly, love mercy, and walk humbly with God’ (Micah 6:8) guides these churches. By prioritizing justice, they embody the teachings of Jesus, who consistently uplifted the poor, the oppressed, and the marginalized.” Read more of the latest sponsored article on sojo.net. Donate Subscribe

Copyright © 2024 Sojourners. All rights reserved. Sojourners | 408 C St. NE | Washington, DC 20002 Email: sojourners@sojo.net | Tel.: 202.328.8842