Friday, July 12, 2024

SojoMail - This gospel soundtrack sustains me in uncertain times

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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.

On left: a Black man sings into microphone wearing a hat, plaid shirt and khakis. On right: a Black man holds microphone wearing a denim shirt and white jeans.

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.


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