Thank you for bringing attention to “No Man’s Land.” I just listened to it. It is such a haunting song, especially the week we observe Veteran’s Day, née Armistice Day, established to commemorate the signing of the treaty to end the war of all wars.
Your reflection on lament reminds me the writing of Waltrina Middleton, a cousin of DePayne V. Middleton, who was killed in the shooting at Bethel AME Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015. She holds that lament, rather than forgiveness, is the righteous response to Dylann Roof’s act of killing. Lament legitimizes the sorrow and anger of those impacted by violence. Forgiveness tends to minimize the indignity perpetrated against them.
Not sure THE OLD RUGGED CROSS qualifies as a song of lament, but it helped me through my dad’s passing in 1973. I was just 20 years old, a new Christian of only six months. It was his favorite hymn and he sang it often. I would sing it to myself, hear his voice, and it kept me close to him in a difficult time.
Thank you for bringing attention to “No Man’s Land.” I just listened to it. It is such a haunting song, especially the week we observe Veteran’s Day, née Armistice Day, established to commemorate the signing of the treaty to end the war of all wars.
Your reflection on lament reminds me the writing of Waltrina Middleton, a cousin of DePayne V. Middleton, who was killed in the shooting at Bethel AME Church in Charleston on June 17, 2015. She holds that lament, rather than forgiveness, is the righteous response to Dylann Roof’s act of killing. Lament legitimizes the sorrow and anger of those impacted by violence. Forgiveness tends to minimize the indignity perpetrated against them.
https://www.christiancentury.org/article/first-person/i-don-t-forgive-man-who-murdered-my-cousin-depayne-mother-emanuel
As you remind us, in the honest expression of our deepest emotions before God, hope can arise.
Thank you for sharing Waltrina Middeton's passionate and powerful story of lament.
Not sure THE OLD RUGGED CROSS qualifies as a song of lament, but it helped me through my dad’s passing in 1973. I was just 20 years old, a new Christian of only six months. It was his favorite hymn and he sang it often. I would sing it to myself, hear his voice, and it kept me close to him in a difficult time.
Beautiful story, Andy.
Thank you.
I love Bruggeman’s quote about the music of the 60’s and 70’s. “...singing is a way to keep your nerve.” So wise and helpful to me. Thanks, Jeanne.