“I sing because I’m happy! I sing because I’m free!”
Hymn: “His Eye Is on the Sparrow” – Civilla D. Martin
(1860-1948)
Tune: SPARROW
Most of us think this is an African American spiritual
because it has been so often sung by some of our favorite black singers and was
made popular by Ethel Waters’ singing of it at the Billy Graham crusades in the
1950’s and 60’s. But the text writer was a Canadian white lady, and the man who
wrote the music provided us with many other familiar hymns and gospel songs
like “Since Jesus Came into My Heart,” “Just When I Need Him Most,” and “I
Stand Amazed in the Presence.” That’s enough hymnology for today, class.
Ever wonder WHY you sing hymns, gospel songs, anthems,
choruses? Why you spend several minutes in a service of worship placing great
words on top of musical pitches? If it’s just for the musical experience, you
are missing the point.
According to this song, after a week of discouragement,
life in the shadows, loneliness, homesickness, temptation and care-filled
existence, we stand together and ask ourselves the question that opens this
hymn: “Why should I be discouraged” when Jesus is my constant friend?
Sing because you are happy, you are free… redeemed,
included, loved, graced, privileged – and the list goes on.
No other religion relies as heavily on singing their beliefs
as Christians do. No other group gives voice to their tenets and testimonies in song like
we do. It is a privilege and an honor to sing together. So do! And do it with
all joy and enthusiasm – whether the song is loud or quiet, exuberant or
meditative.
In worship this week, fold not thine arms and listen; open up thy mouth and sing.
Thou hast good reason.
Whitney Houston Sings
This Hymn
Ethel Waters at Hawaii
Billy Graham Crusade
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