I’m not that old, but I am old enough to remember the sound of Mahalia Jackson’s booming voice almost overwhelming the floor stereo in my parent’s living room. Even as a child, her voice amazed me, as I listened to her sing simple, unadorned gospel songs. My favorite was “In the Upper Room”, one of only five songs on a much-used scratchy LP.
I got a chuckle out of hearing her repeat “in the upper room” about forty times midway through the song. But I think that laughter came because I was too young, too unscarred to understand how your spirit can grieve. How sorrow for one’s country, for one’s family and friends can feel overwhelming.
Today, the sky is grey, I’m tired, my family is far away, my spirit is heavy, and I don’t know what to pray. I know only that I need to be in the upper room (Acts 1:13-14). I pray that you will be blessed as I was.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=OLZcoDsPUkI
-Austine
