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| Bawabat, 2008, Rafa Nasiri |
The songbook of the Psalms contains material for different times and seasons. There's much to learn about different forms for different purposes at different times. This song is adapted from Psalm 13, whilst drawing musically on the lament traditions of the blues and some forms of hip hop.
When you invest in the challenges of the world around you, there is much to celebrate, but often much to mourn. Even if this is not our lived experience, it reminds us to witness to the pain of those living in it. Lament either speaks to our pain, or helps us speak on behalf of those in pain.
The image above is a painting by an Iraqi artist, the title of which seems to translate as 'Gate'. New possibilities and openings are created through faith-filled engagement, even in hopelessness. A guttural complaint that still somehow trusts the One Who Acts can be a gateway to transformation, whether in me or in the world around me.
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How long will you forget me?
Will you hide your
face from me?
Every day I
wrestle with my thoughts.
Look on me and
answer,
Give light to my
eyes;
Say that you will
hold me if I fall down
I trust in your love,
I trust in your love,
I trust in your love,
You light my life with love
How long must we
wait here,
Living in the
in-between?
Everyday there’s
sorrow in my heart.
Look on me and
answer,
Give light to my
eyes;
Help me see the
hope that flickers in the dark
I trust in your love,
I trust in your love,
I trust in your love,
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