While reading Jill’s Sunday blog, I was struck with a vivid memory.  A memory full of love, fear, pain and grace.  Jill reminded us about taking the time to just “be” with God.  She used several song examples to illustrate her “swinging” point.

The first song which she mentioned was “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot”.  I was immediately transported back in time, over a half a century ago, to the birth of my first child.  There were no doulas, husbands or support staff in the labor rooms then.  Every once and a while, a nurse would come to the door and ask how you were doing, maybe offer a glass of water.

I was clueless about what was happening. I was scared.  I was in pain.  I thought for sure that I was going to die.  I was also too proud to scream or cry.  So, I sang.  I sang:  Swing Low, Sweet Chariot, comin’ for to carry me home.  Swing low, sweet chariot, comin’ for to carry me home.  I looked over yonder and what did I see, comin’ for to carry me home?  A band of angels comin’ after me, comin’ for to carry me home.

I sang the same words for hours.  The woman in the next room asked if I was going to die.  Obviously, I did not; I was never even close to that possibility.  But I was young and terrified of the unknown with no one to comfort me or hold my hand.

I am wrong.  There was someone there, holding me close and giving me comfort.  God was in that lonely room. His grace filled me with a strength that I did not know I had.  I believe that grace flowed through that lovely old spiritual that has given comfort to so many over the years.   And, then there was the amazing miracle of a beautiful baby boy-another manifestation of God’s love for His people.

My experience of swinging with the Lord is a different version of swinging on the porch swing, but the result was the same.  A feeling of oneness with God and a knowledge that I am loved unconditionally by God.  As are you.

Terri

I cannot claim that I sang as enthusiastically as The Plantation Singers do in this version of “Swing Low, Sweet Chariot.”  Let them invigorate your day and remind you of God’s love!