On a quiet, sermon writing afternoon, I am listening to music and making my lunch. I cut into a fresh tomato from our garden as this song played in the background, and realized I want to share the lyrics, and put a question out there- following the example of the singer, Carrie Newcomer, can you make a list of the things in which you believe? (Please know I don’t just mean all that good “churchy” stuff about God and Jesus.) Would you be willing to share your list with me?
I believe there are som…e debts that we can never repay
And I believe there are some words that we can never unsay
And I don’t know a single soul
Who didn’t get lost along the way
I believe in socks and gloves
Knit out of soft grey wool
And that there’s a place in heaven for those who teach in public schools
And I know I get some things right
But mostly I’m a fool
I believe in a good strong cup of ginger tea and that
All these shoots and roots will become a tree
All I know is I can’t help but see
All of this as so very… holy
I believe in jars of jelly put up by careful hands
And I believe most folks are doing just about the best they can
And I know there are some things that I will never understand
I believe there’s healing in the sound of your voice and that
A summer tomato is a cause to rejoice and that
Following a song was never really a choice, never really…
I believe in a good long letter written on real paper and with real pen
I believe in the ones I love and know I will never see again
I believe in the kindness of strangers and the comfort of old friends
And when I close my eyes to sleep at night that it’s good to say amen (amen)
I believe that life’s comprised of smiles and sniffles and tears
And in an old coat that still has another good year
And I know that I get scared sometimes but all I need is here
I believe in a good strong cup of ginger tea and that
All these shoots and roots will become a tree
All I know is I can’t help but see
All of this as so very… holy
I believe…
I believe…
I believe…
I believe…
I believe…
Darrow Woods: Writer of Things 