I choose love

Have you taken a gander at the church calendar for October? You probably noticed a theme among the guest preachers and Adult Forum topics. As part of our sabbatical journey, we’re doing a deep dive into racial reconciliation– not only what it is, but what it means for us here at St. Andrew’s. In honor of that, I chose a choir anthem for the second Sunday in October called “I Choose Love.” This anthem was written in memory of the victims of the 2015 mass shooting at Emanuel AME Church, Charleston, by a white supremacist during the church’s weekday Bible study. Lindy Thompson, the lyricist (who is white), and Mark Miller, the composer (who is black), wrote the song while reflecting on this tragedy and where it leaves us as people of faith.

I Choose Love

In the midst of pain, I choose love.

In the midst of pain, I choose love.

In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain,

I await the sun again, I choose love.

 

In the midst of war, I choose peace.

In the midst of war, I choose peace.

In the midst of war, hate and anger keeping score,

I will seek the good once more, I choose peace.

 

When my world falls down, I will rise.

When my world falls down, I will rise.

When my world falls down, explanations can’t be found,

I will climb to holy ground, I will rise.

 

In the midst of pain, I choose love.

In the midst of pain, I choose love.

In the midst of pain, sorrow falling down like rain,

I await the sun again, I choose love.

 

I choose love.

 

Ginny Chilton

Minister of Music