Mothers and children I saw today
And what I'd like to get from, and give as, a mother--in song.
We went out to the Alewife Brook Reservation for a walk this morning, and there’s been a turtle baby boom there compared to last year. Rather like the rest of the world, some were on the fence, some were in the weeds, some were on the edge. Some were just hanging out with the family.
And of course there were geese and goslings.
My daughter is traveling in Puerto Rico and I got greetings and photos from her today, after she used this leaf as an umbrella in a rain storm.
Some of the music about and for mothers that I’ve been listening to
I’ve sung and shared both of these next two pieces a number of times in these past few days. I get a sense we’d all like to be held/cradled a bit in this crazy world.
Cradle Me - Deborah Dougherty Cradle me, cradle me / oh dear mother, cradle me / earth and breath and sky and sea / all rise up and cradle me. (see/listen to the video for the verses)
My Heart, O God is Calm and Still (Psalm 131:2) -text by Mary Louise Bringle, music by Carson Cooman, sung by Nancy Willbanks. (Score/text available from In Wind and Wonder: 75 Hymn Texts by Mary Louise Bringle, GIA Publications, p. 78-79)
And I’ve listened to and gotten teary with these next two songs. Both the music and the poetry move me.
This Is To Mother You - Sinéad O'Connor This is to mother you To comfort you and get you through' Through when your nights are lonely Through when your dreams are only blue This is to mother you ...
In My Daughter's Eyes - Martina McBride In my daughter's eyes I am a hero I am strong and wise and I know no fear But the truth is plain to see She was sent to rescue me I see who I wanna be In my daughter's eyes In my daughter's eyes everyone is equal Darkness turns to light and the world is at peace This miracle God gave to me gives me strength when I am weak I find reason to believe In my daughter's eyes ...
Scriptures about Mothers
Psalm 131:2 (NRSV)—But I have calmed and quieted my soul, like a weaned child with its mother; my soul is like the weaned child that is with me.
Isaiah 66:13 (NRSV)—As a mother comforts her child, so I will comfort you; you shall be comforted in Jerusalem.
Ezekiel 16:44 (NRSV)—Behold, every one who uses proverbs will use this proverb about you, 'Like mother, like daughter.' (This verse in context is harsh…)
Questions for Reflection
What kind of comfort and support as if from a mother do I need to give and receive? In what ways am I like my mother and in what ways is my daughter like me?
What songs about mothers would you share or listen to?
One-Day Community Singing Workshop May 24, 2025
If you are thinking of going, Monday, May 12 is our decision date/registration deadline. If we don’t have enough people registered we won’t/can’t do the May 24 One-Day event.
Music that Makes Community is excited to offer a One-Day Community Singing Workshop May 24, 2025, 9:30 am-4 pm, focusing on songs of love, freedom, and resilience at the Unitarian Church of Marlborough and Hudson in Central Massachusetts. Will you join us to sing and learn together? Registration is now open here!
The workshop will be co-facilitated by MMC Executive Director, Conie Borchardt, and me. Each person will leave with new music to share, as well as experiences of learning and teaching songs applicable to their context. Singers of all backgrounds, ages, and experience levels are warmly welcomed to participate!
Register before May 12 so we can get a headcount for lunch. Notes on fees, childcare, and scholarships are available on the event webpage. Email hello@musicthatmakescommunity.org if you have more questions. And please share the Facebook event with your family, friends, and colleagues!
If you can’t come on Saturday, join us for one or both of these Community Sing events:
Thursday evening, May 22 in Hartford, CT. Info and RSVP Here.
Sunday afternoon, May 25 in Boston, MA, 2:30-4 pm, The Allston Abbey, 5 Saint Luke’s Road, Allston MA 02134. Info and RSVP here. (Co-sponsored with Boston Interfaith Song Collective. Masking is required.)
Upcoming Book Groups
May/June book group, meeting weekly, Thursdays, noon Eastern, via Zoom on May 15, 22, 29, June 5, 12, 19.
MaryAnn McKibben Dana, Hope: A User's Manual —Has 6 chapters so we will do a chapter a week. Get Hope: A User’s Manual by MaryAnn McKibben Dana by May 15 if you want to join us. Let me know by May 14, that you’re in for this book so I can send you a reminder with the zoom link.
The places the book is available online are here: https://www.maryannmckibbendana.net/thebooks
There is a group discussion guide here: https://issuu.com/eerdmans/docs/hope_discussionguide.final?fr=xKAE9_zU1NQ
MaryAnn is writing regularly on The Blue Room on Substack. She started on Substack in Jan. 2022, and the archive shows Podcast links for/about this book in 2023.
If you’re uncertain if you want to read this book or join us, these links may help you decide.
July/August book group, meeting biweekly, Thursdays, noon Eastern, on July 10, 24, Aug. 7, 21
Mariann Edgar Budde, How We Learn to Be Brave—Has 7 chapters plus intro & Epilogue, so it would be something like two chapters each time we meet.
Let me know that you’re in for this book so I can send a reminder with the zoom link.
Revised Contemplative Nature Walk Dates
Because of May schedule conflicts we are now looking at June. Our walk date is June 14, 10 a.m., with a June 21 rain date. Location: Blue Hills. We also welcome suggestions for other places with accessible 1-1.5 hour walks. Last year we went to Alewife Brook Reservation, Blue Hills, and Mass Audubon in Worcester, all of which are worth a repeat. Let me know if you want to come. We need an RSVP so that we don’t leave anyone behind.
If you landed here by chance or got this from a friend, I invite you to share with friends and subscribe!
If you’re not already on my MailChimp list to receive my longer reflections each Wednesday, you can subscribe here: http://eepurl.com/ilgIE9. This last week’s reflection was: How Can We Keep From Singing? About Grief, Tyrants, Being Other, Belonging, Joy.