an arrangement of glory to god, whose goodness shines on me

in , ,

Just before Advent, I received sample copies of an arrangement of “Glory to God, Whose Goodness Shines on Me” by Joel Raney that also weaves in a bit of the hymn “To God Be the Glory” (a more inclusive text, too). It’s an accessible SAB arrangement and available for purchase from Hope Publishing Company. It’s fun to see something you’ve written come back in a new way!

Here’s a preview recording of the arrangement from the publisher’s website.

to whom much is given, much is required

in , , ,

Since last fall’s #blacklivesmatter protests in New York City, I have become more and more aware of the privilege our culture affords me as a white man. I have come to understand that I cannot speak on behalf of persons of color, as if I know best what others need or want. I have not walked in their shoes nor do I understand the challenges or hurdles many face on a daily basis – from subtle, demoralizing micro-aggressions to unwarranted scrutiny to police brutality like we saw at Spring Valley High School in South Carolina this week.

But I can support and help amplify voices of color that are speaking their truth. I can name and confront racism whenever and wherever I see it. I can advocate, work for systemic change, and seek justice and equality for all, especially black lives. It is not enough to simply pray for a better world but I am called to be God’s hands and feet. My faith requires me to leverage my privilege for the wider good. And God also calls me to encourage and inspire other privileged folk to action, especially in the church.

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