Reformation Lutheran Church A Congregation of the ELCA

Friday, March 13

Dulcinea Rakestraw

Kum ba ya (Come by here)

Kum bay ya, my Lord, kum bay ya;
Kum bay ya, my Lord, kum bay ya;
Kum bay ya, my Lord, kum bay ya,
O Lord, kum bay ya.

 

Music has a special way of speaking to the heart. Just hearing a melody can take you back in time to place where that particular song had a special meaning. It can also bring back memories in unexpected ways. And for me, there is no song that can transport me more than Kum ba ya.

 

Many times, Kum ba ya is used as a children’s song due to it simplicity and repetition. It is sung in Sunday school, at church camp, and VBS. Probably just reading the words here brings the melody to your mind as well.

 

The simplicity of Kum ba ya is what makes it so special. The song transports me to a time when I was younger, and life was simpler. Through the verses each of us can be reminded of how simple it is to ask God to come be with us.

In times of joy, “Someone’s laughing, my Lord, Kum ba ya.”
In times of praise, “Someone’s singing, my Lord, Kum ba ya.”
In times of sorrow, “Someone’s crying, my Lord, Kum ba ya.”

 

During the Lenten season, I hope that we can find time to slow down, reflect, and remember how simple it is to ask God to be us. “Someone’s praying, my Lord, Kum ba ya.”

 

Come by here, my Lord. Hear my singing, my laughter, my crying. See my joy, my sorrow, my needs. Heal my brokenness. And use me as part of a healing chorus for the world. Amen

 

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