His Eye Is On The Sparrow

I was watching an old movie, and heard a song called “His eye is on the Sparrow” which I do not recall hearing before. It was a touching song that drove me to explore further on You Tube. I discovered that this song has been sung by some of the most renowned artists such as Mahalia Jackson, Whitney Houston, and Lauryn Hill. 

As I scrolled through the You Tube list I found a version of this song sung by the Mississippi Children’s Choir. My curiosity piqued so I pressed play to hear it, and immediately I was lost in a flurry of emotions as I listened. A few minutes later through blurred vision, tears were streaming down my cheeks. The little boy who stood front and center on the stage sang with such purity and sweetness. He seemed to be oblivious of the crowd watching him, and was in a place known only to him as he sang from his soul with such sincerity. Perhaps this place was a safe haven where he was protected and away from the bitterness of today’s world. The pure innocence of this child who believed that there was nothing to fear because God is watching over us. His voice evoked so many emotions.

The song begins with the lyrics, “Why should I feel discouraged? And why should the shadows come?” Instantly, those words brought me to all the happenings of today, and I felt overwhelmed with sadness.  The global virus pandemic that scarred the world now seems inconsequential to the uprising and retaliation due to the murder of George Floyd. Although this tragic occurrence took place in the United States, it has caused people all over the world to take action for change, and to amplify the message of inclusivity and acceptance. We must eradicate this hate!

Racism has been lurking everywhere from the dawn of time. We talk about it, we acknowledge it but why does it not go away? It is a pathetic and hurtful scourge yet we all go about everyday trying not to look it in the eye. We live with it at school, at work, and on the streets, yet we pretend that it is not there. However, this time something ignited, and the sparks have grown into a full flame. The heat of this despicable act inflicted upon a black man by a police officer has brought about cries for change through action. We cannot just talk about it, we must be the change.

Every one of us needs to be accountable for justice when we see another human being at a disadvantage. We cannot turn a blind eye hoping that someone else will solve the problem. We preach about bullying and non-tolerance of it, but isn’t racism another form of bullying? Imagine if we all spoke up, and came to the aid of those who are shamed because of colour, race or sexual orientation. Imagine a world where peace overtakes war, and love overcomes hate. Imagine!

If we do not learn anything from what is transpiring then there is no hope. Without hope there is nothing.

Violence in response only causes more pain and chaos. Rioting and looting hurt the very people who were hurt in the first place. Stop the madness. Be still, be calm and think rationally. Think peace, think love, think hope for change. 

It starts with just one step forward. So let us begin the march for change.

To the little boy in the Mississippi Children’s Choir, thank you for touching my heart and soul. You are beautiful, and you matter. You are a gift from God. I hope you continue to sing because you are happy. I hope you continue to sing because you are free. I wish you a life of peace and love without fear.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Q_8pUqXADTE&list=RDQ_8pUqXADTE&start_radio=1

Why should I feel discouraged?

And why should the shadows come?

Why should my heart feel lonely

And long for heavenly home

When Jesus is my portion?

And my constant friend is He

You know, his eye is on the little sparrow

And I know he cares for you and me

His eye is on the little sparrow

And I know God is watching over you and me

I sing because my soul is a happy

I sing because I'm free

For His eye, it is on the little sparrow

And I know He's watching over you and me

 #racism #hiseyeisonthesparrow #tolerance #inclusivity #mississippichildrenschoir #protest #antibullying #change #marchforjustice #blacklivesmatter

Doreen Fernandez

Memorybloom.ca

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