Libby writes:
At President Biden’s inauguration, it was good to see previous Presidents in attendance, speeches made and oaths taken, all sober stuff, when suddenly Amanda Gorman was introduced (at 22 the youngest ever U.S. Poet Laureate, dressed in sizzling yellow and a glorious red hair band) and she started to read “The Hill we Climb”.
I was moved to tears not only by the jaw dropping delivery of her amazing poem and also by her courage (overcoming her speech impediment), but the fact that a fortnight before, on those very steps, people full of hate had entered the Capitol building bent on stopping democracy. Yet here she stood, one tiny figure speaking words of love, encouragement, optimism and challenge. It was written in 1839 that “The pen is mightier than the sword”, and her poem “The Hill we Climb” shows that words can reach the heart and soul of the reader so powerfully.
We are finding our lives challenging and I pray for strength for all of us. Keep strong and when your shadows come, picture the yellow roses on the communion table. Amanda Gorman is a Christian and I end with the final part of her wonderful poem:
When day comes, we step out of the shade, aflame and unafraid.
The new dawn blooms as we free it.
For there is always light,
if only we’re brave enough to see it,
if only we’re brave enough to be it.
Amen to that.
May I run the race before me,
strong and brave to face the foe,
looking only unto Jesus,
as I onward go.
WELCOME to our church, which serves the community of Coal Aston on the outskirts of Dronfield. Since 1866 this building has been a focus of Christian worship and gospel preaching in the area. Today, if you visit us, you will find lively, heartfelt and reverent worship, warm fellowship, and a wide range of weekday activities involving the church members, the Coal Aston community and people from wider afield. Do come along – we would love to meet you.