Update: We were grateful to have a more routine schedule this past week. We were able to get some projects done around the house while continuing to provide support for indigenous musicians and their COVID19 songs. (We have two songs in process at this writing). Today we are posting a scripture song from Proverbs 9:1-6 that we composed about ten years ago. 

The song: The writers of the book of Proverbs continually extol the value of wisdom and understanding: “for wisdom is more precious than rubies, and nothing you desire can compare with her.” Prov 8:11. They challenge us to seek after wisdom and understanding and to avoid folly. Many times these writers personify wisdom and understanding not as a commodity to be gained but rather as a woman who invites us to receive her gift of wisdom and understanding. Today’s song is one occasion of wisdom calling out to us which is depicted in Proverbs chapter nine. We were asked to perform this song at a song-writing workshop we conducted in Maralel, Kenya. We led the artists through several exercises in which they composed a song segment by starting not with a musical idea, but rather with a biblical text. We encourage artists to compose scripture songs because song is a powerful tool for memory – especially among marginally-literate peoples. 

The dress: By the way, the dress Mary Lu is wearing was a gift from Pastor Margaret in Narok, Kenya. The dress & cape are colorful and heavily decorated with beads and bangles. Mary Lu said, “the dress is alive! It sings & dances when you move!” Our hosts asked Mary Lu to wear the dress for the workshop and the participants were very pleased to see her honor a fellow tribal group in this way. 

 Proverbs 9:1-6
1 Wisdom has built her house; 
 she has set up its seven pillars. 
2 She has prepared her meat and mixed her wine; 
 she has also set her table. 
3 She has sent out her servants, 
and she calls from the highest point of the city, 
4 “Let all who are simple come to my house!” 
To those who lack judgement she says, 
5 “Come, eat my food and 
drink the wine I have mixed. 
6 Leave your simple ways and you will live; 
 walk in the way of understanding.”

Enjoy!