“She Is Our Rock,” Song Video
“You were unmindful of the Rock that bore you;
you forgot the God who gave you birth” (Deuteronomy 32:18).
Phyllis Trible, renowned Hebrew Bible scholar, writes that “we need to accent the striking portrayal of God as female for the Hebrew verb has exclusively this meaning.” She emphasizes that the Hebrew verb is accurately translated “bore,” not “fathered,” as in the New International, New King James, Jerusalem Bible, and many other versions: “How scandalous, then, is the totally incorrect translation ‘You forgot the God who fathered you.’ Over centuries translators and commentators have ignored such female imagery, with disastrous results for God, man and woman. To reclaim the image of God female is to become aware of the male idolatry that has long infested faith.”
We will no longer be “unmindful” of the Rock who birthed us. This song video, “She Is Our Rock,” reclaims the image of the Divine as “Rock.”
Rock of the ages in every land
gives us Her power to take a stand;
She is our Rock, our solid ground;
courage and strength with Her abound.
She is a tower of peace and love,
living within us, around, above;
She is our Rock, our solid ground;
courage and strength with Her abound.
Words © 2019 Jann Aldredge-Clanton Music © 2019 Katie Ketchum
Many years ago I wrote this hymn also based on Deuteronomy 32:18:
O Mother Rock who bore us, unmindful we have been
of all your goodness to us, your mercy without end.
We’ve praised our Father fully, but scorned your image fair,
rejecting all your Wisdom that shines forth everywhere.
Our world cries out in anguish from our neglect of you;
O Mother Rock who bore us, come now our souls renew.
Forgive our long forgetting of your strong, loving care;
O may we now discover your gifts for all to share.
Teach us to be more mindful, O Rock who gave us birth,
reflecting on your beauty that permeates the earth.
Restore our childlike wonder, as we upon you gaze,
and may we give you gladly, our songs of endless praise.
Words © Jann Aldredge-Clanton
from Inclusive Hymns for Liberating Christians
Video Credits
Performed by: Katie Ketchum
Music: Katie Ketchum
Lyrics: Jann Aldredge-Clanton
From: Hersay: Songs for Healing and Empowerment
Recorded at: Joe Hoffmann Studios, Occidental, CA
Visual Art:
Katie Ketchum: Hersay book cover and “The Crone” paintings
Stacy Boorn: “She Is Rising,” “Ida B. Well,” & “RBG” paintings, and “Anointing Goddess” photo
photo of Susanne Johnson at “Dignity of Earth and Sky” statue
Elaine Chan-Scherer: photos of rocks, New Zealand and Lands End
photo of Kamilah Hall Sharp at rally for women ministers