“O Mother Godde, I Come,” by McKenzie Brown, sung by Minister of Worship Arts DeShay Freemyer-Jackson at The Gathering, A Womanist Church

Inclusive Hymns from the Heart of Gospel began in collaboration with McKenzie Brown at Freebirds World Burrito Restaurant. McKenzie and I met often at Freebirds to talk about our songs. We found a quiet spot, and, over our burrito bowls, we often sang to each other new songs we had drafted. Not only did we review our songs, but we also discussed our process of writing and our reasons for writing lyrics. Larry E. Schultz later joined our collaboration, writing new arrangements to some of our songs and creating lyrics and music for some new songs.

We reclaimed gospel tunes we love with inclusive lyrics to sound the good news of justice, peace, liberation, and abundant life for all people. The original words of many gospel hymns support violence, patriarchy, and white supremacy rather than the abundant life Jesus taught (John 10:10).

The original words of “Just As I Am” include blood atonement and negative reference to “dark.” McKenzie reclaimed this beautiful tune with words of Mother Godde’s unconditional love and welcome. DeShay Freemyer-Jackson, Minister of Worship Arts at The Gathering, A Womanist Church, sings McKenzie’s “O Mother Godde, I Come.”

Just as I am, though lost at sea,
Her love will light a way for me,
and put my weary mind at ease.
O Mother Godde,* I come, I come.

Just as I am, with doubts and fears
that molded me throughout the years;
She shares each sorrow, every tear.
O Mother Godde, I come, I come.

Just as I am, She helps me see
how worthy She created me.
I close my eyes, She says “just be.”
O Mother Godde, I come, I come.

Just as I am, She will embrace,
will welcome, love, and offer grace.
And at the end of every day,
O Mother Godde, I’ll come, I’ll come.

Words © 2018 McKenzie Brown
From Inclusive Songs from the Heart of Gospel

*“Godde” is a term some people use in referring to Deity, combining the male name “God” and the female name “Goddess.”