“Sister Spirit Shows the Healing Way,” presented by Min. DeShay W. Freemyer-Jackson
DeShay W. Freemyer-Jackson, Minister of Music for The Gathering, A Womanist Church, presents a creative arrangement of “Sister Spirit Shows the Healing Way.” Thank you, DeShay, for all the ways you share your abundant talents.
This song is dedicated to my marvelous sister, Dr. Anne Morton, “who is always by my side,” showing “the healing way.”
Sister Spirit Shows the Healing Way
When we cannot find our way
through the long and gloomy days,
we are fearful and discouraged, heavy-hearted, and dismayed.
Sister Spirit comes to guide;
She is always by our side,
clearly showing us a path that opens wide.
When our labor seems in vain
and we feel the stress and strain,
we keep working to dismantle systems causing so much pain,
and no matter how we try,
many efforts go awry,
but we know that Sister Spirit hears our cry.
Every day around the world,
hateful messages are hurled;
we will overcome with love and peaceful banners now unfurled.
Sister Spirit takes down walls,
giving courage when we call;
we will join Her work of liberating all.
Refrain:
Sister Spirit shows the healing ways,
close beside us evermore will stay;
We will share Her story, celebrate Her power,
lifting voices to reclaim this urgent hour.
Words © 2019 Jann Aldredge-Clanton BY AND BY
From Inclusive Songs from the Heart of Gospel (Eakin Press, 2023)
Min. DeShay W. Freemyer-Jackson currently serves as Minister of Music for The Gathering, A Womanist Church in Dallas, Texas, and for First Christian Church in Granbury, Texas. DeShay holds a Master of Divinity degree from Brite Divinity School (Texas Christian University) with certificates in Black Church Studies and Gender and Sexual Justice and a Bachelor’s in Music Education from Culver-Stockton College. DeShay recently contributed a chapter to Colors of Hope: A Devotional Journal from LGBTQ+ Christians published by Chalice Press, March 2022. DeShay has performed as a solo and collaborative musician with a host of instrumental and vocal ensembles in Missouri, Illinois, Iowa, and Texas, providing music at the Washington National Cathedral in Washington, D.C., St. Louis Cathedral in New Orleans, LA, Illinois Music Educators Conference, and multiple schools, churches, and homes. During their time at Brite Divinity, they served as vice-moderator for the Brite Black Seminarians student association and served on the chapel worship committee as music liaison, worship leader, and student vocal ensemble director. DeShay is seeking ordination with the Mid-America region of the Christian Church Disciples of Christ. DeShay’s interests center the importance of Womanism and its influence on theology/spirituality, Black/LGBTQIA+ culture, music, and food.