“We Praise Sacred Darkness,” sung by DeShay Freemyer-Jackson at The Gathering, A Womanist Church

This hymn celebrates darkness as sacred power giving birth to all creation. Sacred Darkness creates a world of justice and peace.

We join this creation, contributing to racial justice and equity by changing the traditional symbolism of darkness and light. In many hymns images of darkness carry negative connotations, while images of light carry positive meanings. My hymns use positive images of darkness to affirm the sacred value of people of color in the divine image; the lyrics symbolize darkness as creative bounty and beauty. We can reclaim the sacred “treasures of darkness” (Isaiah 45:3).

DeShay Freemyer-Jackson, Minister of Worship Arts at The Gathering, sings “We Praise Sacred Darkness.”

We praise Sacred Darkness, Creator of all,
connecting us all through Her life-giving call;
the Luminous Darkness draws all into one,
creating a world where Her justice is done.

So many still suffer oppression each day.
How long will injustice and violence hold sway?
We join in the movement to overcome wrong,
embracing all people so love will grow strong.

Reclaim Sacred Darkness to bring peace on earth;
She gives us all power, affirming our worth;
The Luminous Darkness inspires healing dreams,
revealing Her treasures of miracle streams.

Words © 2017 Jann Aldredge-Clanton    
From Inclusive Songs for Resistance & Social Action