Come, Holy Mother: Sacred
Lullabies.
A new recording by Kathryn Christian.
Independently produced, 2002.
Reviewed by Letha Dawson
Scanzoni, EEWC Update editor
If you attended any or all of the last three
EEWC conferences, you're already aware of the depth and beauty of
Kathryn Christian's music. In Come, Holy Mother, Kathryn's
latest CD, her lovely voice, her talents as a composer, and her
knowledge of Scripture, theology, and the medieval women mystics
once again come together to provide listeners with an
extraordinary musical and spiritual experience. The talents of
David Chown at the keyboard and Michael McNamara and Brian
Christian on guitar enhance the listening enjoyment.
The title song, Come, Holy Mother, is
based on the writings of Julian of Norwich. Inside the CD cover,
Kathryn includes some words from Julian that sum up the theme of
the CD: "This fair and lovely word 'mother' is so sweet and
so kind in itself that it cannot truly be said of anyone or to
anyone except of the One and to the One who is the true Mother of
life and of all things. To the property of motherhood belong
nature, love, wisdom and knowledge. . . and this is God."
As I was writing this review, I paused briefly
to listen to a National Public Radio feature on prayer. One woman
said, "When I pray, I imagine myself sitting on God's lap and
being enveloped -- as if in a father's arms." Kathryn
describes the same feelings of closeness to God in her songs, but
she is speaking of a mother's arms. She says her own
experience of motherhood since giving birth to her daughter Lydia
has given her a new appreciation of God's motherly love.
A central purpose of Kathryn's music is to
help her listeners broaden their concept of God to include the
truth of those scripture passages that speak of God as Mother. The
songs on this CD fulfill that purpose admirably. They're designed
to help listeners experience God in ways that uplift tired
spirits, soothe hurting souls, cheer lonely hearts, and bring
comfort, calm, and hope in the midst of anxiety. As one of
Kathryn's songs, "Long Ago," expresses it, it's as
though God is holding us close, rocking us gently, and singing us
a lullaby.
Four of the 12 featured songs are based on the
writings of the mystics with their emphasis on turning away from
our worries and fears, resting instead in God's loving care.
Julian's writings inspired not only the title song but also a,
song based on her familiar and reassuring words, " All shall
be well." Another song, "Set Aside Every Fear,"
comes from Catherine of Siena; and Mechtild of Magdeburg's
description of the love between God and the human soul is captured
in "Sacred Love."
Seven songs come directly from Scripture
passages, such as Isaiah 66:13 ("As a Mother Comforts Her
Child"), Isaiah 46:3-4 ("I will Carry You"), Ruth
1:16-17 ("Song of Ruth"), a blend of John 14:6 and
Matthew 11:28-30 ("The Way"), and several of the Psalms.
If I had to select a favorite, I think it
would be the hauntingly beautiful "Long Ago," a superbly
crafted and deeply moving song Kathryn wrote about the yearning
and love of a parent for a child long before the child is born,
reminding us of God's everlasting love for us from before we
existed and forevermore.
But it's hard to name one favorite. All
of the music is meaningful and enjoyable. This CD will feed your
spirit and nurture your soul. I recommend it highly.
Come, Holy Mother:
Sacred Lullabies is available from:
Kathryn Christian,
P.O. Box 72,
Williamsburg, MI 49690
CD, $15; cassette tape, $10; plus $4.00 shipping per order.
E-mail: kbchristian@earthlink.net
(Note: This CD
is not the same as the earlier cassette of Kathryn's music
combined with Edwina Gateley's poetry. That tape was also called
"Oh, Holy Mother" and was issued in only a limited
edition at the request of listeners who were moved by Kathryn and
Edwina's joint ministry at Christian gatherings. Although that
cassette is no longer available, its contents have been
reissued as a CD with a new title, Growing into God, the
same title as Edwina Gateley's accompanying book of poetry. )
© 2002
Evangelical and Ecumenical Women's Caucus
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