These songs are what I like to think of as ‘gospel songs’. They are songs of inspiration that emerged from observing real people, sharing life with others in community, and are expressions of my spirit, my hopes, my passions, and yes, faith. I hope you will take a listen and that you might find something that stirs your own spirit or gives voice to something in your own life or community. These are wild days, strange days, and these songs come from real places. Some are also inspired by this country, this land, and the deep spirituality that many of us are glimpsing in the company of our First Nations friends and at their leadership.
These songs not only emerged from actual life, from real joy and struggle, they also were given extra life by all at the Alice Springs Uniting Church who learnt to sing them so well and made them part of our weekly life together. Those in the Gathering in the Blue Mountains played the same role, and many Tearfund Australia friends will also remember singing along to some of these tracks. Thanks to all of you. They were inspired by you and you gave me the gift of bringing them to life in corporate voice.
I hope those of you who lead singing will check them out and maybe learn a few that you could use in your own contexts. Despite some big arrangements on the recording, they are all simple (of course!) and can be knocked out on a guitar or a piano.
And for all who simply listen, I hope these songs strengthen you and bring you joy in the midst of our daily realities.