Thursday, May 2nd Sing-along Café Review

The theme was Earth and Peace, and we enjoyed a few leftover la-las too. We concluded that we could attain Peace on Earth if more women gathered like us to sing and talk about love and how to care for our planet and the people on it. Renate thinks we should have more easy-to-sing la-las in songs so that everyone can sing along. Surely we can achieve harmony in the world by singing in harmony.

Here's the list of what we sang and listened to (I'm hearing that people love reading these lists!)

Wonderful World by Louis Armstrong (bonus for early arrival and Harold)
Fly Like an Eagle by Steve Miller Band
Havana (no rap version) by Camila Cabello
Rich Girl by Gwen Stefani
Peace Train by Cat Stevens
Blue Skies by Ella Fitzgerald
I See the Light by Mandy Moore & Zachary Levi
Calypso by John Denver
Earth Song by Michael Jackson, Video and sing-along
Blowin' in the Wind by Bob Dylan
Give Me Love by George Harrison
Someday at Christmas by Stevie Wonder
Hymn to Freedom by Oscar Peterson
We Shall be Free by Garth Brooks
Humble and Kind by Tim McGraw
Imagine by John Lennon
Dont' Worry, Be Happy by Bobby Mc Ferrin

We did more talking than usual, but we had big stuff to talk about. We had some heavy moments. We were especially heavy-hearted watching the video of Michael Jackson's song Earth Song. I've included a link to that here below. It's a beautiful song with a very satisfying la-la (oohs& ahs and a keychange), an easy and strong gospel response section, and a powerful message, but, brace yourself when you watch the video (tissues nearby).

We talked about Mother Theresa's message of peace: "Peace and war begin at home. If we truly want peace in the world, let us begin by loving one another in our own families. If we want to spread joy, we need for every family to have joy." Everyone needs to feel loved, seen, appreciated. It's not easy right at home in our families, so it's really difficult out there in the world. A home, good food, music, a support system, health care, education, a clean environment, ...why can't everyone have peace and joy?

We shared experiences we had and our parents and grandparents had with exclusion, racism, and just ignorant shaming. We had lots of laughs too, and good memories, and we are grateful for what we have and for each other, and for this evening of loving fellowship we have every week.

Thank God for the creative and sometimes very unusual people who make music and write lyrics to help us to feel and wonder and understand! Our culture is finally beginning to see how important diversity is.

We had store-bought cookies, but it didn't matter at all. It was a lovely evening in lovely company.

Next week, on May 9th, ahead of Mother's Day, our theme will be Family and Home.

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