William Grant Still was a Black American composer whose musical compositions have recently come to light. He was noted for combining classical symphonic music with the spiritual music of enslaved African Americans.
In 1933, Black American composer William Grant Still wrote a song, “The Dismal Swamp” inspired by the real swampland in Virginia and North Carolina that served as a refuge for people experiencing both hardship and a lack of safety — a place of temporary shelter amid uncertainty.
As we reflect on the music, we might consider how grief can also feel like a swamp. It can be isolating, uncomfortable, and even frightening at times, yet it is often a space where healing, reflection and resilience begin to take root.
When we grieve, we gradually can move forward out of the worst of it into a different life, a new realm of existence.
Psalm 23 may be familiar even to those who aren’t regular churchgoers or Bible readers. It is recognizable by its first five words, “The Lord is my shepherd.” In a later verse, it talks about walking through the “shadow of death,” and then goes on to assure us that God is with us.
May knowing that while we walk through our dismal swamp of grief, we are always accompanied by God, who brings us comfort and peace.
Upcoming Group:
The Geography of Grief
Wednesday, August 19, 7-8 PM CT
We’ll discuss the terrain of grief – deep forests, dismal swamps and unexpected discoveries along the way.
