For those who do not follow religious traditions, the notion of prayer before dinner feels a bit strange. However, dinner table traditions seem to be important for some reason, so we try to implement them. Sometimes, we pray. Sometimes, we don't. Often, we share good and bad things that have happened during the day, offering empathy for one another. Even our three-year-old daughter participates in this part.
This evening, we sang a song in lieu of a prayer. Civil rights leader Fannie Lou Hamer was known for her signature spiritual song, "This Little Light of Mine". I had the urge to sing the first verse of the song, probably due to my recent research of her life. I have a terrible singing voice, but I started us off, and my wife helped me out shortly thereafter.
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine, let it shine, let it shine.
Not every song needs to be tied to civil rights activism, but this one was. There are so many short song verses that can be sung at the dinner table, ones that fit your background. Feelings of connection and empathy can go hand-in-hand with a song.
Two minutes into dinner, my daughter quietly sang one line.
This little light of mine
I'm gonna let it shine...
May you always, beautiful daughter.
Photo at top by Daiga Ellaby on Unsplash.com
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If you'd like to listen to Fannie Lou Hamer leading others in "This Little Light of Mine", then here it is: