What are the Reparations?
tune: Aurelia – The Church’s One Foundation
It seems that God’s creation is not what was designed.
So easy to accept things and then become resigned
To never being different, wrongs ne’er to be repaired
Will ever come the time when your bounty’s fairly shared?
We see the world around us now lost and full of sin
What we bemoan in others too often found within
My heart as cold as any, my thoughts for self alone
Where are the seeds of hope that in me you’ve freely sown?
What are the reparations that we must make today?
What words and deeds can ever right wrongs of yesterday-
Life stolen, stunted, ended – in anger, hurt and pain.
How can we hope to ever Walk side by side again?
‘Act justly and love mercy, walk humbly with your God!’
Still challenges us to action – to walk the way you trod,
To join you in your journey, to usher in your reign,
Share grace with broken-hearted, and live with healing pain.
You are the generous sower – who still throws out your seed
For some the source of sharing, for others source of greed.
Turn inward thoughts now outward, as equals let us stand
In brokenness and sorrow – still guided by your hand.
Ray writes: ‘This song, with any number of different titles but a tune familiar to many, was written with the Legacies of Transatlantic Slave Trade in mind but is of use for Racial Justice Sunday too. I don’t pretend to have all the answers if any – but I am searching and exploring the questions … will you join me?’
This song, and others by Ray, are posted on Ray Stanyon’s YouTube channel.
Ray has generously given Worship Words permission to share this on-line and for you to use these lyrics in worship. Please cite him as the author.
Words © RNC Stanyon 13th November 2019
Photo: John Wesley’s New Room Museum, Bristol, UK; taken by Ana Gobledale (John Wesley’s New Room, founded by John Wesley in 1739, is the oldest Methodist building in the world, located in the heart of Bristol city centre.)
