Take Me To Church!
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Take Me To Church!
I’m thinking about how important a role the Black church has been in black history in America. How it has been a source of encouragement, empowerment, solace, refuge, and strength since Africans came to its shores.
In my life, I grew up as a true church kid. I attended church services at least three days a week. I was teasingly called “church girl.” But I didn’t mind, because I loved going to church. Church was my second home. It was a place where I could be free to sing, to dance, to play with my friends, to be nurtured by elderly ladies, and to learn about how much Jesus loves me.
Even when I left home, for high school and into my college years, I made sure I kept my connection with the church and attended services on campus. This helped to keep me spiritually grounded during tough times and reminded me of my moral upbringing, even though I sometimes chose to disregard them. When I became a wife and mother, I was determined to continue the church traditions that were so much a part of my growth and development. My husband and I ensured that our children went to Sunday school and had a strong foundation in the black church.
As we are now older adults, I have been saddened by the recent changes in church attendance over the years, particularly during the times of COVID-19. You may recall, I sang church songs for 14 days straight to encourage listeners to stay strong and hold onto their faith in that bleak time. So many churches have closed their doors or now hold streaming services only online. I admit, there are too many times that on a Sunday morning, I have decided to have “couch-cushion church;” choosing to watch my pastor talk on the television rather than fellowshipping in person.
In times like these, the church continues to need us to be the beacon of hope and light in our communities. So many of our citizens are helped through the church with initiatives for the homeless, the hungry, and the outcast. It is up to each of us to devote as we have done throughout our history to volunteer our time and give our donations in support of the black church.
Thank you pastors and church workers everywhere for your awesome service and impact through the years.
Here are some of my gospel hits that reflect my strong faith built in the foundations of the black church. I hope my songs bring joy and comfort to each of you in your life as well.
Special Thanks to Elizabeth Baber and Dr. Shakira for all that you do to make it happen.
Debra Hill
Debra Hill is an independent inspirational singer, author, songwriter, and writer. As a blind performer, she adds a personal story of God’s faithfulness. Her life exemplifies that Christ’s power will work to lift all regardless of circumstances.
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