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10/25/2025

Today’s blog

Lynn Murphy Mark

Sweet Honey in the Rock

It is very early on a Saturday morning. Somehow my eyes opened at 4:08 am and would not close so up I got. I fired up the coffee and washed my face. It’s so early that even Mollie Dog is not ready to come out from under the covers. I love the potential of an early morning rising. Anything is possible at this time of the day.

I might be a little excited because in a few hours I will pick up Jackie, Cameron, and Alexander so we can spend just under 24 hours together. My guess is the time will fly and the boys will eat grilled cheese sandwiches and brownies, admittedly not the most balanced of diets. 

Until then I’m in the midst of my morning routine. Read Richard Rohr and Heather Cox Richardson to get me started. However, today’s letter from Heather Cox Richardson is one of the gloomiest yet as she writes about the government shutdown and the very real consequences for Americans. The House has been excused for yet another week of doing nothing on our behalf; we are beating war drums around Latin and South America; millions of Americans will not get their food benefits in 25 states starting in November. And on she went. I was so taken aback that I sent her letter to a few people, just to share the news and affect someone else’s day. Misery loves company.

Off to Facebook I went, and that is where my inspiration came from here in the dark before dawn. There were at least three stories about women who have made a profound difference for humanity in their lifetimes. Marie Curie was one of them. Ruby Bridges, Maya Angelou, Dolores Huerta, Mary Engle Pennington, and a few others whose stories are seldom told. 

Then I found this: This is Carol MAILLARD chiming in right now just watching the beat on MSNBC. It is difficult to watch any of the news outlets on television now streaming or otherwise. But channel surfing I ended up on MSNBC and the host saying where is the protest music in today’s movements? And I was like wow I wonder if they will even think of SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK®.

Dr. AD Carson from University of Virginia was the guest speaker. They mentioned all kinds of hip-hop groups. They even mentioned Giles Scott, and some other artist from back in the day. When we were just starting out – no mention of SWEET HONEY IN THE ROCK®. We have been doing this work for over 50 years and yes, I am in my feelings a bit about it. 

That is all I’m gonna share right now thank you all for reading and listening. This is my personal post. And I hope it doesn’t mess with the algorithm of social media smiley face.

One love. One heart. One spirit.

In song

MAI 

I have been listening to this group of a cappella singers since the 1980’s. They sing about social justice in just about every one of their songs. I have traveled several hundred miles to attend their concerts, have purchased a lot of their music, gotten inspiration from their words and music. Both of my kids know who SHIR is and have been to at least one of their concerts. Their founder, Dr. Bernice Johnson Reagon made her transition last year. She started the group in 1973 intending to create a group of African American women who would use their musical voices to send powerful messages of freedom and justice and history. Two members of today’s group started with the original ensemble and continue to sing: Carol Maillard and Louise Robinson. These two women have been singing an important message for 52 years. 

So, on mornings when what is happening in my country is beyond belief, I find inspiration quite by accident. Here’s is one of my favorite lines from SHIR:  “We who believe in Freedom cannot rest”.  Thank you, oh talented women, for not resting! You bring these words to life:

“But you would be fed with the finest of wheat: with honey from the rock I would satisfy you.” Psalm 81:16