This past week has been so difficult. For me, for all of us here…and probably for you. The events in Charlottesville have shined a bright light on bigotry and hate, which can do real damage to your soul. And if we feel scared and heartbroken — well, imagine what it does to our children.
There have been lots of hugs and ice cream in my house, because like Tina Fey’s sheet caking idea, we’ll take all the edible comfort we can get. But besides dessert — and discussion — music can do a world of good to ease worries and even empower us.
That’s why I love the brand new song that kindie artist and CMP favorite Frances England wrote in response to Charlottesville.
It’s aptly called Beacons of Light and it begins with these lovely words:
Be the light to block the darkness
Be the sound to ring truth
Know that we are in this together
Know that I walk beside you
Photo: Andrick Langfield @Unsplash
The soothing song goes on to quote Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr’s dream speech, reaffirming that we ALL belong, and reassuring us that love will win.
But my favorite part of Beacons of Light is the message that no matter where we go, there is goodness to be found. It reminds me of my favorite message from Mister Rogers: “Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.”
That small reminder will do a world of good for me and my kids.
And the other great thing: 100% of proceeds from downloads for this song will be donated to the Southern Poverty Law Center, an organization dedicated to fighting hate and bigotry, and seeking justice for the most vulnerable members of our society.
In other words, a beacon of light.
You can download Beacons of Light by Frances England for $.99 on CDBaby.com. Totally worth it. And feel free to make an additional donation to SPLC if you’re so inclined. They’re doing good work.
