As a child, I used to go to summer camp for one week each year. Then I transitioned to camp counselor in my later teen years and spent two entire summers leading songs, hiking, crafting, and so much more at a camp for girls in Northeast Georgia. My favorite part of camp was singing. I loved learning all the goofy camp songs. Of course, we sang some serious ones too. You just can't do goofy around the campfire, especially on the last night of camp. One of my favorite songs over the years was:
Image © Connie G. Barwick
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,
Let it shine....
We'd really raise the rafters on that one and do all the verses we could think of and of course, the hand motions. Some say This Little Light of Mine is a spiritual, others attribute it to Harry Dixon Loes who is said to have written it about 1920. It was "discovered" as a folk song in the late thirties and the song became an anthem of the American Civil Rights Movement and has been recorded by many artists over the years, and not just by those who had kids as a focus like Raffi. The music and lyrics definitely have a gospel flair, reminding me of familiar verses in Matthew and Luke.
But no matter the source, the meaning of this song is universal. Don't hide your talents from others. Don't keep them locked away. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't be afraid of what other people think. Share your talents with others. Let them out in the open. Be who you are. Rise above expectations. SHINE!
Before I get too carried away here, let me point out that this song was the inspiration for the free Let Your Light Shine pattern. You might want to stitch this for a friend who dreams of stardom, or as in inspirational, motivational message for someone who you think is hiding his or her light. Or, stitch it for yourself as a reminder to let your light shine.
I stitched this model with two colors of Threadworx floss on some lovely fabric from Enchanted Fabrics. You may, of course, stitch the design using the fabric and floss colors of your choice. Learn more details about the finished project.
More Info on Folk Music from About.com Guide Kim Ruehl:History of This Little Light of Mine
Folksingers and the Civil Rights Movement
Best Civil Rights Songs
Image © Connie G. BarwickI'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,
Let it shine....
We'd really raise the rafters on that one and do all the verses we could think of and of course, the hand motions. Some say This Little Light of Mine is a spiritual, others attribute it to Harry Dixon Loes who is said to have written it about 1920. It was "discovered" as a folk song in the late thirties and the song became an anthem of the American Civil Rights Movement and has been recorded by many artists over the years, and not just by those who had kids as a focus like Raffi. The music and lyrics definitely have a gospel flair, reminding me of familiar verses in Matthew and Luke.
But no matter the source, the meaning of this song is universal. Don't hide your talents from others. Don't keep them locked away. Don't be afraid to be yourself. Don't be afraid of what other people think. Share your talents with others. Let them out in the open. Be who you are. Rise above expectations. SHINE!
Before I get too carried away here, let me point out that this song was the inspiration for the free Let Your Light Shine pattern. You might want to stitch this for a friend who dreams of stardom, or as in inspirational, motivational message for someone who you think is hiding his or her light. Or, stitch it for yourself as a reminder to let your light shine.
I stitched this model with two colors of Threadworx floss on some lovely fabric from Enchanted Fabrics. You may, of course, stitch the design using the fabric and floss colors of your choice. Learn more details about the finished project.
More Info on Folk Music from About.com Guide Kim Ruehl:
Comments
Very sweet design… and the sentiment is right on! Love it!
– StitchKat (http://centerstitch.blogspot.com/)
We need to stitch it with little Christmas bulbs for the word light!
That is sooo sweet. I love it.
Thanks for shining your light for us, Connie!
What a fun project! Thanks for sharing it.
Great pattern with a fabulous message!
Cheers,
Madge