One of the most iconic songs in the world of Friends and Friends education is “This Little Light of Mine.”  I’m certain most of you have heard it.  You can hear a Second Grade Class singing it in the BFS promotional video that Melissa Clayton produced two years ago.

As we gathered for the February meeting of the Board of Trustees last night, sharing news and time together before the meeting got underway, Board Clerk Michael Godshall shared that another song had served to guide and inspire him during the past few weeks.  In light of all we are holding and doing during this unprecedented time, and as we navigate the darkest months of the year together, it inspired me to consider what more I can do to bring light and lightness to others.

Brighten the Corner Where You Are

(Songwriters: Charles Hutchison Gabriel * / Ina Duley Ogdon / R Price / Robert Lee Black)

Do not wait until some deed of greatness you may do
Do not wait to shed your light afar
To the many duties ever near you now be true
Brighten the corner where you are

Brighten the corner where you are
Brighten the corner where you are
Someone far from harbor you may guide across the bar
Brighten the corner where you are

Just above are clouded skies that you may help to clear
Let not narrow self your way debar
Though into one heart alone may fall your song of cheer
Brighten the corner where you are

Here for all your talent you may surely find a need
Here reflect the bright and Morning Star
Even from your humble hand the Bread of Life may feed
Brighten the corner where you are

* CH Gabriel (1856-1932) wrote many gospel songs and published collections of gospel music during his lifetime, and he co-wrote “Will The Circle Be Unbroken”