The Bread of Tears: A Gospel Lament, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand”

The Bread of Tears: A Gospel Lament, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand.”

“Those who sow their tears as seeds will reap a harvest with joyful shouts of glee. They may weep as they go out carrying their seed to sow, but they will return with joyful laughter and shouting with gladness as they bring back armloads of blessing and a harvest overflowing!” (Psalm 126:5-6, TPT).

The Miracle of Tears. Each of us as human beings share a spectacular miracle… We each have been gifted by our Creator God with the ability to shed tears. And not merely one type of tear, but three kinds of tears, all of them benefitting us in different ways that, being so common, are easily taken for granted. First there are the Basal tears which are constantly produced to keep our eyes lubricated and moist, and which also provide much-needed nutrients to the cornea. Secondly are the Reflex tears that are triggered by irritants which wash away debris like dust and foreign objects, sooth our eyes from smoke, and prevent further irritation by giving our eyes time to heal up from the irritation. Amazingly too, Reflex tears contain antibodies to fight bacteria and avoid infection in our eyes. Finally, there are the Emotional tears which are released during times of strong emotions both positive and negative, such as anger, joy, sorrow, relief, fear, high stress, grief, and when something  is felt deeply and needs expression. Emotional tears are a special gift of our creator God, because they contain protein-based hormones that act as natural painkillers; a higher protein content to strengthen the eyes and keep them healthy; neurotransmitters that effect the ability to remember, to learn, to focus and pay attention, and release harmful stress. Emotional tears are a divine gift because it helps us express ourselves in healthy ways that are difficult to express any other way. Regardless of the kind of tear, they all contain enzymes that promote healing and maintain the health of our eyes. All tears are basically a water-based liquid that contain .3 mg of salt which have electrolytes and salt particles like sodium, potassium, calcium and magnesium. God is certainly the Lord of the Details when it comes to something as common yet complex as human tears.

Gospel Song of Lament – “Precious Lord, Take my Hand,” by Rev. Thomas Dorsey.

Luther Barnes & The Sunset Jubilaires – Precious Lord, Take My Hand (Lyric Video)

The legendary writer of this song, Thomas Dorsey (1899-1993), is called the “Father of Gospel Music.” He coined the term Gospel in the early 1930’s, and is said to have written over 1,000 gospel songs. He was the first musician to popularize the fusion of sacred text with secular blues. One historian wrote that he invented the gospel genre, that “he combined the good news of the gospel with the bad news of the blues.” Thomas was a natural evangelist for the Christian faith, and his second wife once said, “the only thing he cared about was saving souls through his music.”

Thomas Dorsey was born into a minister’s family in rural Georgia, and soon the family moved to Atlanta. While there, Thomas was behind in school, was made fun of, and he dropped out of school after the 4th grade. Thomas grew into a brilliant songwriter, and it was said that over his lifetime he wrote over 3,000 songs, most of which were blues numbers. He settled in Chicago, keeping his roots in the blues and his desires in the gospel, and he was the music director at Pilgrim Baptist Church for 50 years. While there, he encouraged the congregants to clap, stomp and shout in church. At that time, that sort of behavior in church was rejected for being undignified. Dorsey also introduced music that could be improvised and spontaneous. Because of the style of singing he developed in his church, Dorsey was often rejected when he visited other churches. But his boisterous, spontaneous style of participation in worship in the black church soon took hold. He became famous for what has turned into the wonderfully expressive, predominant style of worship in the black churches to this day. Dorsey was an expert pianist, and there were times during the church service that he would stand up to play in the Spirit as he led the coir and congregation in singing.

Perhaps his most famous gospel song is “Take My Hand, Precious Lord.” He wrote that song in 1932 immediately after the horrible tragedy of the death of both his wife and his son during childbirth. He said towards the end of his life that he never recovered from that tragedy in his life. Understandably, Dorsey sank into deep despair soon after those deaths, withdrawing from his family and friends, and from his music. He wrote later… “I felt that God had done me an injustice. I didn’t want to serve Him any more or write gospel songs.” After the funeral, in which his wife and son were put into the same casket, a friend had the insight to arrange a music room with a piano to be made available to Mr. Dorsey. He was sick with grief at this point. While sitting at the piano, he started just fiddling around with the keys. While merely touching the piano keys in no certain melody, he felt a stirring of hope. He said later… “I felt at peace. I felt as though I could reach out and touch God.” While sitting there at the piano, he started playing an unfamiliar melody, and then said, “The words just came into my head. They just seemed to fall into place.” Since the time it was first recorded in 1937, this song has become what many call “the greatest gospel song of all time.” It has been translated into at least 32 languages around the world. Thomas Dorsey himself said “This is the greatest song I have written,” which is saying a lot. Like most of the songs of lament from David to Dorsey, “Precious Lord, Take My Hand” seems to capture grief, but also hope and faith. It’s clear that Thomas Dorsey trusted the Good Shepherd would take his hand at this difficult time and lead him home. “For I hold you by your right hand – I, the Lord your God. And I say to you, “Don’t be afraid. I am here to help you.’ ” (Isaiah 41:13).

Rev. Robert Jones – “Take My Hand, Precious Lord”

LYRICS – Precious Lord, Take My Hand

Precious Lord, take my hand. Lead me on, let me stand. I am tired, I am weak, I am worn.

Through the storm, through the  night, lead me on to the light. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

When my way grows drear, precious Lord linger near. When my light is almost gone.

Hear my cry, hear my call, hold my hand lest I fall. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home. 

When the darkness appears, and the night draws near, and the day is past and gone.

At the river I stand, guide my feet, hold my hand. Take my hand, precious Lord, lead me home.

Nina Simone – Take My Hand, Precious Lord.