For Rachel: A Tribute to Rachel Held Evans

On May 4, 2019, our friend and wildly popular author Rachel Held Evans passed away. At the time, I had no idea what to say. So, I said nothing. Instead, I partnered with my friends Meg Calvin, Jordan Butler, and Victoria Lybarger (under the name “The Unwonted”), and wrote a tribute song, which can be found at https://soundcloud.com/theunwonted/for-rachel. It is also embedded just below:

The lyrics are below:

For Rachel

Quandaries of doctrine
Shook her foundation
Pressed pause on Sunday
And owned deconstruction

Thoughts of inclusion
Led to her own exclusion
Seeking more than her birthright
The view that’s black and white
And she thought, what if . . .

It’s meant to be read through the lens of Jesus
No need to ask for or earn the grace that saves us
And none are left out of the love that receives us
Don’t you look for a verse
Look to the example he gave us

Inspired toward action
She typed a new conversation
(That) Held accountable
The skewed institution

She spoke to the hearts
Of those on the margins
Encouraged a faith
Magnified by questions

And she taught, what if . . .

It’s meant to be read through the lens of Jesus
No need to ask for or earn the grace that saves us
And none are left out of the love that receives us
Don’t you look for a verse, look to the example he gave us

Will you pick up the torch
And continue to burn down
Lies about truth
Lies about who
The church is meant for
Quit shutting doors
And pick up the torch

It’s meant to be read through the lens of Jesus
Don’t you look for a verse, look to the example he gave us.

Rest in peace, Rachel.

Eshet Chayil!