The Divine Power of Embracing Change

After being denied entry to a Louisiana hotel in 1963, singer-songwriter Sam Cooke shook with rage. This incident weighed on his spirit for months, and the peace he sought finally came in a dream. 

As soon as he awoke, he scribbled down the lyrics and a melody that reminded him of the gospel music sung in his childhood church.

The grief in “A Change Is Gonna Come” was powerful. Cooke’s song captured the spiritual and physical exhaustion of living in a racist society.

Cooke was murdered in December 1964, just weeks after “A Change Is Gonna Come” was released. He had performed the song live only twice before his death. 

The song became an anthem for the Civil Rights Movement. 

God is always with us, including in our dreams. What do you dream would change? What has God given you the gift to make a reality for you and your community through your actions? This is the power of Cooke’s song. 

Change is necessary for liberation. We must keep the faith that change will come, but action is also necessary.

How can we work together to effect change? We can start by believing in our dreams and using the gifts God gave us to uplift ourselves and serve each other.