Waloyo Yamoni
The other day I heard one of my favorite musical scores: Canon in D. It broke through the fog I’ve been carrying — that quiet withdrawal, that dimness that settles in when life feels heavier than it should. Years ago, this was my wake‑up song. I’d open my eyes to those first soft notes, and the day always seemed to begin with a little more hope. Hearing it again reminded me of that version of myself, the one who started mornings with light instead of dark.
Music affects me. It probably affects you as well. Each instrument stimulates my heart, soul, and mind.
For a moment, I was quiet and a small cartoonish orchestra began to play in my head – no people, just animated instruments dancing around each other as bows slid over strings, flashes of bright gold as trumpets pointed skyward while being complimented by the snares and cymbals clashing with enthusiasm.
My internal illustrations began to grow. Hand drawings appeared magically as the tip of a pencil created one person and then another. The sketch was no longer adequate because one more instrument had been added: The Human Voice. Suddenly, animation required sound. I guess this is where I woke up to reality.
Back on the hard earth of physicality, exploration provided an extraordinary example of orchestra and voice. It’s a long piece and I hope you have a moment to watch sometime this week.
“Waloyo Yamoni”
With every instrument and every voice contributing, I witnessed the prayer that had found voice.
“We overcome this wind. (We overcome.)
We desire the rain to fall, that it be poured in showers quickly.
Ah! Thou rain, I adjure thee fall. If thou rainest, it is well.
If our women rejoice (it is well)
If the children rejoice (it is well)
If the young men sing (it is well)
If the aged rejoice (it is well)”
In the language of the Langi people of North-Central Uganda, a rainmaking prayer spoken is now sung. It reaches the heavens seeking rain, life, and abundance during times of hardship.
Life in the West is a bit different than in Uganda. Living in Iowa, I am exposed to those who watch weather forecasts religiously. Praying for rain is not out of the question. But maybe, for today, I might also ask, “Would you use the word hardship to describe your life today?”
I’ll admit to the distress. I’ll also accept this prayer in a way that seeks rain, life, and abundance for all. I pray for rain with,
- A shower of tolerance.
- A pouring of acceptance.
- A drizzle of respect.
- A sprinkling of kindness.
- A deluge of unity.
- An inundating of love --- then all is well.
I pray for light-filled hope -
- to push against the headwinds of a culture that rewards few and punishes many.
- to lean into this squall with a low center of gravity, feet planted firmly, and to defy this screeching derecho that blows against peace, unity and love.
- to know that one day, everyone to be able to say, “Then all is well.”
We overcome this wind!
Obanga ber: ("all is well", or "it is well". Literally: "God is good").
Links for the concert and the translations are below.
Listen – Hope will engulf you and you’ll be enveloped in a light of promise! "Ber!"
“The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life and have it to the full.” John 10:10