A creative writing engagement with Ex. 15:19-21
It seemed so easy for Miriam to follow God’s instructions and leave. We hear of Miriam’s rejoicing…but did she grieve?
On one hand I can see the thrill of packing up and leaving quickly. Life in Egypt was oppressive. Day after day…drill after drill.
So when Moses comes back and shakes things up with Pharaoh, Miriam is relieved–grateful that someone else has finally picked up the slack.
But on the banks of the Red Sea–the water crashing back around, no way back and who-knows-what ahead…Did Miriam grieve?
Sing to the Lord! She raised her voice and others joined the dance–arms raised and stomping feet. But was this their choice?
Did anyone object to life changing quickly, to having to pack with haste? Did anyone’s heart break at the effect of Pharoah’s heart and cows getting sickly?
Did Miriam weep at the life left behind, even though it was unbearably hard? Was there space in the midst of the dancing for someone’s emotions to feel a bit in a bind?
“Sing to the Lord!” is the way to reply when God provides a way forward. And yet, to go forward means leaving–and that needs space and time to sigh.
So I wonder how Miriam sang in the midst of complicated feelings. Tragedy, deliverance, grief and hope–all notes in the chords that rang.
A simple melody has no depth–one note and then another. But add the bass line and a harmony, and now your song has breadth.
So “sing to the Lord” might be on top. But my guess is mixed right in were “what in the world is happening” and “when will this sadness stop?”
Maybe Miriam’s song is not as simple as ‘just let it all wash away.’ Maybe there is more to it that leans into whatever tomorrow has.