Ryanne Molinari

Writer & Musician

Salt & Light

Every time it snows and I have to make the early journey to church, I am reminded of this passage and post. Salt and light are always useful, but living in Iowa has helped me see them for what they really are: essential to life.

A Midwestern Take on Matthew 5:13-16
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Ryanne_JM

Ryanne Molinari (MLitt, University of St. Andrew’s) is a pianist/organist, pastor’s wife, and lover of words. She is the author of Spirit-Filled Singing: Bearing Fruit as We Worship Together, and her writing has been published in journals such as the Journal of the T. S. Eliot Society (UK). Connect with Ryanne by subscribing to her blog or following her on Instagram.

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Martin loved his new onesie so much he rolled right over! (Probably by accident, but I’m counting it as a milestone.) Want to order a “sermon illustration” onesie for a pastor’s kid in your life? Head to shop link in my bio to purchase! 😂 (Multiple colors and sizes available.) When my son was born, we were the grateful beneficiaries of two church meal trains. I have never eaten so well in my life! Although I recognize the dedicated preparation that went into the meals my family enjoyed, I like to think that we made it fairly easy on our friends. Not only do we not have allergies, we don’t really have preferences. Both my husband and I are happily omnivorous. The best meal, in my mind, is the one I don’t have to make. Last week, I lost my top subscriber. I know I’m supposed to be tough and keep writing regardless, but blogging just isn’t the same without her. She used to comment with astonishing, almost unsettling swiftness. Mere moments after I pressed “publish,” my inbox would ping with her praise. It was an antiphony I miss already. Brainstormed this little song while sitting in the dark with Martin, who is now too excited about life to eat or sleep if he can see anything at all. As you know, recording and production are not my gifts but I’d love to find some way to share the music with you! If you have any suggestions for releasing this song into the world, let me know. Why are we so eager to erase our faces, to eliminate evidence of lives well-lived? Why are we desperate to look like children when we are adults, and to exchange our uniquely beautiful countenances for artificially blank canvases? When did we start hating ourselves for living longer and looking it? Introducing Martin to his great-grandma’s favorite hymn, which I have no doubt she is now singing with renewed strength. Thank you all for your prayers throughout the last week. My grandma, with characteristic courage, went to be with her Lord Jesus yesterday. We thank God that we do not grieve as those who have no hope, that she finished her race well, and that we have a certain hope of being reunited in the presence of our Savior. This Sunday is Pentecost! I pray that the Holy Spirit fills you afresh as you sing with your church family. Swipe for a few snippets from Spirit-Filled Singing and a glimpse at what I’m playing this Sunday. Which hymn text do you most associate with this tune? Vote using the poll! Want this intro? DM me and I’ll send it over. 🙌🏻

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