Odetta-December 31/1930 - December 2/2008
Dec.3/2008
I awoke to hear that Odetta had passed away yesterday, December 2nd, of heart failure.
It was sad to hear this news but also somehow relieving knowing she had been struggling with
health problems.
As I was listening to the radio playing one of her old folk songs I was reminded of the gift I was given back in
2006. I was blessed to be in this woman’s presence, speak with her, as well as hear her sing.
Before she started singing she recieted some words by Marianne Williamson.
I have thought about these words almost every month since I heard them spoken in 2006.
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous? Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of god. There’s nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won’t feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. It’s not just in some of us; it’s in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we’re liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.”
She then broke into “This little light of mine”.
After the performance I was introduced to her by a mutual friend. She asked me if I was a singer and I told her I was.
She then asked me if I sang my own songs or if I sang other people’s songs.
I said that I sang my own songs.
She then said to me with a large smile while taking my hand, “Oh, you are very brave!”
After hearing Odetta sing, I am a changed woman.
She really got it.
It was the most spiritually charged performance I have ever seen.
I will never forget that night.
Odetta- truly inspirational.
December 31 1930 – December 2 2008
-Brandy
