THE SONG WAS UNEXPECTED during Sunday morning worship at the conservative Lutheran church I attend in Faribault. But it was fitting for the day and for my feelings, which have leaned deeply into discouragement recently.
The African American spiritual, “There Is a Balm in Gilead,” proved a temporary balm for my soul. The old school word “balm” holds a healing connotation. The song’s refrain encourages: There is a balm in Gilead to make the wounded whole. There is a balm in Gilead to heal the sin-sick soul.
As I sang the refrain, I wondered, what or where is Gilead? Later research revealed that, during Old Testament days, Gilead was a mountainous region east of the Jordan River and an important source of medicinal herbs. That makes sense as it relates to the lyrics.
In the New Testament, “balm of Gilead” refers not to an herb which heals physically, but to Jesus through whom spiritual healing comes. That also makes sense as it relates to lyrics of the song printed on page 749 of the Lutheran Service Book.
Events of recent weeks in this country have me feeling apprehensive, unsettled, worried, in need of a healing balm. I know I am not alone in these feelings as we face economic challenges, upheaval, chaos and uncertainties on endless levels. Each day seems to bring something of new concern. No matter where you stand politically or spiritually, you have to feel the tension and uncertainties in this country.
On Sunday, as I sang the African American spiritual, I allowed myself to be swept into the healing words of hope and comfort. It was not lost on me that, sitting on the end of my pew, was a family of mixed race—an African American father, White mother and three biracial children, one a darling baby boy of ten months. I thought of my own newborn grandson, who is mixed race. What does the future hold for these two little boys? Will they face challenges simply because of their skin color? I’d like to think not. But…
And I thought, too, of the new calendar month of February, in which we celebrate Black History Month, focusing on Black history, culture and education. I reflect on slavery, on Civil Rights leaders, on racial disparities, diversity, equity and inclusion, wondering how I, personally, can educate myself and make a difference.
It truly does start with each of us standing up for what is good and right and decent and not going along with what we know in our hearts, minds and souls to be wrong. And then, maybe then, we’ll find our balm in Gilead.
© Copyright 2025 Audrey Kletscher Helbling
Minnesota Prairie Roots 
you are so right about this Audrey, and so glad you had a chance to sing along and feel the spirit of the songs. that quilt is stunning, and as I think I mentioned in the previous post, sue monk Kidd’s book ‘the invention of wings’ has a very important quilt feature in the story.
That book is in my current reading stack. Singing that song yesterday helped momentarily.
Oh Audrey, when you mentioned the 2 little boys, one in church, and your grandson, and wondering what their future holds, my heart just broke. Our sweet little grandchildren should never have to worry about the color of their skin causing challenges and difficulties. I love your last encouraging paragraph!
I know you have the same concerns within your family, Rose. I’m sorry. We will have to support one another. My last paragraph fits exactly what you blogged about today. You are standing strong, speaking up and thank you for that.
I haven’t heard that hymn for a long time. Thanks for writing about its meaning for us in these days.
I needed to write about this hymn and how it connects to today.
it certainly does start with each one of us, doesn’t it? By the way, I love that hymn.
I hadn’t heard of the hymn previously, but really like it also. Yes, it starts with each of us.
Beautiful thoughts on the meanings of the word balm. We all need to rest in our faith during times of uncertainty.
Congratulations ❤️💙
Thank you. And, yes, I do rest in my faith, which has carried me through much. And you, too, I know.
I am over the moon about my new grandson. Everett turned three weeks old yesterday. He is a really big boy, closing in on 12 pounds already. He rolled from his tummy to his back, twice, this week. I just wish he wasn’t four hours away from Grandma. Video chatting helps.