Search - Michele Womble :: A Few Small Fish

Written in Siberia, and mostly while reading through the gospel of Mark, 11 songs explore from different perspectives the implications of attempting to really love others - to participate at least in a small way in the love with which Jesus loves. NOTE FROM THE ARTIST: When I first started writing these songs, I had no thoughts of recording an album. I was (and am still) living in Siberia, and I wrote songs because, to borrow Rich Mullin's expression, I had to write them. I was writing for myself, not for an audience - unless, of course, the audience is God. I write to understand what I am reading in the Bible, and to understand what it has to do with me. I write to understand what I'm feeling. I'd like to think that writing helps me to understand - in a limited way, of course - that which cannot be understood, like the love of God. One of the recurrent themes for me while living here has been the struggle in learning to love and give yourself to/for others. Obviously that isn't something specific to Siberia, and there are other places and situations where the struggle is much more intense. I almost said "and more at stake," but I can't say that, because PEOPLE are always what is at stake, no matter where, no matter what the situation. It is the cost to oneself that varies with each situation. These songs aren't about where I live. I wrote most of them while reading through the gospel of Mark, and each song explores from its own perspective the implications of attempting to really love others (wherever one may be), reflecting both what I was reading in the Bible and what I was experiencing or feeling at the time. The song order is intentional, giving direction to the exploration so that it is, in the end, a journey that leads somewhere - like learning to love should be. I hope that the songs will encourage others who are learning or struggling to learn to participate, at least in a small way, in the love with which Jesus loves - in the love of God. -- Michele Womble 2010 LETTER FROM LISTENER: I wanted to give this some time to sink in. It's really beautiful, Michele. This is very good! It coheres nicely around the theme of God's building his kingdom in small, unexpected ways - including, of course, choosing to use us to fulfill God's plan. One of my favorite songs is "More." First, I like its connection to the title track...I see what you mean when you say the songs should be heard in a specific order. But when you turn it around to yourself - "I want to be more than I am, too" - it's deeply moving. In fact, the songs that speak to me the most are the ones on which you are most vulnerable, when you make that explicit connection between the scripture and your life: "my little world is so small these days,"etc. Who in ministry cannot relate to "You know who I am"? I love the repetition of the "if" statements followed by, "What is it to me?" Good, powerful message. My favorite song right now is the last one. Of course, any song that begins, "There's a certain amount of happiness in being unhappy," is onto something! You have a good ear for a tune. These vocal melodies are strong. And I like your voice. It sounds a bit like Patti Smith to me - which is a high compliment! I hope you feel very pleased with this album. I look forward to hearing more. -- Rev. Brent L. White - pastor, singer/songwriter/musician