This song was a gift to the part of me that struggled for a long time with my worthiness in the eyes of God. The part that tried to change who I loved and attractions to match the narrative of what I was told I was supposed to be.
I am sharing it because I know there are children that continue to be born into environments where their whole selves are not accepted. This leads to significantly higher suicide rates than lgbtq youth in affirming homes & communities.
Bad theology kills. Bad theology is theology that does not incorporate the principles of love, equality and justice in the scriptures and treats LGBTQ people and their relationships as sinful or less than in any way.

lyrics

There ain’t much better than a hallelujah
There ain’t much better than a song but most of the people that I used to sing with
Don’t think I have the right to sing along
But you told me that you don’t agree
You claim me as your own
Now I can say that I’m proud to be this way
I belong

And now I’m falling back into grace
In a free fall slide in this ocean sized embrace
there’s no reason to hide

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah

This story is not just about me
How many have been turned away?
Look beyond tradition
and really see, that
There are children dying they are taking their own lives
& people trying to see love find its way into the church today
So lets just fall right back into grace
In a free fall slide, in this ocean sized embrace
There’s no reason to hide

Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah
Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah Hallelujah

credits

from Love Says, released December 6, 2024
Beth Patterson: Lead vocal, melody, lyrics
Bob Mervak- Piano
Nancy Day- Harmony & response vocals
Katie Pederson- Harmony Vocal
Kristi Montgomery- Harmony vocal
Tomme Maile – Harmony vocal
Mixed at Troubadour Recording Studios by Corey DeRushia
Recorded & Mastered at LaLuna Studios by Ian Gorman