Miriam's Cup

When it was time for the Exodus, Miriam, organizer of the women, sang and danced her people to victory. The Jews sang a freedom song to Miriam's tambourine. Women gathered around her, arguing with those who cried, "We would rather be slaves to the Egyptians than die in the wilderness." The women called upon each other to be courageous, to take the chance, to learn what they could be as free people.

The Jews gathered quickly and left the cities they had built for the Egyptian pharaohs. This Pharaoh, however, was still an oppressor, with a mentality that would not accept change. After his momentary lapse, the Pharaoh had a change of heart and mobilized his army and chariots to recapture the Jews. The Jews had gotten to the shore of the Red Sea when they turned and saw the army approaching. Some became fearful and reproached Moses and Miriam for bringing them to certain death. Others chose to walk into the sea, choosing death over being enslaved again.

The waters did not divide until someone took a chance and was the first to walk into the sea. In taking this, the first risk for freedom, the Jews began to become a free people.

 

Here, root yourself beside me.
I am that Tree planted by the River.
Which will not be removed.
I, the Rock, I, the River, I, the Tree
I am yoursyour passages have been paid.
Lift up your faces, you have a piercing need
For this bright morning dawning for you.
History, despite its wrenching pain.
Cannot be unlived, but if faced
With courage, need not be lived again.

-Maya Angelou from "On the Pulse of Morning"