May 2024 – The Turning Points of Life

TRANSFORMATIVE MUSIC AND SONGS – Part 2

There are poems and songs whose music and lyrics have the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and transform our personal perspectives. They grip our attention and cause us to listen and relisten as the spirit of the words and collaborative music reach the depths of our being. They team up to extricate us from our daily world of activity and challenge us to consider who we are and why we are here and where we might choose to go. I found these poems and songs to be thoughtfully written and when the songs are sung they touch me deeply each time I hear them. These poems and songs speak to my soul and refuel it. I will present a few of them here. Hopefully you too might find them something special.

What a Friend We Have in Jesus

Joseph M. Scriven

What a friend we have in Jesus
All our sins and griefs to bear!
What a privilege to carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Oh, what peace we often forfeit,
Oh, what needless pain we bear.
All because we do not carry
Everything to God in prayer!

Have we trials and temptations?
Is there trouble anywhere?
We should never be discouraged;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Can we find a friend so faithful,
Who will all our sorrows share?
Jesus knows our every weakness;
Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy-laden,

Cumbered with a load of care?

Precious Savior still our refuge!

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

Do Thy friends forsake Thee?

Take it to the Lord in prayer.

In His arms He’ll take and shield Thee;

Thou wilt find a solace there.

I find that if I read them slowly, feeling each word and phrase, the depth of their meaning to me is inescapable.

BE STILL MY SOUL

Be still, my soul: the Lord is on thy side.
Bear patiently the cross of grief or pain.
Leave to thy God to order and provide;
In every change, He faithful will remain.
Be still, my soul: thy best, thy heav’nly Friend
Through thorny ways leads to a joyful end.
Be still, my soul: thy God doth undertake
To guide the future, as He has the past.
Thy hope, thy confidence let nothing shake;
All now mysterious shall be bright at last.
Be still, my soul: the waves and winds still know
His voice Who ruled them while He dwelt below.
Be still, my soul: when dearest friends depart,
And all is darkened in the veil of tears,
Then shalt thou better know His love, His heart,
Who comes to soothe thy sorrow and thy fears.
Be still, my soul: thy Jesus can repay
From His own fullness all He takes away.
Be still, my soul: the hour is hast’ning on
When we shall be forever with the Lord.
When disappointment, grief, and fear are gone,
Sorrow forgot, love’s purest joys restored.
Be still, my soul: when change and tears are past
All safe and blessed we shall meet at last.

Katharina A. von Schlegel, pub.1752 tr. by Jane L. Borthwick, pub.1855 copyright status is Public Domain

I have found that poems much like song lyrics possess the power to touch the heart and soul. This is especially true when we have journeyed through grief and tragedy. In my yet to be published book on grieving I note the following poems that can comfort and renew my soul.

This poem by Henry Van Dyke gives an interesting metaphor to give a new perspective on the death of a loved one.

I Am Standing Upon the Seashore

Henry Van Dyke

I am standing upon the seashore. A ship, at my side,
spreads her white sails to the moving breeze and starts
for the blue ocean. She is an object of beauty and strength.
I stand and watch her until, at length, she hangs like a speck of white cloud just where the sea and sky come to mingle with each other.

Then, someone at my side says, “There, she is gone”

Gone where?

Gone from my sight. That is all. She is just as large in mast, hull and spar as she was when she left my side.
And, she is just as able to bear her load of living freight to her destined port.

Her diminished size is in me — not in her.
And, just at the moment when someone says, “There, she is gone,” there are other eyes watching her coming, and other voices ready to take up the glad shout, “Here she comes!”

And that is dying…

Death comes in its own time, in its own way.
Death is as unique as the individual experiencing it.

Sometimes a poem or song has multiple effects upon us. This poem, My Cross, is just that for me. First, it brings to profound remembrance of my dear mother. I found it among her papers, typed on a small piece of onionskin paper when after her debilitating stroke it fell upon me to care for the finances of my parents. The paper was faded and threadbare on the edges from heavy frequent use I surmised. But in that moment, it solved a long wonderment I had as to how my mother was able to navigate her constant health issues with an amazing positivity.

Second it provides another perspective of meaning. It illuminates the diverse blessings in the burden of our myriad lifelong troubles here represented in a cross.

Years ago, I discovered the source of this poem, titled “My Burden” composed by Amos Russell Wells. Amos R. Wells (23 December 1862– 6 March 1933) was an American editor, author, and professor. The poem “My Burden” was published in a volume titled “The Collected Poems of Amos R. Wells” in 1921.

MY CROSS

Upon my back was laid a grievous load,

A heavy cross to bear along the road.

I staggered on, until one weary day,

Lurking temptation sprang across my way.

I prayed to God, and swift at His command

The cross became a weapon in my hand.

It slew my threat’ning enemy, and then

Became a cross upon my back again.

I faltered many a league, until at length,

Groaning, I sank, and had no further strength.

“Oh God!” I cried, “I am so weak and lame!”

And lo! my cross a staff of strength became.

It swept me on till I regained the loss,

Then was upon my back, again a cross.

My soul a desert. O’er the burning tack

I persevered, the cross upon my back.

No shade was there, and in the burning sun

I sank at last, and thought my days were done.

But lo! the Lord works many a blest surprise –

The cross became a shade before my eyes!

I slept; I woke, to feel the strength of ten.

I found the cross upon my back again.

And thus, through all my days, from that to this,

The cross, my burden, has become a bliss,

Nor ever shall I lay the burden down,

For God one day will make my cross a crown!

I hope that sharing these perspectives I have gained from poems and songs open up new vistas that warm your heart and refuel your soul for each tomorrow of your life.

Turning Point

I find that many songs and poems contain words that reveal as a prism previously hidden the essence of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the words of a poem or the lyrics to a song amplify the essence of our life.

TRANSFORMATIVE MUSIC AND SONGS – Part 1

There are songs whose music and lyrics have the power to touch our hearts, minds and souls and transform our personal perspectives. They grip our attention and cause us to listen and re-listen as the spirit of the words and collaborative music reach the depths of our being. They team up to extricate us from our daily world of activity and challenge us to consider who we are and why we are here and where we might chose to go. I found these songs to be thoughtfully written and sung and touch me deeply each time I hear them. I present the lyrics and then a link to YouTube so you can listen. Hopefully you too might find them something special.

God’s Gift To The World

This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

They are
We are
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

There are no extra people
In a mansion or a ghetto
Each heart and soul is counted
Though they’re different than you

So look across the ocean
See those on distant corners
Or see the one beside you
Look in their eyes and you’ll know that it’s true

And all the lonely people
The first ones and the last ones
All the great and small ones
The ones that win and lose

All of the remembered
Even the forgotten
From every single nation
You know it’s true… for me and you

This one
That one
Each one
Is God’s gift to the world

Source: Musixmatch

Songwriters: Michael Himelstein / Terry Sampson

God’s Gift To The World lyrics © Wb Music Corp., The Joe Brothers Music

Link to Carl Anderson’s rendition of “God’s Gift To The World”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EQ8nOrQ2A-M

Not Too Far From Here

Song by Hilary Weeks

Somebody’s down to their last dime
Somebody’s runnin’ out of time
Not too far from here
Somebody’s got nowhere else to go
Somebody needs a little hope
Not too far from here

And I may not know their name
But I’m prayin’ just the same
That you’ll use me Lord,
To wipe away the tears
‘Cause somebody’s cryin’
Not too far from here

Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here

It may be a strangers face
But I’m prayin’ for your grace
To move me and take away the fear
‘Cause somebody’s hurting
Not too far from here

Help me Lord,
not to turn away
From Him
Help me not to rest
While those around me weep
Give me your strength and compassion
When somebody finds the road of life
Too steep

Somebody’s troubled and confused
Somebody’s got nothin’ left to loose
Not too far from here
Somebody’s forgotten how to trust
Somebody’s dyin’ for love
Not too far from here

Now I’m letting down my guard
And I’m opening my heart
Help me speak your love
To every need-full ear
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here
Somebody’s waiting
Not too far from here

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Steve Siler / Ty Lacy

Not Too Far From Here lyrics © Capitol CMG Publishing, Sony/ATV Music Publishing LLC

Link to Video with lyrics:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e1mkVnuTUD8

Link to Michael Crawford’s rendition of “Not Too Far From Here”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=vtSlnoSz6Ac

Love Understands

I see the empty souls,

That walk the streets alone,

Families that hunger for a home.

Their pride is gone.

And I don’t realize,

That I could change their lives,

And mine by wanting to give more.

Open up your door.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

Now wonder if this was you,

How would you get through?

And if you had others to feed?

Imagine all you’d need.

Too have to start again,

At someplace that I have been,

And I get to help to find a way.

I’m gonna start today.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

A place to sleep, a place to start.

But when you give yourself it warms the heart.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

So when you see a broken heart

Extend your hand,

Love understands,

Come up with more than just a dime,

Invest your hope,

And give your time.

Link to Marilyn Scott’s rendition of “Love Understands”:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7IaLzbMYGjg

[A future Post will explore spiritual hymns and hope they soothe, inspire and comfort the soul]

Turning Point

I find that many songs contain words that reveal as a prism previously hidden the essence of our deepest thoughts confirming our vision of our life’s purpose. And like a diamond, each time we hear them they reveal a facet not seen in previous listening moments. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. And at times we can even see how that song has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the lyrics to a song amplify the essence of our life.

TRANSFORMATIVE SCRIPTURE Part 3

The study of scripture has always been filled with new revelations that can transform our perspectives and understanding and even our character. I am presenting several of these scriptural texts that have been transformative for me. I have highlighted the words or phrases that caught my attention and inspired deliberation and growth.

While reading the book “Code Talker” by Chester Nez I was reminded of the following text.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 NKJ Version

The Value of a Friend

Two are better than one, Because they have a good reward for their labor. For if they fall, one will lift up his companion. But woe to him who is alone when he falls, For he has no one to help him up. Again, if two lie down together, they will keep warm; But how can one be warm alone? … Though one may be overpowered by another, two can withstand him. And a threefold cord is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 New Living Translation

⁹Two people are better off than one, for they can help each other succeed. ¹⁰If one person falls, the other can reach out and help. But someone who falls alone is in real trouble. ¹¹Likewise, two people lying close together can keep each other warm. But how can one be warm alone? ¹²A person standing alone can be attacked and defeated, but two can stand back-to-back and conquer. Three are even better, for a triple-braided cord is not easily broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 The Message

^9-10It’s better to have a partner than go it alone.
Share the work, share the wealth.
And if one falls down, the other helps,
But if there’s no one to help, tough!

¹¹Two in a bed warm each other.
Alone, you shiver all night.

¹²By yourself you’re unprotected.
With a friend you can face the worst.
Can you round up a third?
A three-stranded rope isn’t easily snapped.

I was first introduced to this profound passage at a wedding. It has stuck with me ever since. It is appropriate for a wedding of course, that is obvious. But reading the book describing the Navajo code talkers experience in World War II in the battle of Guadalcanal suddenly brought an interesting new perspective.

The Navajo code talkers were a critical asset for the allies during the war against the Japanese. A group of thirty-one young Navajo marines had been tasked with developing an unbreakable code based on their unique and unwritten language. On the battle field, these Navajo marines were paired up to translate critical battle related data between the troops and officers. The two Navajos formed a team so that each would check the other to ensure the accuracy of the coded transmissions. The quality and accuracy was a life and death situation. So highly dedicated were these marines that their code was never broken and contributed immensely to the success of the war.

While reading of the battlefield situation, it was noted that because they were teamed up in pairs, navigating the trauma of war became possible. The author confessed that had they been working solo, the horror surrounding them would have been impossible to take. As he described the landscape of war, the death and debilitating physical conditions they were mired in, it was easy to sympathize and empathize with his assessment.

Everyone has days of struggle and challenge. Often these can reach a level of intensity that can be daunting. But when we have faithful friends, those we can trust and rely on, meeting such challenges successfully and effectively is more easily achieved.

This made me realize another blessed aspect of “the value of a friend” and the wisdom of mastering the art of friendship. Faithful friends as described in Ecclesiasticus comes glowing into focus.

Ecclesiasticus 14-17

14 Faithful friends are a sturdy shelter (a strong defense); whoever finds one has found a treasure. 15 Faithful friends are beyond price; no amount can balance their worth. 16 Faithful friends are life-saving medicine, and those who fear the Lord will find them. 17 Those who fear the Lord direct their friendship aright, for as they are, so are their neighbors also.

[emphasis added]

Considering these thoughts, it is wise for us to labor with faith and diligence to build a family of faith friends.

Turning Point

I find that scripture contains words that reveal the eternal truths. And like a diamond, each time we read them they reveal a facet not seen in previous encounters. It’s like a flower unfolding revealing beauty previously hidden within its bud. Each revelation inspires the next exploration. And at times we can even see how that word has had its effect upon our hearts, souls and minds fulfilling its intended divine purpose. And how sweet when the poetic words of the past amplify the essence of the Word.