songs

Two songs have continued to come up for me now – one I heard quite often in the 80s; it’s just the chorus of that one that comes up, but haven’t heard it since…the other has some radio time still (it’s only five years old now!).

As far back as I can remember, there are moments, at various points throughout the day (not every.single.day but you know…), songs just come spilling out of my mouth! It isn’t premeditated; just happens.

Sometimes it’s a sad song that lets me feel the pain, sometimes it’s empowering…a reminder that I’m not alone. The Divine is ever-present. Sometimes, it leads me to dance – just fully dive in and embrace the joy of the moment.

Music is a healing agent.

It has always been a great comfort and joy for me. Different pieces speak – The beats/rhythm. The tune. The lyrics. The repetition…images and memories are evoked…HOPE stirred…faith renewed…love restored!

So, I wanted to share these two songs with you. Hopefully, they are a source of strength and reassurance for you, as well, fellow Warrior. 

Spirit wings by Joni Eareckson Tada 

Rise by Katy Perry

Which lyrics/poems/verses are coming up for you these days?

Common Day Hero: A seemingly countless amount of things interfere in relationships, but regardless of the interruptions we’ve had, seems the friendship is solid…you are a fiercely devoted wife and mother. Know that you are seen! I’m grateful for you CS (not Lewis – ha!), I dedicate this post to you!

Spirit!

My kids and I were so excited to go to the theater and see The Lion King when the remake came out last year! We thought it was powerful. Good message. Well-made. Not professional critics here; just our opinion!
Fast forward to…Covid and the-longest-spring-break-ever and at-home learning and more screen time and WAY too many changes at once in our world. Since ‘rona. the kids and I have been listening to a LOT more music!
Music has always moved me. Music comforts, heals, empowers, restores, validates and brings joy to me.
Recently, I added Beyonce’s song, Spirit, featured in The Lion King, to our playlist. And I was amazed that I did not hear (or remember?!) the powerful words in this song and specifically THIS, “be one with the great I AM”.
So…this sentence just floated on by me when we watched The Lion King last year and again when the song was played at various times. This song. THAT sentence.
This has been an interesting, challenging, fun and infuriating year…and I know that does not even get close to describing it all. sigh. I have been extremely sad, upset, in excruciating pain and overflowing with gratefulness at several points on the journey this year.
The pandemic…how it has affected our world at large…how it has affected those closest to us…those in our innermost circles…and us, as individuals…LONG sigh. Taking a deep breath (ok, three!) as I type all this.
Every.thing going on reminded me that a few years ago, I fully embraced the belief that there are NO accidents! Whether I can totally grasp (I can’t) or whether I like that statement “there are no accidents”, it is my personal belief that every.single.moment is filled with Divine purpose. I do not need to feel good about that. It is ok that I do not want to hear it some or all the time. I AM human and that is completely alright.
So, with me believing that there are no accidents, I AM finding solace in the words of this song. I AM finding a safe space, a sweet shelter in the Secret Place of the Almighty…here…NOW…in THIS moment…in THIS song.
I cannot begin to put into words how much I’m feeling right now. The beauty, solace and joy of hearing something in a moment when I desperately needed to be reassured…a moment when all hell seemed to be rejoicing over what looked like defeat for me…
Be one with the great I AM!
Things are not pretty or fun or wonderful right now. And this is when The Divine let me hear encouragement, sense healing and become empowered with words that remind me (again) that I AM who I AM says I AM. And I AM not alone. The great I AM is ever-present. I AM so grateful.

The words give me chills every time I hear the song (and that’s about twenty times a day now!). The song reminds me that my destiny is near and that I am standing and fighting for/with the Great I AM! Insert praise hands! Insert jazz hands! Insert a raised fist as in Power to all People! And literally jump up and down, run, shout, whateva you feelS now…I’m raising my fist!

I AM a Warrior and I am spiritually warring for Truth to be revealed this year -in my own life, in our circle, in the extended community and worldwide -WHATEVER IT TAKES, may Truth rise!
Fellow Warrior, neighbor, friend, we’re in this TOGETHER…always.
Here are the lyrics (credit/copyright info at the end of the song):
Uishi kwa muda mrefu mfalme
(Uishi kwa, uishi kwa)
Uishi kwa muda mrefu mfalme
(Uishi kwa, uishi kwa)
Yeah, yeah, and the wind is talkin’
Yeah, yeah, for the very first time
With a melody that pulls you towards it
Paintin’ pictures of paradise
Sayin’ rise up to the light in the sky, yeah
Watch the light lift your heart up
Burn your flame through the night
Whoa, Spirit
Watch the heavens open (open), yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin’? (Callin’)
Yeah
Yeah, yeah, and the water’s crashin’
Trying to keep your head up high
While you’re tremblin’, that’s when the magic happens
And the stars (stars) gather by (gather by)
By your side
Sayin’ rise up to the light in the sky, yeah
Let the light lift your heart up
Burn your flame through the night
Yeah, Spirit
Watch the heavens open (open), yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin’? (Callin’)
Yeah (yeah)
Your destiny is comin’ close
Stand up and fight
So go into that far off land
And be one with the great I Am, I Am
Boy becomes a man
Whoa, Spirit
Watch the heavens open (open), yeah
Spirit, can you hear it callin’? (Callin’?) Yeah
Spirit, yeah, watch the heavens open, open, yeah
Spirit, Spirit, can you hear it callin’? (Callin’)
Yeah (yeah)
Your destiny is comin’ close
Stand up and fight
So go into a far off land
And be one with the great I Am
Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Beyonce Gisselle Knowles / Ilya Salmanzadeh / Timothy Lee Mckenzie
SPIRIT lyrics © Walt Disney Music Company
Common Day Hero: Africa SistAHS! Grateful The Divine connected us all on that trip to South Africa all those years ago. Each of you are dear to me. You have spoken life over me. You have brought much needed laughter and I AM honored to have you warring alongside me. Wakanda Forever!
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