My mother was a gifted singer. She had a beautiful voice. A tenor voice. She sang silly songs for us as children. She sang while she worked. She did her best to sing even during her (often very) difficult days. But, mostly, she sang in church. She sang for the Lord. And He honored her for using her gift and talent. No doubt, she is the reason for my love of music. I am not nearly as talented but, oh my, I do enjoy music. I enjoy singing but I really love lyrics! I admire those who are able to express so much – and do so deeply and vividly – with just the right words. And then put it to music. That is an enviable gift.
This last week has been one to remember. One to learn from. Much (as in much) has been said – and said again. And I understand that. The talking, posting, thinking out loud and, sometimes, even the ranting helps us to process the things that we really can’t wrap our brain around! But sometimes it is too much. At least, for me. I need a break from the talk, and discussion, and the opinions. Give me music. Music to calm me. Music to uplift and music to encourage.
Some of the old hymns do this best. I love them. And so many of them remind me of my mother. I can hear her singing them. I can see her standing behind the church podium, lifting her voice and almost entranced by the melody. And the lyrics. She never failed to enrapture her audience as well.
Yesterday’s FMF prompt was TOMORROW. I immediately heard Mom singing “I Know Who Holds Tomorrow” by Ira Stanphill. I end this post with just some of the lyrics. They express my thoughts better than even I do.
I don’t know about tomorrow
I just live from day to day
I don’t borrow from the sunshine
For its skies may turn to gray
I don’t worry o’er the future
For I know what Jesus said
And today I’ll walk beside Him
For he knows what lies ahead
Many things about tomorrow
I don’t seem to understand
but I know who holds tomorrow
And I know who holds my hand.
Love your words this morning. These songs of praise and adoration definitely lift my spirits. And this particular song…..wow! It has gotten me through some difficult days. Thank you for sharing.
Me too! It is a favorite…for many reasons! Hope you are well and healthy!!
The song that really nows the score
and gets the most sincere of toasts
is “This Is What I Live For”
done by Graffiti Ghosts.
It’s an anthem for the days
when the morning brings the pain
and gives some real hardass praise
for those who fall and rise again.
And in its lyrics lies a truth
from which we cannot hide,
that our lives must be the proof
of Whom we walk beside.
The Christ in whom we place our trust
lived the hardest life…for us.
And, if I may, here’s the Youtube link to the song.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=keOdoy3ezNk
Would love to hear your mama’s voice singing that uplifting song. My parents didn’t sing much. Although both were musical. My mom played the piano at church as a child. But became a chemist because she didn’t want to continue with music. And we children never heard her sing or play. She and my father didn’t take us to church because they were forced to attend church all their lives and wanted us to make our own spiritual path. But I wish we had gone at least a little!
I keep hearing the chorus from “He Lives” in my head.
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Christ Jesus lives today
He walks with me and talks with me
Along life’s narrow way
He lives (He lives), He lives (He lives), Salvation to impart
You ask me how I know He lives?
He lives within my heart
Don’t even know the words by heart. But it is playing in my head like a stuck record!!
Yesterday on my way to the grocery, I started listening to the book I am about to finish but then decided to listen to music instead. It was so uplifting!! I tend to forget how much I enjoy music until I hear it again.