Saturday, September 10, 2011

The Power of Music

I'm a Rascal Flatts fan. Since the time I gained a love of their music, I've wanted to attend one of their concerts. Well, last night I was given that opportunity. Thank you to my parents for the awesome birthday present! The concert was awesome!

I don't want to turn this into a post about Rascal Flatts, but I would like to give you just a little background. I recognize that we all have different taste in music. Some love country music, some despise country music. To me, it's not really about the type of music, but it's about what I gain from the music, whether that be a country song or any other genre. What I love most about music is the ability it has to convey messages in a different way than words alone are sometimes capable of.

With that being said, I would like to reiterate why I took a liking to Rascal Flatts music. I found in listening to many of their songs, themes of faith and encouragement that really resonated with me. I can't say that all of their songs have been inspirational to me, but I found in them a recurring theme with much of their music that I really appreciated it. Here's a sample of lyrics from two of their songs that I found some meaning in.

"My Wish"

I hope you never look back, but ya never forget,
All the ones who love you, in the place you left,
I hope you always forgive, and you never regret,
And you help somebody every chance you get,
Oh, you find God's grace, in every mistake,
And you always give more than you take.

But more than anything, yeah, and more than anything,
My wish, for you, is that this life becomes all that you want it to,
Your dreams stay big, and your worries stay small,
You never need to carry more than you can hold,
And while you're out there getting where you're getting to,
I hope you know somebody loves you, and wants the same things too,
Yeah, this, is my wish.


"He Ain't the Leavin Kind"

She stayed mad at him for a lot of years
For taking her husband
Started losing her faith and thinking that
Her life meant nothin
But when she looks at those kids
She raised all by herself
She knows she had some help
Yeah she knows

He ain't the leavin' kind
He'd never walk away
Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind

No matter what you do
No matter where you go he's
Always right there
With you

Even from those who don't believe
And wanna leave him behind
He ain't the leavin' kind


For me both of these songs convey messages of faith, encouragement, and the reminder that God is always near.

Another song that I found great meaning in and that came in a very timely way for me was one that Racal Flatts sings called "Why."

This song is one that tells the story of a friend who loses a good friend to suicide. I first heard this song on the radio not long after I began my journey in recovering from depression. The first time I heard the song I was a little taken back, not quite sure if I had heard the words right or if perhaps I didn't quite understand what the words of the song were conveying. However, I took additional opportunities to hear the song again, and my first impression of the song was correct. The song was addressing suicide. More than once this song has moved me to tears. I have found such personal meaning in its words and have gained such gratitude for the blessing it was to me as it came out in such a timely way for my personal situation.

If for no other reason, I hope this song "Why" has the ability like it did for me, to touch the lives of those who are dealing with depression or who have dealt with the sobering hardship of the suicide of a loved one. I hope this song will have the power to bless the lives of many and to help them understand that "life is worth the fight."


"DON'T GIVE UP. DON'T LOSE HOPE. DON'T SELL OUT.
-Christipher Reeve



4 comments:

  1. Amazing the amount of despair and pain that comes hand-in-hand with depression. I don't ever want to experience those lows again - but am truly grateful for the lessons learned. Knowing that God will never give up on any one of His children - and recognizing the blessings that come from the trials - these are priceless gifts.

    You are a truly amazing person!! Hang in there every single day... don't give up, don't lose hope, don't sell out... even when in the midst of depression!!

    ReplyDelete
  2. Thank you for sharing these songs. You are right...they are infused with hope! If that's all we can cling to...it's enough to get us through. Hope of a better tomorrow (or someday), hope and faith in our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ, and hope that somehow our suffering will help someone else.

    You have helped me tremendously. Big hugs from me to you.

    ReplyDelete
  3. This is why I like country music -- many of the artists are unafraid to value the good. Thx for sharing these!

    ReplyDelete
  4. Ariane... I don't know of another way to contact you, other than leaving a comment on your blog. Hope all is going well with you and family through the holiday season.

    I think of you often, and just wanted to reach out and offer a virtual hug & smile. Hang in there!!

    ReplyDelete