Song lyrics that speak to the soul…
I realize it may be a bit dramatic to say that song lyrics can be a turning point, but I’m going to go there.
Let’s open the curtains on the drama ….
I wish I could remember where or how; it was a couple of years ago. In a really special moment I stumbled upon Jackson Browne’s song “Standing in the Breach”. The lyrics immediately spoke to my heart. It speaks of the overwhelming feeling when you realize there is just so much pain, so much suffering in our world. The problems are real. They’re big. And no one deserves to have those burdens. I’m sometimes haunted by that posture, those eyes, that heart, that’s going through something so difficult.
It’s just not right. Our souls cry out for justice. For the end to suffering. For peace. And it feels so far outside of our grasp.
The desire to help is there. And the feeling of helplessness is there.
And then Jackson Browne provides a message of hope that resonated so strongly with me.
“And thought the earth may tremble and our foundations crack
We will all assemble adn we will build them back
And rush to save the lives remaining still within our reach
And try to put our world together standing in the breach.”
Right?! You feel it too, don’t you?!
There is action that can be taken that does make a difference. We can bring comfort, provide some relief, show love. We can stand beside each other as we walk through this life that is difficult, and find beauty.
(OK. The Drama Club is definitely meeting. But I am the eternal optimist that can get caught up in the moment. I see a silver lining that might be a bit thicker than most, and sometimes I ignore the muck in the middle.)
However, I’ve seen it too many times to know it’s real. Small gestures that lift someone, even for a moment, and give them a bit more hope, a bit more energy to move forward. Collective actions by people who aren’t sure they’re making a difference, that actually move mountains.
Wherever you are today, in the places that your heart aches and yearns for better for your fellow humans, please take heart. Be emboldened to do that one thing, that better thing. It matters. It gives energy. It changes the air around us. It empowers better and better things.
“And thought the earth may tremble adn cast our works aside
And though our efforts resemble the fluctuating tide
We rise and fall with the trust and belief
That love redeems us each
And bend our backs and hearts together
Standing in the breach.”
Thank you Jackson Browne.
