Week 345

Positive post Sunday, October 8, 2023- Week 345. 

Watching Toby Keith sing his song, “Don’t Let the Old Man In” after he was honored with the inaugural Country Icon Award at the 2023 People’s Choice Country Music awards inspired me to write about how important music is in my life.  Here’s the link to this moving and timely song.  I love this patriot and I pray for his health.

Many of us have favorite songs and musicians.  You know, those songs that remind us of special or challenging times in our lives or songs that make us feel good, motivate us or make us reflect on our lives.  And then there are those songs that we feel were written specifically for us as they express our own feelings or beliefs, like God talking to us through the artist singing the song.

In my younger years, I had many friends who collected albums (known as “vinyl” today), and they knew every song by every artist.  I, on the other hand, just simply liked to listen to music of all genres.  I enjoyed listening to songs by groups like The Beach Boys, The Beatles and the Eagles.  It wasn’t until later in life that I really started listening to and studying the actual lyrics.  This has been eye opening as I have found the lyrics to some songs I often listened to very inappropriate and others very deep and meaningful. 

Nowadays, I enjoy listening to the choir at church and reflecting on the actual words, often humming or signing the songs softly (God gave me many gifts, but singing was not one of them).  Michele and I are currently attending a training series for all those serving in ministries at our church hosted by one of our priests, Fr. Arinze.  During the training, he passionately explained the importance of music during the Mass and our participation in singing.  There are many verses in the Bible that speak to music.  One of my favorites is Psalm 105:2: Sing to him, sing praises to him; tell of all his wondrous works!

As I reflected on the role of music in our different Masses, I recalled an article by Stephanie Foley titled, “The Role of Music in the Mass”.  Here’s the link: The Role of Music in the Mass – Relevant Radio.  Reading this article reminded me of a young adult who sings in the choir at a Mass we regularly attend.  She has special needs, yet she has been brave enough to sing and even lead us all in the Alleluia before the reading of the Gospel.  I can only imagine the courage it takes for her to get up in front of the congregation and sing, but when she does, I see and listen to one of God’s young and innocent disciples proclaiming His word through music.  Every time she sings, I look over at her parents, and when I see the pride and smiles on their faces, it warms my heart and I feel the presence of our Lord.

Writing this PPS reminded me of several songs that have deep meaning to me.  There are too many to list but, in addition to all the songs sung during the Mass, below are songs that either bring back memories to me or ground me in my faith.

• Swing on a Star by Bing Crosby: Sang this song in an elementary school talent competition. https://youtu.be/AnCqZXhGTm0 
• Smoke on the water by Deep Purple: Reminds me of high school dances. https://youtu.be/F7ZF2xaNhyw
• Endless Love by Diana Ross and Lionel Richie: Michele and my wedding song.  https://youtu.be/NDNlYho3A2Y 
• Over the Rainbow by Israel Kamakawiwo’ole: My dad’s favorite song. https://youtu.be/V1bFr2SWP1I 
• Flawless by MercyMe: No matter what blemishes we have in our lives, the cross has made us Flawless. https://youtu.be/wjLlLPZderk 
• I Can Only Imagine by MercyMe: One of my favorite movies.  I often imagine what it will be like when the Lord calls me home. https://youtu.be/N_lrrq_opng 
• The Family Prayer Song, a Christian Worship Song: Joshua 24:15 – … As for me and my household, we will serve the LORD.  https://youtu.be/1wz61tlXlAM 
• Haven’t Seen it Yet by Danny Gokey: I have prayed my deepest prayers, and the Lord has answered! https://youtu.be/X1eMZiOJ0a0 
• Don’t Take the Girl by Tim McGraw: With four daughters this song always reminds me of how much I appreciate and love them. https://youtu.be/2_rEIA_ohto 
• Cat’s In the Cradle by Harry Chapin:  Reminds me of how precious time is with my only son. https://youtu.be/KUwjNBjqR-c 

What are your favorite songs, the ones that have deep meaning to you?

How have these songs influenced your behavior, or even your life?