What Gets Me Through - Music
Saturday, September 22, 2012 at 7:34PM I should not be writing a blog post right now. My frame of mind is not good. I can never remember the difference between metaphor and analogy, but whichever it is here is how I would compare the last few months:
April - Bolt of lightening
May - Severe thunderstorm
June - Earthquake
July - Drought
August - Hurricane
And just as I though I was recovering from all of that and starting to heal, WHAM! This week I got hit by a tidal wave.
My friend Christine was sitting with me at my kitchen table the other night as I sobbed after the latest blow. “This is it.” she said “This is the low point.”
“Really?” I asked “Because people keep saying that and then it turns out that I can go even lower.”
See? I told you I should not be blogging right now. I am a depressing specimen. I am determined though, to share what I can because I know I am not the only person in pain in this big world.
One thing I have come to appreciate in this time is Christian music. I don’t dare turn on the 80’s station because those songs are stuffed full of memories and associations and it’s too painful. Country music, which I used to love, has lyrics that hit too close to home. So I have been pretty much exclusively listening to Contemporary Christian music. It helps to hear songs about real, lasting love. The kind of love that can never be taken from me.
This is the song I had to put on today. It has become my theme song for this time.
No matter how many disasters are coming my way, I have to keep getting back up again. Lying down and quitting is not an option. I will not let this situation define my life. I refuse to be miserable forever - there is too much good in my life and three kids depending on me to hold it together.
I will shine again.
But I would really, truly like to be done with the natural disasters please. Sunny skies and calm breezes would be most welcome.
Big D, God, What Gets Me Through
Reader Comments (16)
I truly hope things will get better quickly for you.
Here are two songs I am enjoying right now:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XtwIT8JjddM
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HEbs5ePV_6c
I know He is able. Hang in there; I have been praying for you, internet friend... http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=to1erKy7ERA
and this one is great too! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8gBGGX3yvMo
BethMoore said once that she had to treat her whole mind bc it was the whole of her mind that needed a reset. That admission sat hard with me. I preferred to treat my sickness with more torturous things that ultimately led to a continuing mind spiral. When I finally realized I would have to set my whole mind on Christ-- and for a while that would mean severely limiting my outside influences--something changed. Christian music really kept me from falling into the continuous trap of comparison.
I like to read about your coping mechanisms. They resonate with me. And I appreciate your kind encouragement on my posts, too :)
Taylor - I haver heard 10,000 Reasons before, but never the other one. I love it!
Missy D - That Jennifer Knapp song is so powerful. Fabulous lyrics. And of course how can you help but love anything by Rich Mullins?
CH - I've really been struggling with keeping my mind focused on Christ. With all the turmoil, changes and fears it's hard to focus on anything. Thank you for the reminder and the encouragement.
Just because you're not the only person in pain in the world doesn't mean your pain isn't important or valid. Allow yourself to feel it, wallow in it briefly, so then you can work through it and move on instead of having it linger and fester.
You're in my thoughts and I know you'll get through this.
It is so hard to get back up again. I'm sorry that things keep coming like that. I find myself wanting to make an inappropriate joke. Maybe you would appreciate that. ;)
I like TobyMac more now than I did when I was twenty. He has aged well. I asked my kids not too long ago how old they thought he was. They said,"Like twenty-five." I looked it up and told them,"He's ten years older than I am!" They were like,"But he does back-flips!" It was pretty funny.
I keep praying for you, Mindee. All the time. I wish I could DO something for you, like in person. I would if I could. I really really really want to take your pain away. But there is only One who can do that. Or redeem it, actually. Love you, friend, but there is a mighty God who loves you more, even though the world around you seems to be falling to pieces. Blah, I feel like I'm trying to say something that isn't coming out right at all. In this fallen, broken world, what can we depend on? God is there. I pray that you would know it in very tangible ways, whether it's a word from music, or the hands and feet of Jesus in the form of your dear friends.
You are not depressing, just keeping it real. Our lives are not always sunshine and rainbows. Sending you big hugs as you navigate all the hurdles. Xoxo
Loved this song! Make sure the kids have it on their music list -
it's a good one to have on their minds!
Karen - good advice, thank you.
Christina - I feel your prayers. Thank you friend
KF - but wouldn't it be great if they WERE all sunshine and rainbows?
Mom - I think they will be sick of hearing it soon!
I'm not sure if you've read my recent posts, but suffice to say I've been through the shit storm myself lately. Anyway, one of the songs that helps when the low periods hit is "Blessings" you might want to check it out.
Your honesty and transparency helps all of know we are not alone. Even if we aren't currently going through the storm I dare say we have all been there to some degree. It's that openess that makes us human and real to each other. It's easy for me to say this from the outside of your situation, but storm clouds do pass and the sun will shine again. Let God carry you for awhile, he longs to love on you so let him.
For I know the plans I have for you declares the Lord!!!!
I'm sure that even in these hard times you still shine. Even in horrible storms a few rays of sunshine often shine through. You deserve to be happy and loved. You will make it through these challenges and be a stronger person for your children because of it.
These lyrics from the Beatles always give me hope: "You were only waiting for this moment to arise".
You WILL get through this. You're obviously approaching it in the best way you can and you will get past the worst part....
GREAT theme song. you know what you need? florida. but wait til after hurricane season. you don't need another "august".
This theme resounds throughout your writing, it epitomizes you! It's why I keep coming back.
Sending as many hopes for beautiful rainbows as possible. (And double rainbows, naturally. That's really where it's at.)