There's more than enough anxiety to go around these days and plenty of places to place the blame. Plenty of sin, plenty of harm, plenty of reasons to disengage. Or just give up. A little thing just about tipped me this morning because it arrived after a series of sadnesses and frustrations big and small. … Continue reading Keep Your Eyes on the Prize: How Music Helps Us Rise when All We Want to Do Is Quit
Tag: Matt Maher
Neither Share a Reckless Rant nor Post a Mocking Meme: Give Me a Clean Heart
Woke up this morning The whole world was yelling I wish I was dreaming Of all that we've been through. These are the opening lines of "Clean Heart," the first song on the album I can't stop listening to: Matt Maher's new release, Echoes. If there's anything good coming out of our current climate of division … Continue reading Neither Share a Reckless Rant nor Post a Mocking Meme: Give Me a Clean Heart
Rich Mullins’ Musical Legacy May Include Drawing Catholics and Protestants a Little Closer
"There's more that rises on the prairie than the wind." These words still rise in my heart when the majesty of the natural world lifts it. They're from "If I Stand," a 1988 release by Rich Mullins and Steve Cudworth. Jars of Clay covered "If I Stand" a decade later on a tribute album released a … Continue reading Rich Mullins’ Musical Legacy May Include Drawing Catholics and Protestants a Little Closer
For a Time of Transition: 3 Versions of the Litany of Humility in Song
The transition of presidential power is always a fascinating phenomenon, one I've watched on television since I was a child. Winners and losers are called upon to behave well, and in general on such a historic day, they do their best. We watch, commentators comment, and life for little people goes on. We've seen the … Continue reading For a Time of Transition: 3 Versions of the Litany of Humility in Song
The Creche, the Font and a Happy New Year
The sparkling Christmas season ends and we gently pack away the creche. The ritual becomes more tender every year. It is a moment to contemplate each witness to the Nativity, to ponder the soul of each shepherd, each of the three Magi, of the silent Saint Joseph and Holy Mary. Then, the Babe. Who are … Continue reading The Creche, the Font and a Happy New Year