Staring at the screen and all my started drafts, trying to focus on what to write about today, and two of my favorite iTunes songs came on, back to back. Thematic higher power controlling my iTunes Library to get me going today? I’d like to think so. Coincidence? Maybe. Sing by Annie Lennox, and Many Rivers to Cross by Jimmy Cliff. Honestly, it was the 1-2 punch that I needed to get started today. Staring at the work ahead, and the obligations ahead of me today, and the ties that bind me to them, I listened with an almost meditative focus on the lyrics. Music heals.
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/annielennox/sing.html
If you have not heard the Annie Lennox song, I greatly recommend that you hear it. It is a tribute to the strength of a woman, and a command not to hide behind the fears that pervade our lives. It is a statement that we need to Sing and let our voices be heard to get past whatever challenges we have in our lives …” what won’t kill you will make you strong”. It is a rally cry to get ourselves up to where “we belong”. Even if I don’t know the specifics of where I belong, I do know that it is in a “higher” place than where I currently am. Annie, I accept the challenge!
Many Rivers to Cross is more of an homage to loneliness and the drive to keep moving forward through the hurts and lost feelings that can become a part of our lives as the years pass. “It’s only my will that keeps me alive.” “It’s such a drag to be on your own.” But where to begin… no answers provided, just the hopefulness of the rivers that ARE out there to cross. No maps, just the inspiration that we need to find every single day. Jimmy Cliff sings of pride, will and survival. Very inspirational words that hit just the right nerve today.
http://www.azlyrics.com/lyrics/jimmycliff/toomanyriverstocross.html
As I waited with bated breath to see what inspiration would come in the form of another song, at first I was disappointed to hear that it was Justin Beiber. Insert Frownie face? 🙁 Not at all! How did that get into my music collection? My beautiful daughter put it there! If that isn’t a wake up call to challenge myself to be my best today, I don’t know what is. Simply being reminded of her, inspires me every single day. I may have my share of problems, but I am certainly greatly blessed.
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