So I awoke groggy from yet another poor nights sleep. The smell of my favorite blueberry-flavored coffee lingered and I knew that my husband, Mark had already made his coffee and was in the office on his computer. I made my coffee, went into our office and laid down on the carpet. I had planned to start my Bible study but was happy to spend a little time with my over-worked husband.
Mark said, “I got an email today from one of our motorcycle brothers who is an oldies music aficionado. He sent a video from Harry Chapin and his band’s live version of a song called “Sniper”. Mark continued talking about Harry Chapin’s music and legacy and mentioned how his friend raved about the quality of talent the singer-songwriters of the 60’s and 70’s possessed.
Mark played the video and I listened intently as I lay on the carpet, sipping my coffee. I was very intrigued about the content and mood of the song. Mark then mentioned my song “Obituary,”(which I wrote less than a year after learning the guitar). Coming from a broken family, I understood the pain and alienation of being cast off and I wanted to share a musical message to parents and relatives to be a strong and loving influence in their children’s lives.
After Mark and I listened to “Sniper” I immediately thought of Elton John’s riviting and epic piano ballad, “Ticking” As a young girl, I was moved to tears by the time the song ended. It’s been decades since listening to Elton John’s music, but today, after listening to “Sniper” and “Ticking”, I feel a strong, spiritual impression that these songs, (and my song “Obituary”) be listened too with the ears of Jesus Christ.
I have observed that the past decade, (I believe because of Social media, Facebook, YouTube and Twitter), we have lost the ability to empathize and actively impart empathetic ministry to those alienated, those enduring crisis and those isolated. I, myself now living in a remote and friendless area, understand and miss my former seasons of fellowship and community. How is it that we have placed such obsessive dependence on Facebook for our lives Identity? May we ask God to reignite the ability to be sensitive in our hearts to other and to Him.
Why is that that we do not ponder our glib reaction to a church, school or neighborhood shooting. (or any assassination’s attempt? I daresay, I cringe and weep when I see the imogis on a FACE BOOK post.. Have we become unfeeling drones only responding by an angry or sad imogi? If only we could have a desire to make a difference in someone’s life. Can we have a desire to reach out in love to as many as we can and particularly a broken-hearted or lonely stranger or senior. If we could make it a habit, to ask Jesus each morning to remind us to extend a kind gesture, the world would have much less people who are ticking time bombs, blasting hapless victims into eternity.
As, I have often shared in my writings how one drop of a love-saturated, golden pebble of kindness thrown into a still pond, radiates ripples that undulate even to the very edge of the pond!
Beloved, I beseech you today to begin your day in quietness and prayer and ask God to give you opportunities to make someone smile today. Find a reason to compliment and bless and even go so far as to ask if prayer is needed. Reach out with kindness to someone today. God’s angels are recording your every motive and deed and may you stand faultless and rewarded on judgement day when you stand before Jesus for judgement.
Shalom and blessings to you!