Monday, June 7, 2010

The Power of Love

I've been thinking of my friend, Elizabeth, who writes so beautifully at a moon, worn as if it had been a shell. Her words makes me reflect deeply, which is something I love in my friends.

Lately, I've been taking my iPod Shuffle with me when I walk.  I usually try to pray when I'm walking, but I decided that I was getting too serious recently, and that listening to music would help me to rejoice in the moment, and lighten up. It does - and it's a gift from God, so it's a kind of prayer, I suppose.
My iPod used to be Katie's iPod, before she (and David, each) got an iPod that is like a little TV. I can't recall the name of it, but it was a big upgrade for them, and when she realized that she wouldn't need her old Shuffle, she generously gave it to me. I love it, for that reason. Gregg has her other (fancier) one, but it's too big for me, and I wouldn't know what to do with it.

I was listening to music today while I walked, and a number of songs came on that I haven't heard in a while. They made me think of current events, which brought Elizabeth to mind, and her sensitive thinking about what is going on in the world. Here are the two songs:

"New Hymn" by James Taylor


and "The Power of Love" by Luther Vandross.


One song tells of the writer's perception of the nature of God (not necessarily mine), the dangers and troubles that we can face (and can cause) in this life, and of hope.
The other tells of one simple certainty: the power of Love.

In light of all that has happened recently - the oil spill in the Gulf, the depredations of war, international aggression, financial "reverses" (as my Nana used to call them), difficulties facing loved ones - and those we don't even know - these two songs seemed to "bookend" life today.
Ps. 4:2-3, 4-5, 7b-8
(7a) Lord, let your face shine on us.
When I call, answer me, O my just God,
you who relieve me when I am in distress;
Have pity on me, and hear my prayer!
Men of rank, how long will you be dull of heart?
Why do you love what is vain and seek after falsehood?
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
Know that the LORD does wonders for his faithful one;
the LORD will hear me when I call upon him.
Tremble, and sin not;
reflect, upon your beds, in silence.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.
O LORD, let the light of your countenance shine upon us!
You put gladness into my heart,
more than when grain and wine abound.
R. Lord, let your face shine on us.

9 comments:

Elizabeth said...

Oh, thank you, Karen! This is what I did when I saw that you had posted two songs: I got up and got the Katie's Comforter Guild blanket that I'm knitting and knit a few rows while I listened to both songs. I knit with love and listened with gratitude. You are such an inspiration, and I wish that I could return to you what you've given me --

Gberger said...

Elizabeth, you do.
...and thank you for knitting your love into that blanket. XOXO

Daisy said...

Great songs, Karen. The first one is beautiful and the second is uplifting and must be great for walking.

Thanks for sharing.
Mich

Unknown said...

Karen,
when I first scrolled down and saw the shirt your daughter is wearing, I just froze. It looks exactly like one that has made the rounds among sisters here.

I can only say that you ( and Elizabeth) raise me up when I have no other reason for needing it other than my own petty self.

Truth Ferret said...

Karen, I am humbled by your strength. Right now I am going through turmoil concerning family members and when I think of you and your strength, I feel ashamed to have given worry any power. You are an inspiration to me and you have shown me the right prespective on my situation. Thank you.

Karen said...

You sound like me--techno-challenged. My Shuffle is all I can handle, and my kids just shake their heads. I, too, am sooo serious. Heaven help me. Thanks for the encouragement to lighten up. It's summertime!!
Love you beautiful lady.
Karen

A.Smith said...

You are one in a million and I am grateful to count you among the few people who have a place in my heart.
Much love and take care of yourself, I too look forward to seeing you one of these days when some joy and time will come with the sunshine.

Lakeland Jo said...

I am having a bout of insomnia and reading blogs at three in the morning and this post is just what I wanted to see- it is lovely. Thanks for sharing. I would love you to pray for me when you are out for one of your walks- you can do it when you are listening to Luther. I have always loved Luther Van Dross and the thought of a prayer across the pond to the sound of Luther is very inspiring. XX

Busy Bee Suz said...

This is both precious and sweet. Thanks for sharing Karen.
oxxoxxo
Suz