Friday, February 24, 2012

Music Exalts Each Joy

Music has a special ability to calm the mind, spirit and heart simultaneously.  Different artists, lyrics and melodies can elicit emotions and memories with surprising ease.

John Armstrong said "Music exalts each joy, allays each grief, expels diseases, softens every pain, subdues the rage of poison, and the plague."

Every once in awhile my Ipod will go to a song that I haven't heard recently.  It almost always sparks a smile or laugh at a memory I have either consciously or subconsciously linked to it. 

Music, though, can have a greater impact than just a smile or a memory.  Some lyrics are so powerful they have the ability to guide your grief.  There are two songs I like to listen to when I am sad, discouraged, emotionally drained or in need of something to connect to - Strong Enough (Matthew West) and Life Me Up (The Afters).

At the support group I attend we often discuss our disappointment when leaving ultrasounds, doctors offices and hospitals empty handed.  During our recent meeting we brainstormed making a CD -  "Grieving with Hope" - not to be published or sold but a token we could make to share with others who are are need of something peaceful, calming, positive and uplifting.

I have volunteered to make these CDs.  Please share with me songs that have helped you to get through difficult times - songs that have touched your heart and eased your pain.

13 comments:

  1. What a great post... I've seen some of the stuff you have gone through on the Facebook page we are both a part of. My heart aches for you :| I have a song that I listen to when I need to let out the sadness. It is "Same deep water as me" I am Kloot. It speaks to my heart and allows me to release what is going on underneath the surface. I have to admit that when I had my last loss in Nov... my Ipod became perhaps my only friend. I hid myself away and engulfed myself in music. So glad to have found your blog :) Take care!!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Crystal, Thank you for sharing! I am sorry for your recent loss. The hopefulness and then disappointment never gets any easier! Keep me posted on your TTC journey! <3

      Delete
  2. This is a great idea...I know when I left the hospital it was the hardest thing I ever had to do.My husband was trying to comfort me. But I was so depress. Ater trying for six years of my marriage. I final got pregnant.And then I loss my baby at 10wks.I was trying to finger out what went wrong,and how did this happen.So much was going through my mind. I was really sad on the inside. I got to the point where I start to question God and my walk with him.Later, that week. I got appointment to meet with my Pastor.He was a great support for me. Also my friends. I really love that I had a great support from those I love.The song that help me through this is Casting Crowns Praise You In The Storm♫. And Third Day, You are beautiful my sweet sweet song♫♫.(I Peter 5:7) 7 casting all your worries on him, because he cares for you.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing! We have also spoke with our Priest and have had our pregnancies and journey blessed by him. It helps to have a network of supportive, understanding people. I hope your TTC journey is successful!

      Delete
  3. The song i turn to is Gone too soon by Daughtry. If im having a bad day i will listen this song on repeat and even though most of the time i end up crying in the end it does help. I think this song helps me cuz most of the time i feel so alone. I know that im not but even though most of the people i know have had at least one loss i still feel alone and i guess listening to a song so openly sing about it, it helps me feel less alone.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing! The feeling of being alone can be overwhelming but know that there are many who share the same struggles and pain.

      James 5:13 Is anyone among you suffering? Let him pray. Is anyone cheerful? Let him sing praise.

      Delete
  4. There are two songs that have great effect on me whenever I'm feeling down. One's power has little to do with the lyrics itself. It's something I cannot really explain, but I've turned to this song many times during the last few years. It's Everything from Michael Bublé. Somehow just listening to it eases the pain for me And the other inspirational one that I'd mention is Pray for you from Sara Evans. It says " Que sera, sera, life goes on" And "what dont kill you will make you strong". It's providing hope and a message we sometimes forget to follow when life seems to be filled with endless pain. I really hope you'll be alright and life compensates you for all you've gone through. And a good melody can be supportive anytime, you're absolutely right! Keep smiling!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you for sharing and for your kind words! Both of these are great songs! Sometimes just the message of hope is all we need to get through the day.

      Delete
  5. Praise You In This Storm by Casting Crowns is an awesome song that helps me during difficult times.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Strong Enough by Matthew West is one of my favs and I saw you already listed that! One Day You Will by Lady Antebellum is encouraging too! Love ya girly! I am constantly praying for you!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Megan! I am constantly praying for you, too. I am anxiously awaiting the arrival of your baby. I prayed that someone would throw you a baby shower as I can't think of anyone who is more deserving so I am glad to hear you will be having one! You have such a kind heart and I pray that good things come your way! "Strong Enough" is for sure my favorite!

      "A faithful friend is a strong defense: and he that found such a one found a treasure." Ecclesiastes 6:14

      Delete
  7. Thank you, everyone!! This CD is in the works :)

    If you would like a copy, or I promised you a copy, please email me at: high.bridget@yahoo.com and give me your address.

    ReplyDelete