Finding our voice
I must confess I find The Voice and American Idol fascinating. After the recent conclusion of both telecasts, I noticed I had pages of notes evaluating performers, inspiring quotes and related thoughts. I find the passion and stories of the artists inspiring.
In a final thank you to music, The Voice participants shared these thoughts: “Every song I write is a thank you note to music.” (Jaelen – second place Voice finalist).
Others added: “At the core of it all, music keeps me grounded, fulfills my purpose, and makes me feel like I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.” “You’ve [Music’s] given my life more purpose than I’d hoped for.”
“I’m afraid to chase my dreams because I can’t run that fast.” “God gave everybody a gift.” “When I hear music, I hear the voice of God.” And then there are the contestants who moved from poverty or addiction to a greater dream and purpose.
Music has a deep impact on our spirituality. You can substitute the word “God” for “music” in the thank you comments made by the above contestants. Thus, “God has given my life purpose.” “Every song I write is a thank you to God.”
Ludwig van Beethoven said, “The vibrations on the air are the breath of God speaking to man's soul. Music is the language of God. Musicians are as close to God as man can be. We hear his voice, we read his lips, we give birth to the children of God, who sing his praise.”
Kurt Vonnegut says, “Practice any art, music, painting, poetry…no matter how well or badly...to experience becoming, to find out what's inside you, to make your soul grow.” The Creator has fired us with passion and energy that motivates our growth and direction in life.
I am reminded of the story of a two-year-old who had not spoken a word until one day he suddenly spoke in sentences. “Why did you wait until now to start talking?” he was asked. “Well things were going pretty good until now,” he replied.
The experience of artistic inspiration is universal. Pablo Picasso said, “Every child is an artist. The problem is how to remain an artist once we grow up.” Andre Gide sees another connection to God: “Art is a collaboration between God and the artist, and the less the artist does the better.”
Music is a gift that will help take us home to the Lord. “Art washes away from the soul the dust of everyday life.” (Pablo Picasso). Life can be a struggle, but music will carry us through if our souls are open to God’s graces.
In Brandon Lake’s “Hard Fought Hallelujah,” which was sung by Voice winner Adam David, we hear: So I'mma keep on singing / 'Til my soul catches up with my song.
Later he sings, There's days when a praise comes out easy / And days when it takes all the strength I've got. Then he continues
I'll bring my hard-fought, heartfelt
Been-through-hell Hallelujah
And I'll bring my storm-tossed, torn-sail
Story to tell Hallelujah
'Cause God you've been patient
God you've been gracious.
And gratitude is the final acknowledgement creature to creator. “A state of mind that sees God in everything is evidence of growth in grace and a thankful heart.” (Charles Finney).
And the final word on this goes to Friedrich Nietzsche: “The essence of all beautiful art, all great art, is gratitude.”
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