Im posting this today partly because I know that many souls out there struggle during the holidays... often because of loved ones who are no long around, and, well, I know something about that. Today, driving home on I-90, this song came on the radio and reminded me of an experience I went through over 7 years ago when my first wife died when she and I were hit by a drunk driver. People ask me how I survived emotionally, how did I make it through those times. The short answer would be the grace of God, but the more detailed answer is that God used friends. Talking about wonderful friends who checked in on me, who took me out for dinner, included me in activities, and some who spent literally hours on the phone, or even in person, just talking with me. Some of those friends who helped me, though, I never met. But they helped me just the same. Friends like Stevie Ray Vaughn, The Temptations and Steve Winwood. See, there were times--more than I care to admit--that I got in my 94 Bonneville SSEi (code for pretty fast car) and would just drive--drive fast. And as I drove fast I had those buddies on the CD player: The Temps, Steve Winood, and others. It was like a shot of addreniline or caffeine injected into my soul. And it helped me rise above the dark funk that had settled in. I know what youre thinking: Well, my, that doesnt sound healthy. And, of course, youd be right. At least not on a long term basis But for a while there, its what kept me above water. And, so, today, when this song came on the radio, the lyrics brought me back to those days. I decided that Dobie Gray was right one when he sang, And when my mind is free You know your melody can move me And when Im feelin blue The guitars come through to soothe me Thanks for the joy youve given me I want you to know that I believe in your song And rhythm, and rhyme, and harmony You helped me along, youre makin me strong Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away Give me the beat boys and free my soul I wanna get lost in your rock and roll and drift away So, to those who are down and blue this season, let me encourage you to find strength in Gods grace--often administered through friends, good friends. And if some of those friends are on your car stereo, so be it. Do what it takes to hang in there and keep going, because some day, the pain youre going through, and how you survived THROUGH it, will encourage and bring strength and hope to someone else down the road. https://youtube/watch?v=gr_eVcCAUXo
Posted on: Fri, 26 Dec 2014 23:44:06 +0000
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