There are many modern adaptations of old hymns on my ipod like
Blessed Assurance
Be Thou My Vision
Be Still My Soul
I love them they carry
profound spiritual memories of worship
but I’m blogging about ipod
secular songs
bringing back memories
of ministry.
Under “B” is pair of songs by Simon and Garfunkle
lots of
spiritual references in their music
in particular “Bridge
Over Troubled Water”
also “The Boxer” spoke
to me during difficult years
my favorite verse of “Bridge
Over Troubled Water” is last
always filled me with
hope
Sail on silvergirl sail on by
your time has come to shine
all your dreams are on their way
see how they shine
If you need a friend I'm sailing right behind
like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind
like a bridge over troubled water I will ease your mind.
I also identified with
tougher verse 5 from “The Boxer”
with changed gender
language:
In the clearing stands a boxer and a fighter by her trade
she carries the reminders of every glove that laid her down
or cut her til she
cried out in her anger and her shame
“I am leaving I am
leaving”
but the fighter still
remains.
was “Candle in the
Window”
using lyrics of “Can’t
Fight This Feeling” by REO Speedwagon
I was pastor of Union
Grove UMC in Bahama
known for having electric candles in its windows all night
some people said they visited
the church because of the candles
I talked about what
candles in church window might represent
do represent.
Even as I wander I'm keeping you in sight
you're a candle in the window on a cold, dark winter's night.
First heard in Divinity School the idea that God invites us to dance
resonated with me especially early in pastoral ministry
God led me in dances that were way over my head
learning the steps was difficult
“Dance with Me” by the Doobie Brothers
captures the joy
playfulness God uses in invitations to dance.
Dance with me I want to be your partner can't you see?
the music is just starting
night is falling and I am calling
dance with me.
Still dancing Lord.