My Personal Manifesto: To Perceive Beauty, To Live or Not Live. Is that Not really the question?

 All Things Beautiful and Bright: My Personal  Manifesto

What do my expressions of thought regarding the various topics of my posts have in common?  They are in some way or another, to me,  a vibrant example of what can be perceived as beautiful and bright. 

I have attempted to weave a commonality between each posting that reflects my understanding of life, my experiences, source of wisdom, identity, and above all my beliefs.

From my first submission of observation with the artwork by painter Thomas Kinkade, The Cross.  The beauty of its imagery is easy to comprehend but I think that my post captures a deeper meaning and with it an understanding of what the beauty of creation really symbolizes when corresponding with one’s faith in Jesus Christ.  On the other hand, when one takes note of my writings when relating to subject matter less personally pleasing,  I have attempted to express an understanding of the subject with a hope that an unbias appreciation for the medium of art can be obtained regardless of personal preference or liking.  Again, even in the moments of finding some form of value in the subject matter, I disliked, it presented a way of finding beauty in the midst of the mess and chaotic expression of creativity.

Blog Post: The Cross- Inspiration to Endeavor towards Eternity

https://briabareathome.blogspot.com/2021/01/the-cross-inspiration-to-endeavor.html 

BELIEFS 

I believe that each person and each creature created by God has immense value in His sight.  That the God who knit atoms together with quarks and the glue in between would be mindful of mankind.  But I found throughout my time creating this blog, that there is so much beauty around us.  Even in my small existence.  

What is beautiful to one who is without sight? How do we perceive it? For us who have been blessed with vision and a mind and heart to comprehend the immensity of the word,  we can draw down the very small elements of existences and find incomparable beauty.  But for me, because my experience of observing beauty comes from how it affects me emotionally, I tend to observe beauty from a place of deep gratitude for its very being and for the privilege of having experienced it at that moment. 

My heart, my home.  Indeed where all things are beautiful and bright.

Blog Post: Where You Go, I Am with You 

https://briabareathome.blogspot.com/2021/02/wherever-you-go-i-am-with-you.html 

This picture captures a perspective I don’t even think I can capture with the naked eye apart from the way a camera expands an image into a more structured form for the eye to perceive.  Colors and shapes and the order of design for this room, in particular, speaks to my enjoyment of esthetics.  It's a wonder why we don’t take more pictures of our surroundings, the everyday items that if we stop and observe them as if pieces of art,  we could come to a much deeper appreciation for them.  

IDENTITY is the counterpoint to my belief.

I believe that I and every other person has been uniquely made and given significance by an Omnipotent, Omnipresent, and Omniscient Creator God.  The evidence of God’s existence, creativity, and immense power is found in the perfect order and complexity of his creation.  I believe that this world has been created to showcase the majesty of its Creator. “For since the creation of the world God's invisible qualities--his eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen, being understood from what has been made, so that people are without excuse.” Romans 1:20  

One does not need to be shown or taught that the mountains are majestic.  One only needs to be taught to be aware of what it already is. I believe that man does not and can not know everything but has an innate need to know the meaning of life.  I believe that I have found the True meaning of life and that is to seek Truth and purpose in why I was created.  I believe why we were created was to bring glory to the One who created us and to have a relationship with God.  To understand God’s purposes in pain and sorrow and to experience life’s journey as God intended it to be experienced.  That being in complete communion with Him through the One in which all things were created by, through, and for, God’s Son, Jesus Christ. “For he has rescued us from the dominion of darkness and brought us into the kingdom of the Son he loves, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. The Son is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn over all creation. For in him all things were created: things in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or powers or rulers or authorities; all things have been created through him and for him.” Colossians 1:13-16

For me, as I wrote each post, I could not separate the perspective I had for each subject matter from the identity I have in Christ Jesus.  If all things were created by, for, and in Him, that I myself would be created by, for, and in Him.  Therefore, my perspective is that my identity, my being is “in Him”, I could not be separated from who I am in Christ.  

My Identity In Christ leads me to where my Joy is found.

My joy is found in Christ, in that I experience life and express my thoughts as one grounded in my identity in Christ. 

There is a scripture that states,  “For I have been crucified with Christ, therefore now I no longer live but Christ lives in me.”  To some, this seems morbid or strange.  Am I a zombie?  To those opposed to the idea that Christ calls me to “die to self”.  Then it would be very strange.  But to the one who has experienced what it means to be “born again”, having been “crucified” to sin,  then that former life has indeed been crucified and a new life is “born” in Christ Jesus.  

My Joy is Not Dependent on the changes I experience in this life.  Therefore, I can have joy even in the darkest of times.  It is foundational to Who I am. 

My Joy is Foundational to Who I Am

https://briabareathome.blogspot.com/2021/03/my-theme-this-is-joy.html 

FOOLISHNESS

A fool says in his heart there is no God. Psalm 14:1

The result of a  mind opposed to God and the wisdom that comes from reverencing him will lead to folly and a puffed-up sense of self grandeur.  To have intellect and not understanding is a child having in its hands the power to harness the sun,  but having no concept of the purpose or danger of it.  Man without God endeavors to be great, for greatness' sake. For vanity alone.  Man without God, endeavors to obtain knowledge without obtaining understanding. 

Chaotic disordered perceived as introspective thought is the opposing idea of this manifesto. To the foolish, chaos and disorder is a bitter pill posing as delightful play.  As seen in one of our final post assignments.  

“Depravity in Video Expression”  An analysis of creative dissonance through video art. 

GOALS

Four decades brings many goals. But at the core is still but one- To lift up The Name That is Above All Names-Jesus

I have goals, dreams, and aspirations but my goals throughout my life have changed depending on what phase of life I have been in.  Currently, my goals are to be the best mom that I can be for my children.  I desire to provide them with knowledge and wisdom from the lessons I’ve learned and to prepare them for the lessons they will learn in their lives.  My goal is to set a godly example for them to follow in order that they might understand the love of God through Christ Jesus. To inspire them towards their own journey to know God, receive salvation, forgiven and to understand that they have been uniquely made with gifts and talents that will bring glory to God and blessings to those around them.“So commit yourselves wholeheartedly to these words of mine. Tie them to your hands and wear them on your forehead as reminders. Teach them to your children, talking about them when you sit at home and when you walk along the road, when you lie down and when you get up.” Deuteronomy 11:18-19

Ultimate Wisdom is To Know We are But Dust in The Sight of God, yet He is still mindful of us. To fear or a better understanding of the word “fear” would be to reverence, respect, honor, worship, and devote myself to knowing wisdom. That is the fear and reverence of God.

The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom: and the knowledge of the holy is understanding. For by me thy days shall be multiplied, and the years of thy life shall be increased.  Proverbs 9:10-11 

 

WISDOM

This is the wisdom I have found….The beginning of Wisdom is the fear of The Lord.  This means to reverence God by submitting to His will and direction. “Wisdom rests in the heart of a man of understanding, but it makes itself known even in the midst of fools.” Proverbs 14:33  I have lived life opposed to God and His will in which I have attempted to know how to live without knowing the true meaning of life and my individual purpose and I have found it woefully inadequate in fulfilling the universal need for meaning. It will preoccupy oneself with self-focus and selfish pleasure-seeking, but in all the world, and through many efforts whether in richer or poorer, all efforts to understand life’s meaning inevitably fall short. 

The wisdom I have come to know is that the world and all that is in it can not be explained apart from the acknowledgment that there is a God who has created all things for the purpose of bringing glory and honor to Himself.  Therefore my own meaning can not be explained to my heart’s satisfaction apart from the knowledge and reality that there is a God who is my Creator.  He has loved me and created me for His perfect purpose and pleasure. 

But Through my selfish actions and rebelliousness called “sin” according to God’s Word, this sin has put enmity between me and God.  God is Holy, blameless, perfect.  Because of my sin. I am not.  Therefore can sin be permitted in the presence of holiness? Can darkness dwell where there is light?  This is impossible.  It is the foundation of what makes for our need for justice.  We demand a reckoning for wrongs committed against us. Even our loved ones.  God is also our judge.  But He is the Perfect Judge, Perfect Wisdom having only compassion and mercy for His own creation.  That is why Perfect Wisdom knowing we have no ability to live perfectly did not leave us in our desperate state. But by His mercy for His own glory,  He the Judge came down from His Judgement Seat and provided mankind with the perfect defense and through Jesus Christ, the fulfillment of the penalty of sin, took my guilty verdict and placed it upon himself. 

God Himself paid the payment for sin, selfishness, anger, rage, lust, jealousy, murder, fraud, adultery, pride, prejudice. Only God Himself could make me blameless before His Holy justice.  And so my wisdom I convey to you who reads this is that Wisdom Itself, In Perfect Love and Justice paid in full for the wages of sin which was death, separation from Light.  Christ Jesus became sin so that I might be saved.  “For it is by grace that you have been saved, not by works lest you should boast.” Ephesians 2:9

To know that God created, designed, and provided His perfect will and way so that we all could be in perfect relationship with him through the gift that was Christ Jesus,  this is Love. May each man and woman come to understand this profound Truth: God in His mercy provided the Way to be reconciled to Himself, a Holy God through the sacrifice of His own Son, Jesus as payment for mankind’s sin that made a chasm between man and God.  Jesus is the blameless spotless fulfillment to bridge the gap between us and God. 

Man’s Ultimate Dilemma?  To Live or Not to Live? That is The Question.

The curtain of mystery that is the leap between this mortal life to the afterlife eternity, is a great fear.  For each of us, even those who have an understanding of God’s promise that in Christ, there is eternal life, the unknown of that final step of life, is for everyone, an equaling of man with one another. 

The question rather should be,  To know or Not to Know? That is the question.  To know Jesus. To believe in Him.  The question to all questions perhaps is really, “What shall we do with this Jesus?”  He has promised that He did not come into this world to condemn it but through Him the world might be saved.  Saved? From death? From the fear of the unknown?  He gives an answer to the questions of Hamlet, “To Be or Not to Be?”  

Jesus gives Hamlet the answers to his questions- A Dialogue

Hamlet asks: 

To suffer the slings and arrows of this life,  or by opposing, end them, to die? To sleep? 

Jesus answers:

“I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” John 16:33  “I am the resurrection and the life. He who believes in Me, though he may die, he shall live” Do you believe this?” John 11:25-26

Hamlet opines:

To avoid the heartaches and sorrows of life for a chance at sleep? Perhaps to dream? Ah the desired wish to consummate such a union. To die. 

Jesus answers:

“I have spoken to you of earthly things and you do not believe; how then will you believe if I speak of heavenly things? 13 No one has ever gone into heaven except the one who came from heaven—the Son of Man. 14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up,[f] 15 that everyone who believes may have eternal life in him.” 16 For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life. 17 For God did not send his Son into the world to condemn the world, but to save the world through him. John 3:12-17

Hamlet asks: 

“To grunt and sweat under a weary life, But that the dread of something after death,

The undiscovered country, from whose bourn, No traveller returns, puzzles the will,

And makes us rather bear those ills we have, Than fly to others that we know not of?”

Jesus Answers:

"I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. John 14:6

“And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” John 14:3

My Manifesto should have presented to you my beliefs, my identity, my source of wisdom, my goals, and my advice to Hamlet and all those desiring to know the answer of whether “to be or not to be.”  Find God, Believe in Jesus,  and do not fear death. And while we yet live,  truly experience the beauty and brilliance of this world and life that God has given us. 

Ekphrasis Poem and Analysis of The Work Of Art- Black

 

An Ekphrasis Poem:

Depth of Emotion in dark spaces

Ebb and flow,  dark and light. 

Figures entwined in dance or repose. 

What is clear is what is not.  

But only the imagination of thought can dictate the plot.

Shall we dance? 

Or no,  better yet,  shall we remain in the shadows?  

Both can be said of Black. 

The black of shadows, or figures dancing the tango.  

Cheek to cheek.  

The mind's eye sees more in the void of the blackness,  

perhaps to know what makes the romances 

in the swirls of its medium. 

I perceive to know. To understand. 

I am looking in.  

A glimpse of evening.  

Of memory and nostalgia. 

To Dance or to peer through the shadows,  

the moment is the same for each.  

In the Black.

Analysis-

It is quite a mystery to know if my approach towards capturing this art in Ekphrasis poetry did justice to the artist's intentions for the imagery.  But I believe the artist left much to the observer's own imagination as to the figures' realities.  I appreciate this piece of art because although it could be considered modern and abstract,  the image presents an opportunity for the mind's eye to bring order to the elements of the painting in order to create a narrative unique to the viewer's concepts and ideas of its meaning.  It gives just enough room for interpretation that the piece becomes new and personal to each observer of its form.   

Depravity in Video Expression

 Video Expression to Evoke Emotional Reaction and Introspective Thought

The Videos of this assignment are examples of the expanse of man's mind and its endless endeavors to express the ideas, impulses, emotions, and complexities of existence through the medium of film. 

Specifically, I found the video Jocko Homo by Devo to be the most extreme of the selections in that it invoked in me discomfort and confusion along with a sense that what I was looking at what how far the mind of man can journey from the concepts of order, beauty, and existence that are found in abiding in God and His Holy Spirit.  

It would seem, I'm guessing that Devo is trying to express how man has devolved after evolving from animals into what is now a chaotic self-focused delusion.   Specifically showing in the scene where it looks like medical students are observing the writhing of humans on a table. 

These videos are in my opinion examples of how man can become in a sense unhinged in the psyche with thoughts that are affected by disillusionment and confusion.  there is a scripture reference that speaks of how the world will look at the reasoning of its own wisdom and create in it a perceived sense of understanding all the while forsaking that man was created to bring honor and glory to God in its thinking, reasoning, and actions. 

Specifically, Devo descends into a type of mental chaos and calls it introspective.  To the mind that holds to the reasoning of God,  this is nothing more than disorder of the mind attempting to be relevant. 

The Bible says that "For God has not given us a spirit of fear(confusion) but of sound mind" 2 Timothy 1:7

These videos fly in the face of that reasoning.  It was disturbing, invoking emotion in me that made me feel in some ways violated.  Mentally violated.  Looking upon such warped behavior, expression and visual imagery were not pleasant. 

This by far has been the least favorite assignment I have been given.  Overall, it causes mental confusion, anxiety, and emotion that is completely contrary to that which the mind finds by "setting our hearts and mind on Things Above, where Christ is seated at the right hand of the Father." Colossian 3:2

It reminds me of how I felt when I did not know God nor Jesus Christ my Savior.  My heart and mind were volatile, confused, anxious, and depraved.  These videos have imagery that could be representative of a mind devoid of God's wisdom.  

Analysis of a Scene: Hamlet-The Soliloquy in Three Minds

 Whether 'tis nobler in the mind to suffer

The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune,

Or to take Arms against a Sea of troubles,

And by opposing end them: to die, to sleep.

Arguably some of the most profound and stirring words to ever grace the written theatrical page. And words that no doubt if life provided insight into the mind of man, would find them swirling throughout each lifetime of those plagued by the dilemma of facing the unknown over the troubles of this worlds sin and sorrows. 

  I have decided to take the road most traveled perhaps in this assignment by indeed highlighting the most notable of lines within the masterpiece of Hamlet.  The intricacies of this soliloquy giving us a sacred look into the mind of the main character as he contemplates his existence and perhaps his death in one powerful yet all so delicate of scenes.

As a humble pretender myself, as an actor, there is nothing loftier a theatrical endeavor than to offer one's talent to the master of dialogue, Shakespeare himself.  And no more a lofty goal of a male lead than to dare to become the suffering soul of Hamlet himself.  

I thought it a unique perspective to contemplate not one Hamlet mind but rather three.  Three separate but in their own right equal deliveries of this famous scene. 

One performance by one who has been called the greatest of actors, Sir Laurence Olivier in 1948's Hamlet.  

The second offering that of whom has been called one of the greatest classical actors of modern times, Sir Kenneth Branagh in his 1996 version. 

And a final consideration by actor and director Mel Gibson in 1990.  

I found upon analyzing each portrayal that each powerful delivery gave me a completely different take on the dialogue of the same piece. 

Sir Olivier gave the audience a dreamy Hamlet, almost a classical painting version of the protagonist.  As he sits serenely upon the cliffside dazed and glassy-eyed, he gives us an emotional experience of what seems like utter hopelessness,  an almost weakness over the contemplation of what his choices are.  One feels almost a feeling of resigned peace as if you know that this Hamlet is not afraid of death. But rather welcomes it.  He seems to have lost his will but his ultimate resignment is in the fact that he continues on, yet longing for that mysterious sleep.

Sir Branagh has a much different approach to the dilemma of whether "to be or not to be."  He is laser-focused. This is an ambitious Hamlet.  He embodies stealthy control just teetering on the precipice of rageful insanity.  And as if daring himself to step over the edge of where slings and arrows meet sleep and surrender,  he stares death in the face. This Hamlet is indeed the

great analyzer.  This mind is far from desiring the surrender of fortune but sees the irony of indecision in it all.  He dares himself to strike against the throws of mortality in order to possess that which he can never return from.  

Finally, we are presented with the modern celebrity attempt at the classical theatre.  Highly acclaimed as a refreshing take on the often melancholy approach to Hamlet.   Gibson gives us the physical, youthful and dazzling Hamlet.  The sexually charged visually appealing version.  We are drawn to Hamlet because we are drawn to the beautiful face that plays him.  But even in the visually stunning,  Gibson is able to give the viewer an emotional glimpse of what is in the mind of the suffering protagonist.  He is falling apart. He is tearing himself apart. He is not in control but rather recognizes his futility. His mortality. 

 And he is disgusted by it.  Gibson also draws out of the audience an enormous amount of sympathy.  We join in his sorrow as he walks the catacombs of death's sleep that he is longing more and more for. He is envious of them.  And in this delivery, we see the spark of life's urging.  The fire of motivation to remain within that which we only can conceive and have only known.  Mel Gibson's Hamlet shows us the will and the conflict of whether "to be or not to be". 

Each performance holds true to the complexity that is Hamlet. That is Shakespeare.   From an actor's observation, one would look at timing, pace, consistency of thought, and focus.  Does this actor remain Hamlet throughout? Or do we see the jester, even if only for a moment?  From my perspective,  each conquered their Hamlet in all its inegmatic forms.  I believe this is the essence of a masterpiece. The perfection that is Shakespeare itself.  

A Comparison of Similarities of films Rebecca & Lost In Translation

 The Contrast and Comparison between Two Seemingly Opposite films surprisingly brought me to a similar emotional connection and compassion for both sets of main characters. 

REBECCA,  This movie was originally filmed in 1940.  It is an Alfred Hitchcock thriller starring Joan

Fontaine and Laurence Olivier and the remake starring Armie Hammer and Lily James in 2020. 

It is the story based on the original novel by Daphne du Maurier, of a young woman who marries a charismatic widower named Maxim De Winter.  She soon realizes that Maxim can not love her as his first wife and she becomes embattled in the efforts to win his affections over her memory.  An antagonist character of the housekeeper, Mrs. Danvers causes ongoing difficulties for the second Mrs. de Winters.  

This movie both in the original Alfred Hitchcock version and the modern attempt in 2020 provides the audience with intricate detailing of telling the story.  The original presents more focused attention to the suspense and mystery of the death of Rebecca de Winters.  The latter though, considering the sign of modern times, focuses more on the sensuousness of the relationship between Mr de Winter and the second Mrs. de Winter.  

I find the most interesting correlation between the two is the intention for symbolism.  The 2020 version stayed respectfully true to the original play in where if the audience is familiar with the subtle imagery that Hitchcock delivered through items that recurred throughout the film,  such as the letter “R”,  the later version presence a visually stunning experience that captures the essence of the mystery and suspense which takes the viewer on a deeper more intimate journey of sexuality and allure between each of the riveting characters.  

The original movie was nominated for 11 academy awards.  

The second film I reviewed was Lost In Translation.  This was by far the most interesting and weird selection of the bunch.  Written and directed by Hollywood royalty,  Sofia Coppola, the daughter of Francis Ford Coppola of Godfather direction fame.  This journey of two mismatched strangers in Tokyo takes the viewer on a winding and at times confusing road with the frequent moments of deeper introspective dialogue between the main characters,  a washed-up actor and a young married woman still discovering life.  Their conversations are deep but Bill Murray’s ability for subtle comedic relief,  kept my attention waiting for some kind of punch line.  A punch line that often never occurred.  On an Indie film note,  the way that these two films both draw the viewer in while still keeping the full understanding of the piece at bay,  even though the subject matter is completely foreign to each other,  the manner in which both films play out,  is very similar in nature.  

Rebecca uses long gazing scenes of suspense,  which Translation uses long and at times awkward moments of silence in the dialogue to keep the audience invested in the story.  

The scene in Rebecca, the original and even more vividly intense when the second Mrs. de Winter has been tricked to wear the costume dress worn by the late Rebecca de Winter unbeknownst to her.  Though the scene is emotional in the first version,  the intricacies of the lead actor Armie Hammer’s expressions from joyful expectation through fear and then anger brought a full spectrum of emotion and understanding of how the complex relationship of Mr and Mrs de Winter brought him to that moment that affected the protagonist, second wife, to a traumatizing reaction. 

As for Lost in Translation,  I think the scene with the two main characters at the end come to realize that though the connection and seems to anchor together is a tempting consideration, their external conditions and situations bring them back to the realization that their connection though deep and life-bringing,  is and can only be experienced in that moment abroad.  After the long twisting emotional connections made between the main characters and the audience along for the ride,  it is as if I too felt the sorrow to see an end come to this enlightened discovery of newfound hope and connection between two people.  A connection that transcended even the limited expressions of sexual intimacy.  

Both films are exceptional pieces of art.  Designed to bring the audience into a deep heartfelt relationship with the main characters.  Though entirely different in the premise.  The design and effort attempted were achieved pitch-perfectly by both.  

My Theme: This is JOY

Life's Theme of JOY

Each image is unique. different in every way. but the tying thread between them all is, Joy. My Joy. Each picture brings my heart a settled contentment. 

This is Joy.  

A moment of silliness from my often complex middle son with Autism. His willingness to be funny at his own expense which brought laughter of joy at a sidewalk photo op. This is joy. 

This is Joy.  

God's Word. Filled with knowledge, truth, wisdom, and understanding.  

"In The Beginning was the WORD. And the WORD was with God. And the WORD was God." 

John 1:1. 

“You make known to me the path of life; you will fill me with joy in your presence, with eternal pleasures at your right hand.” Psalm 16:11

This is Joy.  

The hands of my mother.  The embrace of unconditional love.  The Love of a Mother. Being with her brings joy and comfort.  The security of experiencing a mother's love and presence is indeed, Joy.

This is Joy.  

My front yard off my veranda.  Every morning stepping outside to see the beauty of this little piece of God's creation brings me great joy.  Joy in the provision of the Lord in this homestead that I experience  and do life with my loved ones. Not just a yard.  Its a playground. A teaching placing. A place of rest. A place where memories are made.  Where joy is found.

This is Joy.  

My first born with my last.  To see the gift of their lives as they stand in this moment together brings such great joy and gratitude.   The day Wyatt my eldest was born, I suddenly knew what it meant to truly love someone with the fullness of myself and in a sacrificial way.  The joy of being a mother is at times really beyond the right words to explain.  Perhaps it can be summed up in part like this.  When you become a parent,  you never really understood what it meant to love someone before it.  Once you are, you suddenly can comprehend even in the smallest of ways, the immensity of God's sacrificial love for us,  His children.  And in it understand the reason why He would choose to sacrifice that which was so precious in order that we might know the Love of God that is in Christ Jesus. 

To Love your children, this is Joy.

 

JESUS- THE NAME THAT IS ABOVE ALL NAMES

Throughout 1000s of years man's expression of emotion, creativity, and worship there has been no other name so greatly given adoration honor and reverence than the name that scripture tells us is above all other names.  And at this Name,  every knee shall bow and every tongue confess that JESUS CHRIST is Lord.  He has been the theme of countless songs as well as the theme of my own life. 

My Theme Playlist consists of songs that describe the Name of Jesus as well as being the inspiration for them as well.  

WHAT A BEAUTIFUL NAME- Hillsong United  (Contemporary Christian Music)

This song particularly has become a favorite of mine as it was one that God showed His gentle hand of comfort during a time of great fear.  After the birth of my first two sons, both emergency C Sections, and with the NICU stay of my middle song Declan, when I became pregnant with my third son Griffin, the fear of having a C Section, being separated from my son immediately after he was born became more than I could bare.  Upon my arrival to the birth center once contractions started, I was so scared to go through another traumatic delivery.  But God, in the most specific way provided and without my knowing,  the doctor on call was not my attending physician who was with family after a death.  This presented this new doctor, new to me, new to the OBGYN office and even this birthing center.  She was new to town. But was my doctor for such a time as this.  The charge nurse who happened to attend church with me tried to reassure me that everything would be alright.  So much so she even went so far as to call the Dr.  en route to the center for my delivery.  This doctor came on the line.  With the calmest voice she began to speak. Word of comfort but these words were not just any word.  She told me, "The Lord has placed me as your doctor in this very specific moment and I am giving you my word,  He will not let you go.  You and your baby will be just fine.  God is with you.  And He will be with me as I care for you. "  My heart began to realize that even before I knew it, He had already prepared this doctor because He cares for His children in their time of great need.  Fast forward to the C Section.  I laid there still struggling to give my fear to Jesus.  Then all of a sudden,  this doctor asks, mind you while preforming my C Section, asks me over the partition curtain, "I hear you are a singer at your church.  what is your favorite worship song?" My mind was swimming and I could believe she was asking me this at such a time.  But the first song that came to mind was "What a Beautiful Name".  So I said it.  She then says, "oh would you sing it for us."  What!  I hesitated and just thought, Now?!  She then sweetly said, "that's ok.  I'll sing it."  And this doctor, who God had prepared in advance, was now singing praise songs over me and my new son being born.  My son, came into this world to the sound of worship.  Worship for the Name that is Beautiful, Wonderful, Powerful.  And it is every bit of it and more. 

THERE WAS JESUS- Zach Williams (featuring Dolly Parton) 

Through each chapter of my life I can see that God's presence was there.  Whether in times of sorrow or healing or even the waiting,  Jesus was there, providing me direction, protection and comfort.  

PIE JESU- Andrew Lloyed Webber

              

"Pie Jesu" English Translation

Father, who takes away the sins of the world

Grant them rest, grant them rest

Merciful Jesus, 

Father, who takes away the sins of the world

Grant them rest, grant them rest

Lamb of God, 

Father, who takes away the sins of the world

Grant them rest, grant them rest

everlasting

Peace

This classical composition by the musical composer Andrew Lloyd Webber speaks of the saving grace of Jesus who takes away the sins of the world and gives everlasting peace.  This is truly the reality of what it means to trust Jesus as Savior and being gifted eternal Life and peace throughout this life and the next. 

JESUS WALKS- Kanye West 

        I am not normally a fan of rap but I am a fan of Black Gospel and extreme talent. That being the talent of a complex artist like Kanye West who had surpassed sales of a gospel album for all time with his JESUS IS KING project.  This is just one from that compilation.  Powerful and speaks to much of today's lost.  Jesus does walk with each of us, desiring for us to come to Him and then walk as He did.  

JESU, JOY OF MAN'S DESIRING  

ONE LOVE, ONE HEART Bob Marley

 

Each of these songs in their respective genres of music display a powerful message of acknowledging the power and glory of Jesus.  The attributes of Jesus describing his power to heal, to change the brokenhearted and redeem God's people has been a resounding message throughout scripture and the songs that I have chosen for my songlist.