This is a sort of journal of things I find that are spiritually encouraging...or occasionally things that I create in an attempt to be encouraging.
From
"The Wolves"
by Watchhouse, 2019
There she stands, so tall and mightyHer gaze facing the EastAt her back our doors are closingAs we grin and bare our teethOn the wind the wolves are howlingShe cries to draw them nearWell turn around, turn around my darlingOh, the wolves are here
Fear is Easy, Love is Hard
Jason Gray
Turn on the T.V. for the evening news
They got plenty to fear and nothing to do
Another somebody who's gone too far
Makes you want to put up your guard
Fear is easy, love is hard
So we draw up another dividing line
We label each other and we choose a side
Peace could come at quite a cost
So we won't build a bridge across
Fear is easy, but love is hard
Fear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraid, do not be afraid
I'm sorry baby is what he should've said
But she wouldn't listen even if he did
They'll die without forgiveness soon
But no one wants to make a move
When fear is easy and love is hard
Fear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraid, do not be afraid
It's hard to bring your heart to a world that can break it
To offer love to those you're afraid will forsake it
But a well-defended heart is always looking for a fight
In a lonely war against an endless night
But love can bring a light
Fear will leave you hiding in the dark
But love will bring a light into your heart
So do not be afraid
It comes down to a simple choice
Shouting devils or a still small voice
One is spreading fear and dread
Oh but love has always said
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
Do not be afraid
I don't know the backstory or inspiration for this song by the Paper Kites. Like so many songs, maybe (probably?) it is about a prospective romantic relationship.
But I love how the spirit finds a way into the modern music industry and electrifies the exposed mystic wire in us. What we hear is a day-long conversation with yahweh. Stoked.
Bloom
In the morning when I wake
And the sun is coming through,
Oh, you fill my lungs with sweetness,
And you fill my head with you.
Shall I write it in a letter?
Shall I try to get it down?
Oh, you fill my head with pieces
Of a song I can't get out.
Can I be close to you?
Can I be close to you?
Can I take you to a moment
Where the fields are painted gold
And the trees are filled with memories
Of the feelings never told?
When the evening pulls the sun down,
And the day is almost through,
Oh, the whole world it is sleeping,
But my world is you.
Can I be close to you?
Can I be close to you?
"You can bomb the world to pieces,
but you can't bomb the world to peace."
- Brian Zahnd
And I feel the future trembling,As the word is passed around."If you stand up for what you do believe,Be prepared to be shot down."
What About Me? -Quicksilver Messenger Service, 1970
Angel
Can I be an angel?
If I can't be a leader,
counselor, singer, prophet, or preacher,
can I serve?
Can I come to you
in troublesome, struggling times?
Can I say, "Do not be afraid",
and bring, from Yahweh,
a word of encouragement?
Can I be His messenger?
Can I be an angel?
Crystal Blue Persuasion
Tommy James & the Shondells, 1968
Look over yonderWhat do you see?The sun is a-risingMost definitely
A new day is coming (ooh, ooh)People are changingAin't it beautiful? (Ooh, ooh)Crystal blue persuasion
Better get ready to see the lightLove, love is the answer (ooh, ooh)And that's all right
So don't you give up now (ooh, ooh)So easy to findJust look to your soul (your soul)And open your mind
Crystal blue persuasion, hmm, hmmIt's a new vibrationCrystal blue persuasionCrystalBlue persuasion
Maybe tomorrowWhen he looks downOn every green field (ooh, ooh)And every townAll of his childrenAnd every nationThere'll be peace and good brotherhood
Crystal blue persuasion, yeah
We Are Loved
Avett Brothers, 2024
Whether we speak up