The power of a song. Just a few notes can bring memories flooding back to your mind of a different time and place or take you to a place of refuge and renewal.
My recent fiction novel (more to come) features a girl who understands the power of song in a person's life. More specifically, at the end of a person's life. She sings at funerals in a small southern town.
I've sung at my share of last services and one stands out in my mind. It's hard to describe a funeral as the "best funeral" ever. However, in this case "best" covers most memorable and personal (isn't that what we want of our lives?).
A precious lady in a choir I once directed passed away after battling with cancer for years. She was vivacious and creative, even though her last days on earth were not. Her favorite song indicated she knew a very important secret: Her identity and joy did not come from her current circumstance. In her heart, she was free of disease and treatment. Whole.
Great judgement by her daughter (and total disregard to what others might think in the small baptist church), she honored her mother with Nina Simone's "Feelin' Good". Take a look at the lyrics.
I pray you know the HOPE that comes from a Savior who offers new life and a new day for you - no matter what you're facing today.
Birds flying high you know how I feel
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
blossom in the trees you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Sun in the sky you know how I feel
Breeze driftin' on by you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Fish in the sea you know how I feel
River running free you know how I feel
blossom in the trees you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
Dragonfly out in the sun you know what I mean, don't you know
Butterflies all havin' fun you know what I mean
Sleep in peace when day is done
And this old world is a new world
And a bold world
For me
Stars when you shine you know how I feel
Scent of the pine you know how I feel
Oh freedom is mine
And you know how I feel
It's a new dawn
It's a new day
It's a new life
For me
And I'm feeling good
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