Music post

Sunday, May 31, 2009

I had to write an article for my ward's newsletter and thought I might as well post it here. I titled it 'Closer to Christ through Music'

For almost 20 years, music dominated my life. I started my formal music education when I was 10 years old and continued on to get a graduate degree in music performance. I’ve always been moved by music. For me, it has power beyond words. It can bring me closer to the spirit, make me cry, dance, sing, or laugh. When I think of the music that brings me closer to Christ, it resonates with my spirit. It brings inspiration, comfort, guidance, and the love of God into my life faster than anything else.

When I was 16 years old, I went to a music camp during the summer that was across the nation, far away from my home. I wasn’t used to being away from my family and I became extremely homesick. I was also one of the only members of the church among the students, which contributed to my feeling of isolation. I remember sitting alone in a sparse practice room, with only a chair and music stand, feeling sad and lonely. I got out my flute and started to play some hymns. As I played, not only did I feel my sadness lift, I was comforted by the spirit and felt closer to God.

At the last supper, Jesus instituted the sacrament and before leaving for Gethsemane, he and the disciples sang a hymn.

“And when they had sung an hymn, they went out into the mount of Olives.” –Matthew 26:30

The scriptures don’t say much about the hymn, but it’s touching to me that Jesus took a moment to sing and find strength and comfort before starting the process of the atonement.

When I was in Women’s Chorus at BYU, we sang a song called “How can I keep from singing?” The message of the lyrics is simple and pure. It helps describe how I feel about music in my life:

My life goes on in endless song
Above earths lamentations,
I hear the real, though far-off hymn
That hails a new creation.

Through all the tumult and the strife
I hear its music ringing,
It sounds an echo in my soul.
How can I keep from singing?

While though the tempest loudly roars,
I hear the truth, it liveth.
And though the darkness round me close,
Songs in the night it giveth.

No storm can shake my inmost calm,
While to that rock I’m clinging.
Since love is lord of heaven and earth
How can I keep from singing?

I believe there is music in heaven. It resonates with my soul. Whether I’m singing, playing the flute, or just listening, music speaks to my heart and mind. As I seek out the best music, I’m brought closer to Christ and feel His love surround me.

1 comments:

Anonymous said...

very well written and touching. so glad you shared on your blog.

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