I’ve been trying to find something happy and upbeat to share with you, but I have to confess it’s difficult. Every time I sing ‘I want to teach the world to sing in perfect harmony’ it certainly doesn’t sound very harmonious as I can’t sing in tune and secondly there isn’t much harmony in the world. Because I can’t sing in tune doesn’t stop me from singing, so why should I let the darkness dampen my spirit and pull me down? Surely the fantastic Dame Deborah James (Bowel Babe) has taught us all something about facing adversity with courage and rebellion; to never give in.
‘Stand by Me’ is such an inspiring song. The first verse is:
When the night has come
And the land is dark
And the moon is the only light we’ll see
No, I won’t be afraid, oh, I won’t be afraid
Just as long as you stand, stand by me.
Family and friends stand by us in our hour of need. Sadly some have no family and friends can be fleeting. There is one Friend (Jesus) who is also my Brother and I have a Father, which makes me the richest guy in the world. I am truly loved. Maybe the world isn’t going to go away and people aren’t going to be more loving, but that’s not entirely true. There are many really beautiful people in the world. Bowel Babe was one, so don’t be afraid. Don’t let the world get to you.
I don’t profess to be a saint, but I have a heavenly Father who loves even me. He loves you too, though you may not believe it. Bad experiences or cringing thoughts of organised ‘religion’ can make us doubt, get embarrassed, or thinking we know better can hold us back from the truth, saying “Well it never did me any good!” but did it ever do you actual harm? Even hard-bitten atheists occasionally nod when I ask if I may pray for them, especially when they have just received really bad news.
I’m a fully paid-up member of the ‘no time for ‘religion’ crowd’. The truth for me goes way beyond mere words and into action. I’ll keep on saying to my last breath “Thank you Lord for standing by me”. I’ve never stood completely alone, but there have been times when it sure seemed like it. Though never completely alone, I understand that with deep gratitude.
If you want to talk with me, I’m a good listener and I don’t judge.
‘Bye for now and God bless you
Rev Andrew