2014-03-26 - Memories in Music

When I was five years old, Kindergarten was held in a YMCA building near our townhouse. My Mom would drive me there and then pick me up each day. On one particular day, when heading home, Mom had forgotten her sunglasses - and there was a glare that came from just behind an upcoming stoplight. As a result, she didn't see the light change and the car in front of her stop in time, and we hit it. And they hit one. And the one in front of them hit one. And once more, someone hit another - until there were four of us. My mother and I were in a Ford Falcon convertible that my Dad had recently found. I believe it was the first time that our family had a second vehicle. I recall that there were no seat belts in those cars, and as a result we flung forward into the dashboard - me with my head and Mom with her knee. She immediately asked if I was alright, and then the traffic police began their inquiries, as they arrived.

The other thing I remember was the sound of Roberta Flack's voice on the radio, playing what was her new hit single in 1971. The song was written about another person's response to another artist's song in a concert. The development of the song was somewhat intricate, but for me, it was just about a soothing and comforting voice that filled the air at a time of distress. It wasn't even about the lyrics of the song, but more about the feelings it evoked - and for a few moments, I felt caught up in that rather than being in a car accident. To this day, the song and Roberta Flack's music in general, bring comforting thoughts and joy. Music and its stories can be such powerful tools for accessing memories.

Psalms were put together with many references to music. I find them very comforting, and they are where I turn when in times of stress as an adult. God put me together, and He knew what would put me at ease as a child, and the soothing voice of an earthly angel did the job. I am grateful for God putting music in my life, from a very young age, to give relief and a way of telling stories to so many - just as he did with David and the Psalms.

“May your unfailing love be my comfort, according to your promise to your servant.” (Psalm 119:76)

“Even though I walk through the darkest valley, I will fear no evil, for you are with me; your rod and your staff, they comfort me. “ (Psalm 23:4)

“Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. “ (Matthew 5:4)

“.....who comforts us in all our troubles, so that we can comfort those in any trouble with the comfort we ourselves receive from God. “ (2 Corinthians 1:4)

“ So the Lord spoke kind and comforting words to the angel who talked with me. “ (Zechariah 1:3)

Deborah Durrett

cfpraydeb@gmail.com
http://www.cfdevotionals.org

All scripture references are from the New International Version (NIV) unless otherwise noted. Ephasis in the verses is from the devotional author.