Lately I've been inspired, by this song. Safe and Sound sung by Taylor Swift, is on the soundtrack for the movie The Hunger Games that premiered in theaters across the nation this last spring. I don't know what it is about this song that just "gets me." Maybe it's the eerie breathiness, or the haunting harmonies, regardless it's shaking fingers touch my heart, its in my mind. What I find most poignant is how this sweet melancholy is bound within this song - a real pain, and a lingering hope.
Sweet melancholy is one of the aspects of life I most appreciate. Now don't get me wrong, I don't particularly enjoy pain and I am not masochistic. However, I do have a poets soul and most times that keeps me floating somewhere above the ground, fully here, but not quite. This sweet melancholy, is in essence, leaning into the pain, and in that, recognizing the beauty of the present.
I feel very deeply, but I see the purpose in the hurt, the purpose in the trials.
I don't have this incredible strength or an optimism that overlooks all odds, or even a faith that stands firm and resolute. And perhaps this is a way that I cope with allowing myself to feel, by turning everything into a poetic expression; regardless, it has helped me, in light of circumstances, to see the beauty that remains. But I consider it a precious gift to be able to have my heart break and move towards unwavering hope, to feel at peace deep within my soul.
Some may ask: well, what's the point? Why go through this, if it only brings hurt?
My answer to that would be along these lines...
If by chance, my hurt, and journey from it can help a single soul, it has been worth it. If I can relate, or hold someone's hand - if I can sit with someone in a dark place, so they know they aren't alone, it has been worth it. If I can whisper hope, and visions of freedom into their ear, then it has been worth it.
Or, say in the case of love - whether it is Phileo, which is most often loosely defined as "brotherly love" or in a more romantic sense - what is it to mean to Agape love within those two contexts? It's the idea that you love without abandon. You love courageously, ultimately in the face of rejection or with the the realization that the other person may never understand that love or even reciprocate it.
In matters of the heart, there is incredible risk. Most people harden up their hearts to protect themselves from getting hurt - and I understand that response, it's normal. But to emulate the ultimate love I've experienced in my life, Christ's love for me, I recognize characteristics that are essential to not only love fully, but also live fully....
Christ never hesitates to pour out love, even in our unfaithfulness, which is for me, more often than I'd like to admit. And when He pours it out, He withholds nothing. He gives everything to people who don't deserve it, understand it, or even want it.
I don't avoid pain. I don't hate it. But I do understand it's role in my life.
And in the midst of pain, I know that I'll be safe and sound...
I remember tears streaming down your faceWhen I said, "I'll never let you go"When all those shadows almost killed your lightI remember you said, "Don't leave me here alone,"But all that's dead and gone and passed tonight
Just close your eyesThe sun is going downYou'll be alrightNo one can hurt you nowCome morning lightYou and I'll be safe and sound
Don't you dare look out your window darlingEverything's on fireThe war outside our door keeps raging onHold on to this lullabyEven when the music's goneGone
Embrace the sweet melancholy, and keep stepping on. Your life is a beautiful song.