When the Lights Go Down

Tonight the lights go down. It is the last night of our Frontier Revue show. Although I post a lot about creativity being a huge tool in soul care, most of those posts center around visual arts creativity. But there is another powerful tool for our soul’s wellbeing, perhaps even more important. That is music.

Although listening to it is good, creating it—when it comes from your own heart, is even better. I’m not saying you have to be a composer, but rather a producer of music—even if no one else hears it. The healing powers of music range from the simplicity of humming to help regulate your nervous system, to the emotional expression of singing or playing an instrument, to the light of remembrance in the eyes of an Alzheimer’s patient when they hear a tune from years gone by, to the ultimate purpose of music, Worship of the One True Holy God!

My lifelong love of and participation in creating music definitely has been a healing place for me. Worshipping God through song, both singing and playing, have sustained me through many hard trials in life—as well as nourished me in the good times. Like the Psalmist, I’ve cried out to God in tunes, I’ve found refuge, security, healing, hope, and joy in music. In the hymns of old. Newer songs of worship. Specific tones of music whose frequencies are known for healing brain injury and other stress related dis-orders of our bodies and souls. And even just songs of life or silliness—or big band or broadway.

When healing from tragedy and destruction in my life, one of my first goals was to work to regain my voice that I’d literally lost in the trauma. Not only was this worship leader’s singing voice sorely affected, but also my outspoken public speaker’s voice diminished so softly that people could barely hear me. I enrolled in singing lessons and a couple new choirs and theater shows right away, as my first steps to try to regain what I’d lost.

I continue to sing, play (primarily piano), and act (mainly in musicals) as these are all good for my soul. So back to my opening statement. My choirs, classes, and other performances are done for the summer. And tonight ends my last show performance for the summer. Its finality will create a deafening silent void. My public singing will be still for a couple months.

I will of course continue to worship, to sing, to play—for my “audience” of One (God). But I will also miss the joyful connection of performing with this group, and especially those who I also make music with the entire school year. “But we’ll be back next fall!” And this show will come again next summer.

P.S. For the curious. The Frontier Revue is a musical retelling the story of our town’s founding in the Wild West. It’s been performed every year for the last 57 years as part of our state celebration.

Regardless of whether it’s singing on stage, in church or in the shower, make sure music is a part of your life—for good brain and soul care.

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Living Coram Deo & freely whole
SDG!
~ Liberty—Life Restoration & Soul Transforming Creativity Coach

Empowering you to live a life that is Freely Whole—spirit, soul, and body—in Jesus! 

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