Streams of Comfort

This is one of the first poems that I wrote a couple years ago. I had just started writing songs as well around that time, and the feedback I received from others usually included that the songs reminded them of hymns. I wrestled with that feedback as I wanted the songs I wrote to be more “relevant”. To fit into a genre of music that is currently popular. After some time and prayer, I eventually came to terms with my natural sound and wrote this poem. I learned to allow God to guide me in music through the sounds I naturally love. As you read this poem I hope you are encouraged to freely follow God in those “natural sounds” you love as well. Whether they are related to work, writing, celebrations, music, etc… I pray that you will be encouraged and completely free in the expression of your love and thankfulness toward God.

I really like hymns,
But it makes me sad,
Because I really want to fit in.
I don’t believe that hymns are better than any other music,
But they are what the songs I write sound like,
They are the sound that I have internalized,
Since my early years of sitting in the pews
In my grandfather’s church.
Hymns are what my mind soaked in,
As the choir of eight ladies and two men
Sang their hearts out,
I received their hearts and internalized the sound,
Which produced echoes in my memory,
That have continued to stay with me.
It’s hard for me to admit
That my musical style is not part of the majority,
But in order for others to receive my heart,
I respond to the echoes
And allow my sound to merge with theirs.
And what’s produced is a beautiful melody,
That I discover has been going on within me,
My sadness had closed my ears to hear the sound
Of the heart God has given me.
So, I really like hymns,
And it makes me sad,
But it also fills me with joy to worship the Lord.
So whatever music style God has placed in your heart,
I hope you too allow your sound to merge with the echoes in your memory,
Allowing others to receive your heart.