A bit of a departure today, maybe because it’s rainy and gray out, maybe because it seems to me a lot of us need a bit more music and joy in our lives and a lot less anger and division. When I was a child there was a lot of music in the home and today my wife and I try to keep alive that tradition in our own home.
But something seems to happen as we grow older. The music isn’t played as much, the television is on more often and, particularly, the news. During my sojourn in New Mexico I noticed that any time the television was on my heart rate would increase as would feelings of anxiety or impatience. Off I’d go for a hike in the woods and the tension would melt away.
I’m not saying all television or video is bad for the soul, as the following video will show. But for a nation that seems to obsess about what it puts into its body we sure are cavalier about what we feed our minds. So let’s feed our brains something good today.
For those who haven’t seen this, stick around to the very end, you won’t be disappointed. For those who have seen it, give yourself a treat and watch it again. Regardless of whether you agree with his theory you can’t help but appreciate the music and sense there is probably a grain or two of truth to it.
If you are in the mood for more inspirational videos/music, I’ve got a few more listed here. Or email me your favorites at doug@inspiratus.org.
As one who prides himself as having a collection of “all” the renditions of my favorite spiritual, “Amazing Grace” (over 35 versions), I must modestly admit I don’t have Wintley Phipps version. Watching the video, I was as much touch by his mastery of molding the “Black Keys” on the piano with black gospel music, and his historical account of John Newton. And, then finally singing, passionately, the song in an even more powerful rendition with his powerful voice. Amazing Grace is indeed a song that touches everyone’s soul. – Guy
Sorry for this follow-up to my last post. Your posting Wintley Phipps video was simply wonderful. You say, “let’s feed our brains something good today.” You have done that!. There is a DVD titled “Amazing Grace” which I strongly recommend everyone seeing. It is about William Wilberforce (1759-1833) who led a twenty-year fight to end the British slave trade. He finally succeeded in March 1807. Before his death in 1833, he saw the institution of slavery abolished throughout the British colonies. William Wilberforce was strongly influenced by John Newton’s life and preaching. Newton had a reputation for profanity, coarseness, and debauchery, which shocked so many people. He was known as “The Great Blasphemer.” From being a blasphemer, slave trader, to a minister and abolitionist, and finally, writing the lyrics for the hymn Amazing Grace, the world’s most famous hymn. He would often tell his friends, “My memory is nearly gone; but I remember two things: That I am a great sinner, and that Christ is a great Savior.”