A few times in my life, I have been in a sacred place, often in the privacy of my home, sometimes in the early morning hours, and at other times in the late hours of the evening, pondering, reflecting and feeling deeply the travails of life. In those sacred moments, I have providentially, at times, come upon a beautiful piece of music that immediately sinks deep in my soul, and somehow touches the profound feelings of the spirit. It has been in those moments that I have wept with deep emotion, searching for understanding and compassion, and seeking for love and forgiveness. In those moments, as my soul feels the beautiful music, I cry out for help and relief from my heavy burdens.
Taking a break from my studying this morning, I felt drawn to the Mormon Tabernacle Choir broadcast. As I basked in such exquisite music, I felt an extraordinary depth of emotion as “The Call” was performed gloriously by the Choir. Searching for information about this beautiful song that so deeply moved me, I found that it was composed by Mack Wilberg, with text by George Herbert.
I immediately listened to it again and again, with my tears flowing endlessly. My recent journey has been one of intense emotion and sorrow, but also of peace and comfort, and at times, a journey of miracles. Now I add to this journey another miracle, truly a tender mercy from heaven, a miracle of music, emotion and beauty, and truly a gift from God above.
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The Call
Come, my Way, my Truth, my Life;
Such a Way as gives us breath,
Such a Truth as ends all strife,
Such a Life as killeth death.
Come, my Light, my Feast, my Strength;
Such a Light as shows a Feast,
Such a Feast as mends in length,
Such a Strength as makes his guest.
Come, my Joy, my Love, my Heart;
Such a Joy as none can move,
Such a Love as none can part,
Such a Heart as joys in love.
“The Call"
Music by Mack Wilberg
Lyrics by George Herbert, from The Temple (1633)
Performed by the Mormon Tabernacle Choir on September 30, 2018, Music and the Spoken Word)
We were at the broadcast, and I too, was deeply moved by this number--so much so, that tears came freely. We were sitting on the side front right behind Mack Wilberg when he came off-stage. I wanted to tell him how deeply it touched me and I wanted to hug him--but security was tight, and I was afraid to reach out. You captured my feelings, Nancy. Love, JJ Abernathy
ReplyDeleteThank you JJ. Yes, those were poignant moments, and are still affecting me deeply. We all miss you, but know you are doing a great work.
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