The healing power of song...

I love it when musicians speak of real experience that the rest of us experience, even after becoming Christians. There is a tendency to put on a show, to believe that we are alone, that no one else struggles with the horrible thoughts and feelings that plague our souls. "Secular" music often lacks that certain something "Christian" music sings of -- hope.

I've had these two Kirk Franklin songs looping for the past two hours, trying to root out this clawing at my soul, causing me to surrender my peace and give in to the urges of the flesh. It really is a battle for my soul. It is my responsibility and my choice. This has been the theme of the past three services at church. I need to stop running and settling.

"Imagine me
Loving what I see when the mirror looks at me cause I
I imagine me
In a place of no insecurities
And I'm finally happy cause
I imagine me

Letting go of all of the ones who hurt me
Cause they never did deserve me
Can you imagine me?
Saying no to thoughts that try to control me
Remembering all you told me
Lord, can you imagine me?
Over what my mama said
And healed from what my daddy did
And I wanna live and not read that page again

[Chorus:]

Imagine me, being free, trusting you totally finally I can...
Imagine me
I admit it was hard to see
You being in love with someone like me
But finally I can...
Imagine me

Being strong
And not letting people break me down
You won't get that joy this time around
Can you imagine me?
In a world (in a world) where nobody has to live afraid
Because of your love fear’s gone away
Can you imagine me?

[Bridge:]

Letting go of my past
And glad I have another chance
And my heart will dance
'Cause I don't have to read that page again

[Chorus x2]

[Vamp:]

Gone, gone, it's gone, all gone

Spoken:

This song is dedicated to people like me
Those that struggle with insecurities, acceptance and even self esteem.
You never felt good enough
You never felt pretty enough.
But imagine God whispering in your ear
Letting you know that everything that has happened is now...

...gone.

Every sin (gone)
Every mistake (gone)
Every failure (gone)
Depression (gone)
By faith (gone)
Low self esteem (gone)

All my scars (gone)
All my pain (gone)

It's in the past (gone)
It's yesterday (gone)

What your mother did (gone)
What your faither did (gone)

Hallelujia. All gone..."

Kirk Franklin, "Imagine Me"