Music has always been a comforting aspect of my life. I love all kinds of music, especially music that soothes my soul and provides me with a sense of well-being and purpose. Christian music that uplifts and reminds me of who I am and who Jesus is provides a means of worship that extends beyond the Sunday pews.
Much of jazz music gives me that same sense of comfort. Especially some of the early blues, many of which were born of the struggles and strife of oppressed people in the early 20th century. As many of you know, I am the mother of jazz musicians. I have had the joy of listening to them and their various groups perform for a number of years now. There are so many jazz songs that touch my heart and soul, but the words of one of them, “Summertime”, sung by Ella Fitzgerald, always makes me think of life with Jesus and the care and protection he promises us right now while we are still here on Earth. These are the words that move me:
“One of these mornings
You’re gonna rise up singin’
Yes, you’ll spread your wings
And you’ll take to the sky
Mm, but ’til that morning
There is nothin’ can harm you
Yes, with daddy and mommy standin’ by”
For me, these are words of comfort and assurance. They are a reminder that we are protected by the God of the Universe. God, The Father of Jesus Christ. We are promised protection. And through protection, we are promised comfort. The Apostle Paul gave the Corinthians the same assurance in this passage:
All praise to God, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. God is our merciful Father and the source of all comfort. He comforts us in all our troubles so that we can comfort others. When they are troubled, we will be able to give them the same comfort God has given us.
This pandemic virus and its subsequent virulent variants have given rise to our need for reassurance that “nothin’ can harm you.” We need to remember that He has promised to provide comfort in all of our troubles. As the Body of Christ we also need to extend this same assurance to those we encounter out in the community and the world. Through this passage, Paul gives us a mandate that we are called to in turn be disciples of Christ and comfort others by providing an assurance of protection that we can rest upon.
One of these mornings, you’re gonna rise up singing, spread your wings and take to the sky…but until that time, look for comfort and protection from Jesus, by putting your trust and faith in him…and then pass it on!
Bonnie Boe, Commissioned Lay Pastor, (805) 529-8422 x102
