My son was protesting in LA last night outside the ICE detention center. I was concerned that there could be arrests, as they were arresting priests and rabbis who had shown up to protest in LA outside the venue where Jeff Sessions was appearing. I asked him to text me regardless of the time (he's west coast, I'm east) when he was leaving to let me know he was safe and didn't need anything. He didn't wait until he left. He was nearly in tears as the detainees inside were letting the protesters know they were there and needed help. He sent me video he took of the detainees flashing lights in sort of Morse code fashion, which to some came across as an SOS. My son was just looking for moral support as he texted me because he was heartbroken, claiming he was witnessing what to his mind was tantamount to a war crime. He also let me know when he was on his way home, tired, angry, upset, but safe and sound.
Then in my dreams last night I witnessed an unusual sight. It was one of those messages I was supposed to listen to and take note of. I've heard the song "The Prayer" by Celine Dion and Andre Bocelli before. However last night, as I was meandering as we do in dreams, I came upon a British actor (Dan Stevens) and a blonde male Italian singer practicing a version of the song. The musical director had Stevens singing the Italian portion of the song, and the Italian singing the English portion of the song. It was magnificent. It wasn't really Stevens singing in my dream, I've heard his singing voice in Beauty and the Beast. I've never heard two males perform the song together before, and as angelic as it sounded, the beautiful voices, which were heavenly to hear, made me know that spirit wanted me to hear the message of the song. They were presenting it in their voices so I'd be sure to take note that it wasn't just some soundtrack. I heard echoes of the song through the rest of my dreaming, and during my waking period this morning. I've never read the lyrics before, can't say that I've really even paid attention to them while listening to the versions I've heard before. However, given our circumstances and atmosphere in this country today, I find after translating them, they're a very appropriate prayer for the times:
I pray you'll be our eyes
And watch us where we go
And help us to be wise
In times when we do not know
Let this be our prayer
As we go our way
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your Grace
To a place where we'll be safe
The light that you give
I pray we'll find your light
In the heart they remain
And hold it in our hearts
To remind you that
When stars go out each night
You are the eternal star
In my prayer
Let this be our prayer
How much faith see'e
When shadows fill our day
Lead us to a place
Guide us with your grace
Give us faith so we'll be safe.
We dream of a world without violence
A world of justice and hope
Everyone gives his hand to his neighbor
Symbol of peace and fraternity
The strength you give us
We ask that life be kind
It is the desire that
And watch ...
I just wish that I could also share the incredible rendering that I was given last night. I guess for some, You Tube will have to suffice.
This thread is so very helpful. Thank you all!
I have struggled with anger in recent months. I'm angry that we are in this dark place and so many are suffering. I'm angry that some of my friends don't seem to see, or care to see, the suffering of others. I made the choice to disconnect from a few people, and I might need to do more. I'm seeing sides of people that I never thought I would see and it makes me furious! These messages of hope and light really help.
Thanks to all who take the time to post!
Happened on this quote from Alex Steffen's The Bright Green City this morning and love it: "Optimism is a political act. Those who benefit from the status quo are perfectly happy for us to think nothing is going to get any better. In fact, these days, cynicism is obedience." https://www.thesunmagazine.org/issues/412/the-bright-green-city
I like this interchange, but the phrase about facing darkness without becoming dark makes me so uncomfortable, equating darkness with such negativity. Aren't we beyond that?
Thank you.
Thanks, Maria. You are also a star and have my gratitude for your involvement.