Sometimes It Just Takes 1 Song, pt. 2

Sometimes It Just Takes 1 Song, pt. 2

May Waltz https://t.co/0F3euwDw3z via @YouTube@brookefraser
Sometimes I don’t know why a song needs to be on repeat loop. But with this one I do. I am in such a place of solitude, being separated, I long for someone like this: gentle, wooing. And people are saying I deserve it.

— Jared Ingle (@JaredIngle2022) July 18, 2023

First of all, let me deal with that last sentence. It almost sounds arrogant or narcissistic.

Believe me, it’s not. It’s nearly impossible to relay how embarrassing it is to share such a claim on an open network where anyone on the internet could see.

What do I deserve? Do I deserve to be separated? Or do I deserve a caring relationship? I have heretofore not discussed my personal life on Patheos, but yes I am dealing with some trouble keeping the home fires burning. I’m human and so is everyone else around me. Our human limitations have brought us to an impasse. We are seeking counsel and trying to work our way out of this bog.

Nonetheless, I have always, always, always been inspired by Brook Fraser’s music, her voice, her skillful guitar playing, and her poetic refrains. She is a poet. This song is no exception.

Brooke Fraser
May Waltz

I literally listened to it as the only music (other than the work playlist) 2 days ago (07.17.23). At the end of the day, I was surprised I had listened to no other music. I added a comment to the Twitter post.

So it turns out this song is the only music I play today. “I’ve got a smile that’s only for you, exchanged in secret the way lovers do…”
How does someone do this? How can you be so good that you continually share glances and smiles without anyone else taking notice of it? Genius

— Jared Ingle (@JaredIngle2022) July 19, 2023

Sunday, visiting missionaries preached at Christpoint

One of them prayed for me that God would continue to guide me in this new season, and that I would step into the path that He has for me more and more.

As another one spoke to the lady next to me, I heard the other missionary say, “I know… I know,” in the most compassionate way. It felt as if the empathy and compassion in that moment was for me as well. I can’t explain it.

This is a difficult word (rhema) to accept because I don’t seem to know my up from my down in this season. I dream of my family. I enjoy writing for Patheos, as always. I’m privileged to work in a tremendous, nurturing atmosphere. Above all, I live for church.

Some things about this church are just entirely healthy, not to mention the people. Some of them, like a good minister, can pay attention to you and make you feel like you’re the only one in the room.

This all goes along with the song, the call of a faithful love. Little by little the love woos her friend out of whatever has been holding him back, keeping him from committing. Little by little, the song draws the friend out with many assurances and kindnesses.

In kindness he takes us firmly by the hand and leads us into a radical life-change. (Romans 2.4, The Message)