Happy Birthday: We Are Good.

Me, age 3, in front of the Roman Catholic church in Milford, N.H.

Today’s my birthday and I asked friends to send me YouTube links to their favorite songs so I could make a playlist. We’re up to about 75 now (and I will share it later) but my sweet friend Jennifer just sent a link that reminded me of a favorite I’d rather forgotten about over the years.

Alanis’ words are my prayer for all of us today on the anniversary of my birth, and at the start of a new year (for my Jewish friends and family.)

We’re good, folks. All of us. Even if we gain 75 pounds. Even when we are overwhelmed. Even if we get and stay sick. When we’re not ourselves. When we’re fuming. When we are clingy. When we are no longer queen.

We are good. We are loved. And we don’t have to do anything. That’s the thing about GRACE …

Thank you for all the birthday love. It really means so much to me, more than I could say. These last few years have been trying and this birthday is much the same. But you are good. I am good. We are loved. And there is GRACE. Thanks be to God.

that I would be good even if I did nothing

that I would be good even if I got the thumbs down

that I would be good if I got and stayed sick

that I would be good even if I gained ten pounds

that I would be fine even if I went bankrupt

that I would be good if I lost my hair and my youth

that I would be great if I was no longer queen

that I would be grand if I was not all knowing

that I would be loved even when I numb myself

that I would be good even when I am overwhelmed

that I would be loved even when I was fuming

that I would be good even if I was clingy

that I would be good even if I lost sanity

that I would be good

whether with or without you

UPDATE: You can find the GodGrrl 2014 Birthday Play List, compiled by my friends, HERE.