Hallelujah
This week’s outcome. How does a person move forward with any kind of hope for decency in the world?
I live and work somewhat hermit-like, in a semi-rural location in a somewhat rural state.
Still, I am not immune to my country’s emotional climate. And I work in an ethnically diverse group. Ultimately, I feel great pain for the un-humanity propagated by the -elect. I am embarrassed and ashamed by what has happened and the fear that has been instilled into persons of color and religious diversity.
The high road.
I’d very much like to take it.
For one thing, there is not much traffic up there!
First step: cleansing thoughts. Easier said than done, but thoughts lead to words which lead to action and so first… internally, I fight negative, mean thoughts. That does NOT mean that I have good thoughts about this week’s events, only that I continually try to shut down internal meanness.
Second step: compassionate thoughts. Compassionate thoughts towards humanity. I am not happy with myself when I have an internal dialog of meanness.
On November 7, 2016, singer, songwriter, poet and novelist: Leonard Cohen passed on. I knew of Mr. Cohen from his song: “Hallelujah”.
The Washington Post’s Julie Zauzmer writes:
How many of us, when we think of King David, hum the words, “I heard there was a sacred chord”? How many recall Sampson in the words, “She broke your throne, and she cut your hair”?
“Hallelujah” has been on the lips of the Jewish people since the days of the original psalmist. Leonard Cohen set this Hebrew word and these Hebrew stories to music that everyone wanted to sing — from Bon Jovi to Willie Nelson to Justin Timberlake.
I first heard Leonard Cohen’s “Hallelujah” at the end of an episode of the U.S. TV Series “House”. “House” often ended on a dramatic note accompanied by a relevant song. The “House” rendition of Leonard Cohen’s Hallelujah was a “Jeff Buckley” recording of the song. I bought it immediately after watching the episode and hearing the song.
After reading of Leonard Cohen’s passing, I listened to many recordings of the song. Although the Jeff Buckley rendition remains a favorite there are some notable adaptations…
Good Grief! Father Ray Kelly an Irish Catholic Priest. The above link vaulted Father Kelly to a kind of stardom: a record deal and some tv appearances. But, for me, the wedding video of his surprise singing of Hallelujah (his lyrics) – to the bride and groom – it gave me hope!
Northern Ireland is not exactly the poster child for peaceful coexistence.
So, if, in the midst of all of that, there can be what is portrayed in the video, maybe there is hope for the U.S. also. (*** 2:47 in approximately…when Father Kelly smiles at the couple … and then the end … his “O…kay”. Seriously human!)
And then. Saturday Night Live.
I don’t think I have ever seen SNL – live. I haven’t had tv for many years and even when I did, I don’t stay up that late. But, I read the news and SNL often makes the news. And thanks to the internet, a morning person can see what many night persons do!
Kate McKinnon in a cold open of this week’s Saturday Night Live, in character – somewhat – as Hillary Clinton.
Hallelujah.
7 Responses to “Hallelujah”
Still in a bit of denial/shock (thank you brain for not letting it all hit at once).
I agree Liz, the only way forward is to rise up. Personally, I’m visualizing some sort of yummy little bubbles in a beautiful glass…up, up, up.
Thank you for bringing together these amazing Hallelujah’s–they all touch my soul.
Lovely, Steph!
I often think these words from Phillipians 4:
And speaking with a co-worker/friend yesterday, we talked about perspective. It is easy to feel overwhelmed by news reports. Talking, I was reminded that “bad news” gets more attention in the media than “good news” and so it is easy to have a skewed perspective especially of the violence. And about the violence – much of that is probably perpetrated by those who will use any excuse to be violent. I choose to believe that the majority of human-kind is good and will not tolerate that kind of evil … although it would sure be helpful to have a better leadership example!
Thanks so much for the video of Father Kelly, it is awesome. The other video is not available in my area. But hearing the wonderful song and thinking of Leonard Cohen did make me think positive thoughts for mankind. We must all, through our thoughts and actions, promote harmony, peace, tolerance and understanding. The reactions in the US after the elections were like the reactions in the UK after Brexit and after the initial shock there people have accepted the situation and are moving forward. So let’s hope the US can do the same.
Margaret,
I’m glad you enjoyed the Father Kelly video and sorry you could not play the other.
As far as acceptance, I do hope that we do NOT accept some things but that the non-acceptance becomes constructive dialog and certainly non-violent.
Yes, I don’t mean to accept the negative but to accept that what has happened has happened and move forward constructively and with a push for non violent change.
Yep, we are on the same page :) !!
Ok, here is another view and it helped me a lot. I’m still laughing.
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