Magnificent

I'm a little late in the game, which is totally unlike me. Usually, I'm on top of this...usually I have the latest U2 album the day its released. Not so with this past one, however. I'm not sure why, maybe God new when the timing would be right for me. When the soil of my heart was ready for such goodness. And He said, "today."

Now I have, "No Line on the Horizon." And, in usual fashion, I have downloaded it to my iPod, printed out the digital booklet and intently listened to each song as I read every carefully placed word that poured from Bono's heart. I've been hijacked by the Spirit. All because this passionate and dedicated group of talented musicians said YES to God. They are using their gifts to bring beauty to our broken world, little shreds of hope to grasp with our weary hands.

Art has amazing power. It can help us see what we can not see with our eyes. It helps us feel what we want to ignore. It helps us express what we alone can not express. It puts "skin" on our soul. This redeeming art has great power...power to help us journey this side of eternity, with all its bumps and bruises, and even the moments that cut us deeper than we knew possible.

My friend and pastor, John (PJ for short), used to say often in life we want to "spray perfume on the poopoo" in order to move past painful situations quickly. Basically, cover the stink and it will magically disappear. But God does not call us to bipass pain. Instead, to recognize it, feel it, and in it, allow His love and grace to permeate our being. It's then that deep healing and redemption occur. Music and art helps helps me with this.

Below are the lyrics for U2's song, Magnificent. It reminds me of God's love for me. He created me. I have gifts that will bring Him glory and He longs for me to develop them fully and use them through worship. I hope Bono and Edge's words speak to you as they have spoken to me. And if you haven't yet purchased this album, listen for the nudge from God when it comes. It's well worth the $9.99 you'll pay on iTunes.

Magnificent ~ No Line on the Horizon, U2

Magnificent / Magnificent / I was born / I was born to be with you / In this space and time / After that and ever after I haven’t had a clue / Only to break rhyme / This foolishness can leave a heart black and blue / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love can heal such a scar / I was born / I was born to sing for you / I didn’t have a choice but to lift you up / And sing whatever song you wanted me to / I give you back my voice / From the womb my first cry, it was a joyful noise… / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love can heal such a scar / Justified till we die, you and I will magnify / The Magnificent / Magnificent / Only love, only love can leave such a mark / But only love, only love unites our hearts / Justified till we die, you and I will magnify / The Magnificent / Magnificent / Magnificent

Today is Easter Sunday - JESUS IS RISEN! Pain is only on this side of eternity because of the empty tomb. God is Magnificent and worthy of our praise!

May you and I always magnify The Magnificent ~ deAnn