Throughout our life journey music plays such an important role that we all tend to connect with memories and life experiences through the music we listened to at specific time or era. Today “retro” theme bands that cover music from the 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and even the 90’s are popular in part because they can transport us back to days we remember fondly, even as we may shake our heads and laugh as we remember our younger selves.
In my case, although raised on rock ’n roll in my high school days back in the 70’s, I grew to love country music in college and have found deep meaning in worship music as an adult. I am moved by traditional Christian ballads such as How Great Thou Art and Amazing Grace. And I am particularly inspired and connected to contemporary Christian worship music. I believe that God provides us a connection to Him directly through many forms of music that can makes us dance and lift our spirits.
When experiencing loss, the emotional connection to music is particularly powerful and connective. I am deeply grateful for the many songs that comforted me and soothed my grieving soul when I desperately needed strength. Some were new songs that fit my situation in ways that felt like they were written for me and for that moment. And others were favorites that were reminders of happier days and shared life milestones and benchmarks.
Throughout our music series blog, we’ll share and explore the impact of music following loss, it’s healing power and therapeutic nature, and explore how our selections and tolerances may shift and evolve from stage to stage on the Survive-Alive-Thrive healing journey.
