Unchained Melody and the hope it offers for such a time as this

Remember the song, Unchained Melody by the Righteous Brothers? I do. I grew up with it in the 60's and I remember my mother singing and dancing in the kitchen to not only this song, but those of Roy Orbison, The Mama's and the Papa's, Elvis Presley and so many other greats of that era. I haven't heard this song in years but then I hardly ever listen to Oldies stations anymore. I'm a Classical kind of girl.

So this morning when I had to take Prissy to the vet for some dental work and she started her pathetic moaning in the backseat of the car, I decided to turn on some music to comfort us both...and yes, probably to drown out her moans.  Going to the vets is always as hard on me as it is on her...

Because I was driving and the sun was shining brightly on the dashboard, I couldn't see the numbers on the dial to find my usual radio station. Figuring anything was better than nothing, I turned up the volume and found myself flying back in time to songs I grew up with. And for better or worse, memories and feelings and emotions that I had long forgotten, or blocked, came flooding back and I could barely drive through the tears.

At that point I should have shut the radio off but I didn't. So much of what I was remembering was sweet and I didn't want to let go of what I was feeling.  For in that moment I wanted nothing more than to go back to a time when life seemed simpler and dreams were dreamed and hope was still alive. A time of great expectation for all that life could offer. A time of innocence and probably ignorance when someone else was in charge and took care of me...when my mother was still alive and we danced in our tiny kitchen to Unchained Melody...and endless days were spent roaming beaches and trail riding through the forest.

And it was then I realized how very, very tired I am. And how desperately I am in need of hope.

I want my mother back. I want to go to bed at night in peace and wake up in the morning full of joy and expectation for what the day holds. I don't want to be afraid to go to out...to the store where everyone is wearing masks and staying far apart...to take a walk and all those whom you meet back away from you. Everything seems fragile right now...like at any second it could give way and the weight of the world will crush it. Even me.

Since I got home, I've been replaying Unchained Melody over and over. Its melody is haunting and its lyrics seductive. And I've just figured out why I need to hear it: because it's not a song from my past, but a promise for my future.

Don't get me wrong, but I think this is a perfect song for Holy Week...one of the darkest times of history when hope died and fear and loneliness overtook the disciples and they desperately needed to know that God was still there for them. Suppose we divide it up like this...

ME~ Oh, my love, my darling, I've hungered for your touch, a long, lonely time.

And time goes by so slowly, and time can do so much, are you still mine?

I need your love, I need your love, God speed your love to me.

GOD~ Lonely rivers flow, to the sea, to the sea, to the open arms of the sea.
Lonely rivers sigh, 
"Wait for me, wait for me

I'll be coming home wait for me."

See what I mean? I AM hungering for Him. And I AM in a long, lonely time. And sometimes I DO wonder, Are You still there? Do You remember me? Lord, I desperately need Your love.

And His response? Wait for Me! I'm coming! And this makes my heart sing...no matter how crazy the world is right now! 

Dear ones, let us wait well...through this pandemic...through the  loneliness and questioning and frustration and pain. Through life that maybe did not turn out as we thought it would when we were young. Through this week of our Lord's passion.

Sunday is coming! We have a cheat sheet. We know that what we are going through now is NOT the end of the story. Good Friday couldn't hold our Lord. Hope is coming. Help is on the way.

Praise God and Alleluia on all fronts!

Let us pray for one another. 

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Oh, and if you are receiving this by email, chances are that the Youtube video will not appear. But my friend, that will not do. Copy and past the info below into your browser. You need to hear the Righteous Brothers sing Unchained Melody. Trust me. 

https://youtu.be/IYj2hex99gY