Stories to Tell

As depressing as the words may seem, that's not really the message I intend to convey.  Brandi Carlile's voice is enchanting ~ folksy ~ and I hope you'll take some time to hear her music.  I've been enjoying it for awhile now.  The lyrics to one of these songs had already found their way into today's post, but I stumbled across the words of still another and couldn't resist them either.  As some of you know, I've been playing with the writing of a novel for awhile.  Contained in these two songs are the names of the essential characters in the book.  An interesting coincidence, yes, but the messages are hauntingly relevant to my story's plot.  I am in awe, and feel propelled to spend hours writing this weekend.  Enjoy.

"The Story"
~ Brandi Carlile ~

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true
I was made for you

I climbed across the mountain tops
Swam all across the ocean blue
I crossed all the lines and I broke all the rules
But baby I broke them all for you

Because even when I was flat broke
You made me feel like a million bucks
You do
I was made for you

You see the smile that's on my mouth
It's hiding the words that don't come out
And all of my friends who think that I'm blessed
They don't know my head is a mess

No, they don't know who I really am
And they don't know what
I've been through like you do
And I was made for you

All of these lines across my face
Tell you the story of who I am
So many stories of where I've been
And how I got to where I am

But these stories don't mean anything
When you've got no one to tell them to
It's true
I was made for you

It's true
I was made for you 

  *     *     *  

"Cannonball"

~ Brandi Carlile ~

I was born when I met you

Now I'm dying to forget you

And that is what I know

Though I dreamed I would fall

Like a wounded cannonball

Sinking down with my heart in tow

Bright lights like white lightning

Who shot me down

Who cut me down

I'm frozen in my bed till the day comes around

How I'm lost

How I'm found

There's a man all alone

Telling me his friends are gone

That they've died and flown away

So I told him he was wrong

That your friends are never gone

If you look to the sky and pray

Someone told me a lie

Someone looked me in the eye

And said time will ease your pain

But behold, when you fall

Its that same old cannonball

Coming back for your heart again

Bright lights like white lightning

Who shot me down

Who cut me down

I'm frozen in my bed till the day comes around

And it may come around

Till the day comes around

How I'm lost

How I'm found

I was born when I met you

Now I'm dying to forget you

And that is what I know

 

*     *     * 

Your Best Life Now, by Joel Osteen. 

Chapter 17: Letting Go of Emotional Wounds.

Quit dwelling on what could have been, should have been, or might have been... Take what God has given you and make the most of it.  You may have suffered much, endured great hardships, or been through a lot of negative things.  You may have deep scars from emotional wounds, but don't let your past determine your future.  You can't do anything about what's happened to you, but you can choose how you will face what's in front of you.  Don't hold on to feelings of bitterness and resentment and let them poison your future.  Let go of those hurts and pains.  Forgive the people who did you wrong.  Forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made.

The song lyrics above are less about me and more about those whose names are hidden within, the characters whose epilogue I already know by heart.  Osteen's words, however, spoke directly to my heart today.  Forgive the people who did you wrong.  Forgive yourself for the mistakes you have made.  The words are written as a command.  Sometimes, sometimes obedience is the hardest part.