Michael W. Smith inspires in the New Year

by Donna Teresa

I have always believed that music has certain healing powers. Music has never failed to help lift me up, even during the darkest of times. I am an avid music listener and a fan of different types of music.

I can honestly say that I never paid much attention to Christian music until a friend gave me a cassette back in the ’90s and told me I would change my mind once I listened to Michael W. Smith and his song "Friends."

The song would soon find a place at my wedding. My friend was right. Soon after hearing his music, I made room for Smith’s songs on my playlist, especially his Christmas CDs. They are next to all my rock and roll favorites that remain on my listening rotation today.

When the day is long and the times are tough, I listen to Michael W. Smith and a new perspective appears.  The Rev. Billy Graham has been a respected spiritual adviser to many world leaders, residents and Graham’s many followers. In its own way, the music of Smith has provided a similar spiritual uplift to many during times of great happiness and times of great sorrow.

As the new year approaches, I think of our troops so far away from home, of our newest veterans who are trying to fit back in their communities and of our wounded veterans who are coping with the many life changes and obstacles that they face every day.

My thoughts also go out to our older veterans, still struggling to face many challenges as they continue to fight to get through the day.

And I think of the many families who have lost their loved ones in service to this country and the emptiness in their hearts that never goes away. There is so much help needed all over our country and world.

Will the veteran voice continue to be heard and listened to? Will this country embrace our war veterans and give them the care that they need and will need in the future?

As I considered these thoughts, I decided it was the appropriate time to listen to a song that would, perhaps, capture those thoughts.

I listened to the familiar lyrics from "Place in this World," a song from the 1990 album "Go West Young Man" by Smith and Wayne Kirkpatrick.

"The wind is moving, but I am standing still.

A life of pages, waiting to be filled.

A heart that’s hopeful, a head that’s full of dreams,

But this becoming is harder than it seems,

Feels like I’m looking for a reason,

Roaming through the night to find

My place in this world, my place in this world.

Not a lot to lean on, I need your light

To help my find my place in this world,

My place in this world. If there are millions

Down on their knees, among the many, can you still hear me?

Hear me asking, where do I belong? Is there a vision

That I can call my own? Show me."

Smith continues to inspire through his tireless work helping America’s youth. He, too, has performed for national leaders and presidents and has helped raise money and awareness for those in need all over the world.

His compassion for people is huge. A recipient of many Grammy and Dove awards, his music has taken him on a journey that has helped so many people in so many ways.

My wish this New Year’s is for all our veterans to find their place back home, a place in their communities, a place in this country and a place in this world. www.michaelwsmith.com 

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Homefront Journal Michael W. Smith’s songs give Donna Teresa new perpectives on things, only at

www.montereyherald.com

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