Ponderings: On Faith

n 2014, Jo_Goldsmith11 took it upon herself to initiate the Light2Love Project Good Words.

Jo pledged to use good words and publish articles used to empower, encourage, support and defend those who need to be shown love.

Jo offered us a good word for each week to focus our thoughts, behaviors and actions on...In the 2nd week, Jo wrote her perspective on the word faith.

However, as 2014 came to an end, Jo filed away her Good Word articles - as she begins the process of publishing it in e-book'. Shyron E. Shenko continues to write a beautiful poem to accompany each Good Word to inspire and lead us.

The ripple effect of the Good Words Project throughout the HubVille community has been heartwarming.

Please join me with some of my musical thoughts and reflections on the word faith...

For me faith and music go hand-in-hand.

I was raised in a home where our faith was valued, supported and developed. Mom grew up as a Southern Baptist, while Dad had an Italian, Roman Catholic upbringing. Together, it was no surprise I developed a love of faith-inspired music.

As a kid, I may not have always understood the meaning of the sermon or Bible readings but always felt an uplifting connection with the hymns we sang. 'Ave Maria' was Dad's favorite, while 'The Old Rugged Cross' was Mom's...both still make me misty eyed with the memories of my childhood.

At home, I listened with Mom to the sounds of Country and Gospel Music- gaining an early appreciation of singers like the Carter Family and Willie Nelson.

Over the years, I have expanded my love of faith-inspired music to the Blues, Funk, Soul and even some Rock & Roll. Listening to artists like Rev. Al Green, Aretha Franklin and R. L. Burnside connect me to my spirituality like musical prayer.

How about you? Are there any songs or lyrics that bring FAITH to you...like these do to me? If so, please share YOURS in the comment section below... thanks, mar!

We sang songs of childhood - Hymns of faith that made us strong - Ones that mother maybelle taught us - Hear the angels sing along (1)... We are not alone - We are not alone - We are not alone some day - Oh, deep in my heart - I do believe (2) ... And when the night is cloudy - There is still a light that shines on me - Shine on until tomorrow (3) ... Ora pro nobis peccatoribus (Pray for us sinners) - Ora, ora pro nobis (Pray, pray for us) - Ora, ora pro nobis peccatoribus (Pray for us sinners) - Nunc et in hora mortis (Now, and at the hour of our death) (4)...I will ever be true - Its shame and reproach gladly bear - Then He’ll call me some day to my home far away - Where His glory forever I’ll share (5)... When my feeble life is over - Time for me will be no more - Guide me gently, safely over - To Thy kingdom shore, to Thy shore (6)...

Just remember in the winter - Far beneath the bitter snows - Lies the seed that with the sun's love - In the spring becomes the rose (7)... I could be lost inside their lies without a trace - But every time I close my eyes I see your face (8)... Forever and ever, you'll stay in my heart - And I will love you - Forever and ever we never will part - Oh, how I'll love you - Together, forever, that's how it must be - To live without you (9)....

Just a little bit of dirt and a little bit of gravel - Don't you weigh me down cause you know I gotta travel (10)... We are trav'ling in the footsteps - Of those who've gone before - But we'll all be reunited - On a new and sunlit shore (11)... Take your shield of faith to quench the fiery darts - Bring your sword of the Spirit: it is the word of God - Put on your hat of salvation, and you know you’re good to go - Let the Spirit of God burn hot in your soul (12)... That's all - That's all I need (13)...

The Carter Family: Will The Circle Be Unbroken (1); Bruce Springsteen: We Shall Overcome (2); The Beatles: Let It Be (3); Schubert: Ave Maria (4); Alan Jackson (Mom's favorite rendition): The Old Rugged Cross (5); Willie Nelson & Patsy Cline: Just A Closer Walk With Thee (6); Bette Midler: The Rose (7); Sting: If I Ever Lose My Faith In You (8); Aretha Franklin: Say A Little Prayer (9); Willie Nelson: Kneel At The Feet Of Jesus (10); Louis Armstrong: When The Saints Come Marching In (11); R. L. Burnside: You Gotta Move (12); Mississippi Fred McDowell: Just A Little More Faith (13)

Let's keep Project Good Words going... what do you say?

For my part, I'm going to keep going with my musical reflections. The next word I will look forward to writing about is Inspiration.

And now I would like to pass the Project Good Words baton to a dear friend of mine who is the real deal when it comes to the Word of the day.

When I think of Faith, Theresa Davis lives this word in every way, shape and form. Some of you know my friend better by her HubVille name of Faith Reaper.

And so, dear friend, thank you for sharing your amazing and powerful thoughts on the subject of faith...! It's wonderful to see you back again and I am hoping everyone has the time to check out this meaningful piece of writing - with inspirational videos and music as well.

© Maria Jordan (August, 2014)