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Crying lessons

Have you ever started to sing a song, perhaps a hymn or another favorite, and find yourself caught up in such a wave of emotion that singing is impossible? The tune that you adore can't be sung as your breath is hijacked from the emotion that just so happens to be pouring from your eyes?

I met a fellow this week that came to me for an answer to that question. Why do these hymns I love and know by heart always cut to the chase and bring tears to my eyes?

All I could say is that I've experienced this song/tears response as well. In fact, I had an unexpected experience with this "Pavlov's response" this past Sunday.

Before worship, we were practicing a song for the prelude that is called, "Love can build a bridge" by the Judds. For those that know it, you probably understand why it pulls on the heartstrings. I invite you to take a moment to watch this video for the song here:



This song is new to me and I may have heard it year ago when it first came out but last Sunday it's theme of connection, hope and the struggle for unity really hit home to the emotional shortcut that so often through the medium of music brings tears to my eyes.

In chatting with this gentleman about music and tears I asked if I could sing the chorus of this song with him. He graciously agreed and by the end of the verse we both had tears in our eyes.

Music helps to build a bridge to the tender parts of us that we try to put away. We want to be strong and at times tears don't seem to communicate strength in the way we'd most desire. But the truth is, that it is when we are vulnerable that we grow as people and become stronger.

I may not have a scientific answer as to why music and emotion run so close in our human experience - but I know that this phenomenon is one that I'm thankful for; tears and all.

PS. What song is your emotions shortcut that bring your own strong response? Feel free to share it in the comment section. Thanks.

Lyrics to Love can build a bridge by the Judds
I'd gladly walk across the desert
With no shoes upon my feet
To share with you the last bite
Of bread I had to eat
I would swim out to save you
In your sea of broken dreams
When all your hopes are sinkin'
Let me show you what love means

[Chorus]
Love can build a bridge
Between your heart and mine
Love can build a bridge
Don't you think it's time?
Don't you think it's time?

I would whisper love so loudly
Every heart could understand
That love and only love
Can join the tribes of man
I would give my heart's desire
So that you might see
The first step is to realize
That it all begins with you and me

[Repeat Chorus]

When we stand together
It's our finest hour
We can do anything, anything
Keep believin' in the power

[Repeat Chorus]

Love and only love
Love and only love

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Bill Johnson said…
I have three (at least):

Alleluia, Jesus is risen!
To Be Your Presence Here
Hark, The Herald Angels Sing
6:58 AM EST
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