Judy

I'm so glad to hear she had no complications from the surgery.

I see that you and I use music in the same manner. It's very helpful during times when I'm overwhelmed with strong emotions and feel a need to pray or connect with God.

I may not listen to gospel music, but I spent my formative years praying while listening to popular music on the radio. Like you, I allowed my heart to speak my emotions to God, not my words. Sometimes the lyrics calmed my fears in return or helped place me in the right direction.

I've also found that love songs - any love song - can be a good praise song. "Here and Now" by Luther VanDross is an excellent one.

Yes, I KNOW the radio doesn't speak to me. It's just that sometimes a song will come on that will remind me of God's presence - almost as if he's talking with me. Here's an example of one that came on one time when I was feeling depressed and in pain:

"Everybody Hurts" - R.E.M.

When the day is long and the night, the night is yours alone,
When you're sure you've had enough of this life, well hang on
Don't let yourself go, 'cause everybody cries and everybody hurts sometimes

Sometimes everything is wrong. Now it's time to sing along
When your day is night alone, (hold on, hold on)
If you feel like letting go, (hold on)
When you think you've had too much of this life, well hang on

'Cause everybody hurts. Take comfort in your friends
Everybody hurts. Don't throw your hand. Oh, no. Don't throw your hand
If you feel like you're alone, no, no, no, you are not alone

If you're on your own in this life, the days and nights are long,
When you think you've had too much of this life to hang on

Well, everybody hurts sometimes,
Everybody cries. And everybody hurts sometimes
And everybody hurts sometimes. So, hold on, hold on