brokenness
December 26, 2007 by moriahjoy
Since 1995, there has been one cd, one band, one album that I have gone to in my deepest pain, my greatest sorrow, my times of hardest stress…as well as when I have been most joyful, the most happy, or just frankly need to write that paper or article before my deadline. ;p
I don’t know quite how or when Jars of Clay’s self-titled debut album, produced while the guys were in college, came to hold such a significant place in my life…but in the twelve plus years since, putting on that album has never ceased to provide the solace I need. And while my music taste has morphed and changed over the years, this album is still my all-time favorite, no questions asked.
It has gotten me through painful relationships, emotional ruptures, the death of my father, numerous philosophy and English papers, journalism deadlines, and stressful times…it has put me to sleep many a night, calmed me down when I’m stressed, soothed my tears.
One time my sister surprised me with tickets to go see them live. That night, I got into an accident that could have taken my life - while I was on my way to see them.
I still have yet to see them in concert.
Tonight, after a painful, lonely day, as I crawl towards bed, my Bible waiting to be read (figure I should end my night on the birth of Jesus)…I wandered over to my mp3 list…and somehow, methodically, my fingers found their way to the familiar album…and without quite realizing it, I clicked “play.”
As my tears fade into the dark of night, my questions, unanswered, my loneliness not satiated, and this long Christmas day ends…I am reminded…
Arms nailed down,
Are you telling me something?
Eyes turned out,
Are you looking for someone?
This is the one thing,
The one thing that I know.
Blood-stained brow,
Are you dying for nothing?
Flesh and blood,
Is it so elemental?
This is the one thing,
The one thing that I know.
Blood-stained brow,
He wasn’t broken for nothing.
Arms nailed down,
He didn’t die for nothing.
This is the one thing,
The one thing that I know.
And that’s all that matters.
Merry Christmas. It is Christ’s brokenness that I rejoice in today, tonight, because it is the only thing that heals my own, has the power to heal my own.
Much love to all who read. You are all very dear to me, and I thank God for the gifts of your friendships.
It truly is one of the best cd’s ever–although some of their later cd’s are good–none by far will ever surpass their debut album. Actually, I’m not too sure I’m thrilled with where they’ve gone musically anymore–seems they’ve lost so much depth with their lyrics since their first couple of albums. Anyhow, those are my thoughts–I hope you were able to enjoy Christmas
There is definately something to be said for the unedited, un-incoporated sound of a band who’s self-created and inspired by their own talent.