Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 23, 2004
Amazing Grace
Short Stories From 10 Years Ago – January 23, 2004 – It’s mid-afternoon on a very cold Friday. I’ve been out all morning and am glad to be back home, with cat and dog at my feet, and my mug of hot tea and honey at the ready. I have some computer research to finish this afternoon, and as usual, my radio is tuned to 96.3 FM. Classical instrumental music is common on this station, and I’m aware of the soothing sounds as I sit and work.
The familiar, haunting melody of Amazing Grace steals slowly into my consciousness. It’s impossible for me to hear this piece of music without crying, so I simply surrender and turn up the volume. The pure, perfect sound of Judy Collins’ voice is singing the hymn and tears have already dampened the corners of my eyes.
“Amazing Grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but not am found,
Was blind but now I see”.
“Twas grace that taught my heart to fear,
And grace my fears relieved,
How precious did that grace appear,
The hour I first believed”.
“Through many dangers, toils and snares,
I have already come,
Tis grace has brought me safe thus far,
And grace will lead me home”.
“The Lord has promised good to me,
His word my hope secures,
He will my shield and portion be,
As long as life endures”.
“Yes, when this flesh and heart shall fail,
And mortal life shall cease,
I shall possess within the veil,
A life of joy and peace”.
“The earth shall soon dissolve like snow,
The sun forbear to shine,
But God who called me here below,
Will be forever mine”.
“When we’ve been there 10,000 years,
Bright shining as the sun,
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise,
Then when we first begun”.
“Amazing grace how sweet the sound,
That saved a wretch like me,
I once was lost but now am found,
Was blind but now I see”.
Well – I am helpless – finished. Tears have had their way with my face. It’s a good thing I’m spending the afternoon with my computer. I have tried for years to understand the power of Amazing Grace to stir such deep emotion in my heart. The words and music sink into the very depth of my being, and penetrate to the core of my soul. Is it the simplicity of the words or the lingering melody of the music? Perhaps it’s both.
I remember watching a special on A&E one night a couple of years ago, on the history of Amazing Grace. It is said that it was penned by John Newton (1725 – 1807) a cleric, who had once captained a slave ship off the coast of Sierra Leone. On a homeward voyage, his ship was floundering during a violent storm, when he asked God for mercy. His deliverance and transformation began during that raging night of May 10, 1748 .
Grace began its work on his life. His beautiful, lyrical hymn has become one of the most beloved of all time. On days when I think that all is not quite ‘right’ in my world, when I’m tired and overwhelmed, when I believe that I have lost my way – or am unable to feel any genuine connection to people and the planet – Amazing Grace comes along and puts me back in touch with the depth of emotion that rests in my heart.
Perhaps this is simply the way of the Universe – reminding me of human kindness, strength of spirit, and ultimately of the presence of good in the world. If so, I am eternally thankful.
The world is sorely in need of some Amazing Grace right now – so enjoy!
Celtic Woman Sings – Amazing Grace
