The Relief Music Gives Us

I've had a couple of interesting conversations within the last 4 or 5 days.  The underlying theme to both has been this: there are others that feel the same way, that are in the same boat.  So many times I feel like I am the only one feeling the way I do or going through the things that I am going through.  However, if I allow myself to open up and be vulnerable with others, I find that they are going through similar situations.  Brokenness can be such a weight and a burden, but when you realize that you are not the only one, the burden becomes so much lighter.

I feel that is why music is such a big part of our lives today.  It gives one a place to relate, a place to be vulnerable.  The songwriter does this by expressing their situation or story.  Listeners do this by hearing the song and saying, "This is me," and identifying with the song.  I know I have a lot of situations that I would like to get out there so others can say, "That's me.  That is what I'm going through."  I want to encourage others by letting them know they aren't the only ones.  That has been a big encouragement for me.

Thanks to those of you who I have talked to this last week about tough stuff.  You've helped me more than you can imagine.  I hope I've helped you some too.