"a great responsibility"

As Lent winds along I'm still pondering the "looking for the good" theme which I posted about here a few weeks ago.  Last month I wrote about going to the Tenors' concert.  They have a new album, "Lead With Your Heart," so of course it behooved us to buy it.  ("Behooved" isn't a word I get to use every day, so I have to take any opportunity I can.)

Last week the CD arrived from Amazon, and it's wonderful!  Jonathan still doesn't quite trust it, though.  He's so familiar with their "Perfect Gift" CD that (even though it's Christmas-themed) he still prefers that one; I ask him, "Which Tenors do you want, Jonathan?" and he replies, "Hallelujah Tenors."  But I'm sure he'll come around with a few more listens...

I like reading CD liner notes to find out more about the songs a singer or group chooses to record.  One of the most beautiful songs on the album is "Anchor Me" (watch a live performance here) with this chorus:

When sadness crashes like an ocean,

When fear is deeper than the sea,

When I am swallowed by the darkness,

Will you come and anchor me?

It could be a prayer to God asking Him for His strength and presence, or just a cry to another person for support; either way it's powerful and inspirational.  I was particularly struck by the group's liner notes about this song:

"Every day, whether in person or online, we connect with our [fans].  We often hear stories that range from hardship and tribulation, to joy and transformation.  It's incredible to learn how people turn to our music to help them through difficult situations, as a catalyst to pursue their dreams, or as an inspiration for a new chapter in their lives.  With this comes not only a great sense of pride but also a great responsibility to choose repertoire that comes from the heart, strengthens and inspires."

I think this is a wonderful example not only of looking for the good, but of being an instrument to help others seek and find it.  The fact that they feel a sense of responsibility to choose songs that inspire and strengthen their listeners is impressive.  It also reminded me of this Bible verse from Philippians 4:8:

Finally, brothers and sisters, 

whatever is true, whatever is noble, 

whatever is right, whatever is pure, 

whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable--

if anything is excellent or praiseworthy--

think about such things.