Tip of My Iceberg

Sonny and Cher would have been so proud.

We finished our year of development, coaching, and training with a year-end retreat that gave all our participants a chance to share how the time had impacted them. Some expectations were realized; others didn’t fulfill intentions but saw growth they hadn’t anticipated.

It was a time of celebration and gratitude.

The fun came at the end when we had a lip-sync/talent show. Who knew creativity could show up in so many iterations?

One young man bent himself like a pretzel with his feet looped around his neck. Another sang an incredible rendition of our national anthem.

Two of my friends came out as throwbacks to the 60s–they showed up as Sonny and Cher in their early days. They lip-synced to “I’ve Got You, Babe”, one of their classics.

They connected with one another, their movements in sync with the music and each other. For those who remembered this duo or had seen videos of their performances, it was a nostalgic peek at an era where music was eclectic and adventurous.

It was a time when issues came to the forefront with honesty, not blatant hate.

John Lennon of the Beatles made this comment about the music of the 60s:

“The thing the sixties did was to show us the possibilities and the responsibility we all had. It wasn’t the answer. It just gave us a glimpse of the possibility.”

Music is the script of culture, the words of hearts put to tunes that may impact the way others perceive life. It’s both a filter and a focus, a chance to see, as Lennon said, the possibilities of what can be and to cause us to question our current outlook. That era spoke of equal rights for men and women and freedom for every individual, among other things.

Sonny and Cher’s song brought a spotlight on the need for bonding together even though people may not agree with who you are. It was a song of solidarity.

Everyone wants someone who “gets” them. Who understands and fully accepts who we are, no matter how different we are.

God does that for us. He sees us through His filter of love as we choose to know Him. He encourages us to be those loving people for others because He gives us the ability and capacity to do so.

“Summing up: Be agreeable, be sympathetic, be loving, be compassionate, be humble. That goes for all of you; no exceptions. No retaliation. No sharp-tongued sarcasm. Instead, bless–that’s your job, to bless. You’ll be a blessing and also get a blessing.” 1 Peter 3:8-9

We need to have each other’s backs, to care about others with compassion, not judgment or criticalness. We need the possibility of honest and heartfelt interactions with those who aren’t like us. We have a responsibility toward one another because we’re all on a life journey together.

We’re people with needs who long for community, who recognize the urgency of belonging, who wish for more honest relationships than what we have,

God has our backs because He’s always with those who choose Him and His forgiveness.

He’s got us.

Does He have you?