My wife and I love good music…both making it and appreciating it.
This week, I came across a recent recording of the age-old anthem, Amazing Grace. Always powerful, but WOW – this version is exceptional! Between the combination of the powerful male voices of Il Divo and the inclusion of the bagpipes, you won’t be able to help being uplifted and inspired!
The ancient setting is the Coliseum in Pula, Croatia – consider the beauty of this music in the same location as a war was waging just over a decade ago in the same place. Imagine how emotional it would be to be amidst a community of war survivors while hearing this music…
Amazing Grace was written by John Newton in the late 1700s. He was a slave trader who wrote about his spiritual journey from being a slave trader to advocating against the slave trade in 18th century England.
No matter how busy your day may be today, give yourself the gift of a few minutes right now and watch this performance.
As you do, I invite you to reflect on your place in the communities that you belong to…how are you using the gifts you have received through amazing grace to make those communities stronger and to improve the plight of others in those communities? How are you being called forth next and what action do you need to take to move in that direction?
P.S. Lyrics are below…
P.P.S. For an extended inspirational hit on the same theme, check out the fantastic DVD depiction of the English slave trade abolition (Amazing Grace) led by William Wilberforce. Talk about a community leader!
Amazing Grace Lyrics:
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.
T’was 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 that brought me safe thus far
and Grace will lead me home.
When we’ve been here ten thousand years
Bright shining as the sun.
We’ve no less days to sing God’s praise
Than when we’ve 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.
