Thanks for joining day 39 on my 40-day journey of personal reflection during the season of Lent. The songs have accompanied me through life, not just as favorites, but songs and artists that have carved deep rivers through my soul. I hope you find some light, hope, and possibly love in these stories.
“Little darling, it seems like years since it’s been clear
Here comes the sun”
I can’t remember the first time I heard a preacher use the phrase, “It’s Friday, BUT, Sunday’s Coming!” I do know by the time I got to college, Christian performer Carman was making hay with that poignant anthem that exclaims even though they put him to death on Friday, it’s a guarantee he’s rising up on Sunday.
For my entire life Good Friday has represented a moment to reflect on the darkest hours of Jesus’s life, his crucifixion. Whether I was at a Southern Baptist, Nazarene, Methodist, Presbyterian, or non-denominational church, there was always unity on the idea that Jesus was killed and rose on the third day. It is the defining moment of Christianity.
Each decade has seen the dramatization of Easter events evolve to a point where passion plays became gorefests to convince people how bad God’s son took it for us. While the 70’s gave us the hippiefied “Jesus Christ Superstar”, the 80’s hit us square in the jaw with Martin Scorsese’s “The Last Temptation Of Christ”. Not to be outdone, and mostly to set the story straight, “The Passion Of The Christ” came along in 2004. Mel Gibson directed it and just like the other films mentioned ‘Passion’ experienced the full spectrum of reactions from a huge box office take to vile pushback of an offended public.
All through those decades soundtracks of contemporary Christian artists blared their versions of Easter stories through speakers and amps, regardless of genre. I managed, promoted, and helped many of them tour. I played the songs on the radio. The most graphic were the heavy metal bands who had no problem with shock factor depictions of the crucifixion. There was even a popular Christian t-shirt that said “This blood’s for you” showing a bloody-faced and thorn-crowned image.
Outside of when I catch a late night showing of the Vatican services, I cannot tell you what Easter services look like in 2026. I certainly am not going to rely on social media to paint the picture for me. I can say that when I left the church over 15 years ago, the drama had played out. I couldn’t take any further renditions of the story, even if it came wrapped in one of those pretty cool soundtracks.
At those moments when I began walking a different path, I did not look at the spaces I was leaving in judgment. I simply knew there was another road I better start walking. There wasn’t a lightning bolt revelation, but there were signs. Signs that politics and separation were creeping into those institutions, and that as much as many of the folks within the church would say “All are welcome!” all were not welcome.
Nearly two decades later I do not look back at when I left institutionalized religion as a day of revolution. My time in church was not wasted, and I do not consider leaving as the abandonment of faith. If anything, the many roads I have traveled helped deepen my faith, even if I don’t fit a denominational business model. Even as the times have seemed to crank up the volume on the chaos dial, I have come face to face with people and situations that have challenged me to inspect and question everything I believe.
Today marks my 39th story in a project that started as an idea; an idea not to change the world, but to reflect on those paths I have walked. It has been personal therapy, which is a bit dangerous of a thing to express openly for others to read and be a part of. I am processing, and thankful that I have made it this far. I am also thankful for, and encouraged by, the people who have reached out and followed along. The kind words are confirmation to me that in spite of many, many differences most of us are seeking the same things: Peace, community, love, acceptance. People want to help and be a part of the solutions.
In spite of the massive flow of messages meant to tear us apart at every corner, in spite of times that seem dark, I am encouraged and believe that we may be seeing glimpses of light. Regardless of where you worship and how you view the holy stories from throughout time, I believe we can move forward in faith, hope, and love.
“Here Comes The Sun” is the 39th and second to the last song to be added to my playlist. George Harrison wrote it while visiting his friend Eric Clapton. I always have felt George Harrison to be the most spiritually in tune member of that old band from Liverpool. As with “Let It Be” from one of my earlier stories, I believe “Here Comes The Sun” to be one of the greatest songs ever. I wish it would have been in those hymn books when I did go to church.
Today is a reflective day for many around the globe. It comes at a moment when circumstances seem dire, yet, we can grab the light, and it may be as close as the person sitting next to you whether at church, the bar, or in the grocery store checkout lane.
Thanks for joining me on this journey. Much love to you.
Playlist links are below.
Apple Music Playlist: 40-From Wilderness to Light
Spotify Music Playlist: 40-From Wilderness to Light