In the pre-dawn hours of this morning, I found myself unable to sleep because of the lengthy to-do list running through my head. I turned to Facebook, the great distractor, in hopes that it would still my brain. Instead, I discovered the words written by Zach Williams, describing the tragedy that he and his wife went through ten years ago; the tragedy that gave rise to his music career.
Zach’s portrayal of events is somehow haunting and beautiful. As I read, then re-read his story- as you do when you realize what you’re reading is deeply stirring something within you- I could not help but think of the times in my life when I was staring tragedy in the eye, terrified of the unknown. While his wife (thankfully) made an inexplicable recovery, Zach said he did not view this as the miracle, rather for him the miracle was, “watching the loved ones, nurses, and patients love one another and see a beauty that only they have the honor of truly understanding.” These words will not leave me. It is, indeed, during sorrowful times that we are completely unable to deny our unyielding need for one another, and it is love and compassion for one another that carries us through.
As I read the comments on the Facebook page, I was struck by how many people were genuinely moved by his words, and how tragedy, like music, has the power to unify us. I suspect that his wife’s healing, in and of itself, was a blessing. Luckily for us, though, the event led to the creation of The Lone Bellow. I have, at times, wondered why this band? What is it about them that I can’t shake off? Then I go to another show and see just how infectious their energy is, and how every concert feels like its own little miracle. And really, that’s enough.
Zach’s portrayal of events is somehow haunting and beautiful. As I read, then re-read his story- as you do when you realize what you’re reading is deeply stirring something within you- I could not help but think of the times in my life when I was staring tragedy in the eye, terrified of the unknown. While his wife (thankfully) made an inexplicable recovery, Zach said he did not view this as the miracle, rather for him the miracle was, “watching the loved ones, nurses, and patients love one another and see a beauty that only they have the honor of truly understanding.” These words will not leave me. It is, indeed, during sorrowful times that we are completely unable to deny our unyielding need for one another, and it is love and compassion for one another that carries us through.
As I read the comments on the Facebook page, I was struck by how many people were genuinely moved by his words, and how tragedy, like music, has the power to unify us. I suspect that his wife’s healing, in and of itself, was a blessing. Luckily for us, though, the event led to the creation of The Lone Bellow. I have, at times, wondered why this band? What is it about them that I can’t shake off? Then I go to another show and see just how infectious their energy is, and how every concert feels like its own little miracle. And really, that’s enough.
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