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At a recent Toastmasters meeting, Lauren gave a powerful Tedx talk- type of speech. She told of strong words that led to her phenomenal success, then failure and the fall into addiction, and then turn-around transformation and redemption. The title and theme of her speech: Words Have Power.
By coincidence, that same week, St. Olaf Choir gave a powerful musical performance, whose words had power.
Spoken words can have such powerful influence. Now imagine a repertoire of inspirational music whose words have the power to saturate 'the core of our being'. Conductor Anton Armstrong affirms, "I want the power of music – that Spirit – to transform those who perform and those who will hear the message."
St. Olaf Choir gracefully moved through four major themes in song: of "Praise, Sacrifice, and Salvation"; of "Birth, Light, and Redemption"; of "Compassion and Justice"; and to "Serve and Hope for Tomorrow."
Powerful messages arose upon what Bill called, "melody and harmony."
Each song vocalized a differing power. Organ, drums, percussion emphasized the tones. Here are some lines of various songs that will stay with me:
The waters flow, exulting,
and all the mountains are joyful
in the presence of the Lord.
O Light everlasting, O Love never failing.
Illumine our darkness, and draw us to Thee.
When mem'ry fades and recognition falters,
Your arms, unwearied, shall uphold us still.
God wouldn't bring you this far to leave you.
No! God will not ever let go!
I believe in the Prince of Peace.
I believe that War is murder.
I will not hate, and I will not fear,
In our darkest hour, hope lingers here,
He's the King and Lord of all.
No man can a-hinder thee.
He's the first and the last.
He's the Lord of Lords.
Jesus is the Prince of peace.
No man can a-hinder thee.
--Jan
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