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Dear Editor;
Who do you trust and who do you fear? What do you fear? How can we be less afraid and know which power to trust? For some, safety is in gated communities. For others it is guns and security systems. For others, it is faith in a power greater than themselves - not a uniform - no blue or camo. For the latter folks, it is the power we cannot see - God, Spirit, Mother Nature or...you name your own.
There is a Light we seek at this time of the year, in northern climes - the bulbs on Christmas trees, a candle flame, fireworks, bonfires. Something in me responds to that light. I smile and am warmed by it.
Many people are warmed and inspired by music, various kinds of music - both commercial, and tunes that are played in church, synagogue and temple, as well as earthy drumming and classical symphonies - a single drum, a single flute, seeking to join with other musicians, tones joining with tones in sometimes serendipitous harmony.
For me, the lights are important...the twinkling strings, a single candle flame, old-fashioned street lights in the mist.
But more and more, in spite of my loss of hearing, I find music to be that which warms me and makes me feel safe in a spirit I can't explain. I am energized and strengthened by the music celebrating what Christina Rossetti said was the Love that came down at Christmas. I have never in almost 77 years heard O Holy Night, or Have Yourself A Merry Little Christmas too many times.
I am determined, as I see the decorations go up, like the beautiful things my daughter-in-law has laid out, to focus on the light and love surrounding all of us.
Lola Gregg,
Dodgeville, Wisconsin