There is a phrase I used to repeat over and over as a child,
"Lord - make me an instrument of your peace."
To be an instrument of peace would mean we could be like a river bank - and simply allow the river to run through us. That is how this song came to be. It came like the rushing waters of a river, through my spirit. I was simply the river bank, the land which held the water. I have served as a scribe of this work.
In that I feel it was heaven sent, I give the author of it, God, all the glory.
I remember the afternoon the creativity turned back on - like a gushing water fall.
I decided to take a walk July of 2019 in Memorial Park. As I did a walking meditation and prayer, I saw a man - running in my direction; barefoot - and happy. I decided I wanted to be happy too - so I took off my shoes. That 3 mile long walk in dirt and gravel at Memorial Park remains a totally unforgettable experience. I remember the feeling of shock as my feet dug into the dirt and gravel with each step.
Then my smile started. It began in my soul, blossoming that evening. It has not stopped since. That day freed me. Perhaps, it birthed me.
I learned, it was ok to walk barefoot in the dirt for miles when everyone else has shoes on.
As I walked in my door, I was guided through the river within to the piano. I turned on my voice notes to record, sat down at the keyboard - and played. Music was pouring through me as a conversation already formed, as though I had tuned into a channel I couldn't hear before. When I was done, I was extremely moved by the experience. I was very grateful.
The music went into my idea vault. I knew, it was meant to be - for later. When? I had no idea.
I had been doing interviews for each chapter that would make up Corage throughout the year. I did not pursue it at the pace the river within called me to. I regret that. I will listen from now on. Shortly before COVID began, the whole Corage project knocked very hard on the door of my heart again. I answered.
As I worked on this piece, something seemed to move the "me" that is "I" aside. The result of scooting myself over, and being a river bank, was that a whole story and scene emerged through soul eyes. It wrote me and I flowed through it.
This song belongs to the story of Pat Dahnke - whose story you will read soon enough in our Corage work. In fact, her story is Chapter 1. Her story will help you find the gumption to rise, no matter how tough whatever you may be going through is.
You might have wondered why there is a beautiful woman pictured on a white horse, or perhaps, who she is. They are both characters in this story. The horse has a VERY special name, though Pat and her daughter Tara did not know that until they met me.
His name? Nassib Do Mirante. Nassib is an Arabic word - نصيب that means destiny, or, fate.
Destiny, the idea of nassib, is an important thread in the unfolding of Pat's story, of which this piano piece is a reflection. You will want to remember that idea. For now - back to the song.
This song represents time, earth and heaven, through sound.
Each dimension unfolded in my spirit like the elements of earth, wind, fire and water. This song tells a story about a spatial-temporal and celestial blur. Basically, this song weaves a dream tapestry through motion and emotion.
It is literally e-motion.
Electric vibration initiating greater resonance through expression, birthing life into the world. It is - the river itself.
Pat's favorite quote is where the title of this song comes from. "You gotta look up to see the rainbows." This song meets Nassib where his rider, Tara's little brother, can embrace him. Tara's little brother "now has the perfect horse to ride rainbows on - in heaven."
I had the honor of playing this song recently for a dear friend's funeral in June of this year. When asked to sing - I knew I couldn't. I also knew - I needed to play THIS song. I did.
His wife and step-children were so sad the next day. Looking out the window of her car, my friend saw a rainbow appear out of nowhere. She was shocked - it was suddenly just there. She asked her kids if they were seeing that as well.
Her son, in the backseat, said, "Yes mom. Hey - didn't your friend play a song for dad? Something about - rainbows?" Indeed - we gotta look up to see the rainbows.
Here you have it - gifts from the Spirit of Peace- just for you.
Please remember - Rainbows Never End. It is my hope that this story and work that flowed through me, brings you the peace I believe it was intended to give.
Credit: The Outfit worn in the video is one of Pat Dahnke's beautiful designs. https://designsbypat.com/cgi-bin/designsbypat/
The Prayer of St. Francis of Assisi
Lord, make me an instrument of your peace: where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light; where there is sadness, joy. O divine Master, grant that I may not so much seek to be consoled as to console, to be understood as to understand, to be loved as to love. For it is in giving that we receive, it is in pardoning that we are pardoned, and it is in dying that we are born to eternal life. Amen.
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© Mariam Elizabeth Haddad. All Rights Reserved.
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