Delta Music

My taste in music is fairly wide, definitely eclectic, and probably a bit strange.  First, anything live is attractive.  It’s magical when a community forms around people expressing themselves through sound and motion.  I have a tremendous interest and respect in music which is technically “good”.  When it comes to music genres, ah…worship, classical organ, jazz, electric guitar, and most things acoustic are quickly at the top of my list!  As wonderful as any and all of these are, there is something which seems to transcend it all.  I find the “best” music from the southern states, especially Alabama and Louisiana.  The mix of sounds – country, delta, and blues works its way into my soul in a way like nothing else.  It is wonderful, raw, beautiful, painful, and hope filled in a way I find more “real” than any other sound. 
 
Recently I listened to a first generation Cuban American woman play an acoustic set.  She was authentic, touching one’s soul with life’s experiences.  As she approached her final song she announced she was going to do it in a new “style”.  I caught myself talking to my heart, commenting on the difference in how I previously heard the song.  As she neared the end her comment was simply, “this is *&^%, I need to do it right.”  What followed was a pure Louisiana Delta. 
 
In that moment I understood Isaiah’s comments when in the presence of God.  “Angel-seraphs hovered above him, each with six wings.  With two wings they covered their faces, with two their feet, and with two they flew. And they called back and forth one to the other, ‘Holy, Holy, Holy is God-of-the-Angel-Armies.  His bright glory fills the whole earth.’” (Isaiah 6.2, 3) 
 
Today is one filled with new beginnings.  I imagine a world filled with Isaiah and Delta type moments; wonderful moments when we are connected with each other and God.  You and I have the opportunity to be part of this.  The keys are in our hands.  We know them as compassion, mercy, relationship, love, and unconditional acceptance.