Recently I had the privilege of attending the world premiere of “Breath of Life” composed by Paul Richards.  This dynamic piece of music for orchestra and baritone expresses the precious nature of human breath.  Each of the six parts is focused on a particular Bible passage or poem. 

I cannot in one short blog do justice to this piece of music or its meaning.  But one particular poem caught my attention.  This was the text of the final movement; a poem entitled “Breathe” by Lynn Ungar.  Selected verses of this poem read:

“Breathe, said the wind . . .

I need you to breathe.
I need you to breathe.

Don’t tell me to be calm
when there are so many reasons
to be angry, so much cause for despair!

I didn’t say to be calm, said the wind,
I said to breathe.”

In this world of war and hatred, of greed and want, it is difficult to be calm.  More than ever, we find ourselves stressed, alarmed, and overwhelmed.  What will happen next?  Where is the end? 

What good advice “Breathe, said the wind.”   Take in the breath of life, that the Lord God breathed into the nostrils of man.  Take in the breath of life, the Holy Spirit who dwells among us.  Breathe and carry on.

Judy