Songs in our Hearts

One of the pervasive questions that has been asked from generation to generation is, “What is love?” The question has been raised across disciplines—religion, science, social studies, and literature. People have sought to capture love in various art forms—music, poetry, painting, and dance. Hallmark has made billions of dollars over the years crafting greetings cards that convey our sentiments of love in times of great joy and great sorrow. What is love?

Recently, I came across a definition of love that resounded in my heart. The author said, “To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten it.” I love this equating of love with song, because music is such a powerful and vital part of our lives. Each of us, in some way, can recount the songs that have been part of the soundtrack of our lives. And whether we have melodious voices or we cannot hold a tune—like me—each of us has songs in our hearts. There are songs in our hearts that give us hope. There are songs in our hearts that soothe our souls. There are songs in our hearts that motivate us to press forward in the face of obstacles. There are songs in our hearts we sing to calm anxieties. Each of us has songs in our hearts.

To know the song in someone’s heart is to be intimately acquainted with the essence of that person. To know the song in someone’s heart is to have a deep connection with them. And in the case of someone being so overcome with despair, grief, loss, or trouble that they lose their songs, we love them by being present with them and singing the songs of hope, joy, motivation, peace, and calm. “To love someone is to learn the song in their heart and sing it to them when they have forgotten it.” Family, I invite us to share our love with each other, by reminding them of the melodies in their hearts—if they have forgotten their song.

In Christ’s Love,

Pastor Donna Olivia Owusu-Ansah