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| Being transgender; Music has helped me get through some tough times |
“Hymns can lift our spirits, give us courage, and move us to righteous action. They can fill our souls with heavenly thoughts and bring us a spirit of peace.” ("First Presidency Preface," Hymns of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, (1998))Music has been very inspirational to me and has helped me through some very dark and trying times in my life. I like what Elder Boyd K. Packer had to say about this.
“I realize that in today’s world it’s often difficult to keep your mind filled with worthy thoughts. This takes careful control. However, it can be done when you make a safe place for your thoughts to go. I’ve found a way to make such a place, and I’d like to share it with you. It has to do with music—worthy music. A wise man once said, ‘Music is one of the most forceful instruments for governing the mind.’ Whether it governs in a positive way or a negative way is determined by what it brings onto the stage of your mind. If you can say that a song is spiritually inspiring or that it urges you to see yourself in a more noble perspective, the music is worthwhile. If it merely entertains or lifts your spirits, then it also has a useful place. But if it makes you want to respond in a carnal, sensual way or to consider unrighteous desires, then that music should be avoided. It is not worthy." (Boyd K. Packer, “Worthy Music, Worthy Thoughts,” New Era, Apr. 2008, 6–11.)It has been a big part of my life and has shaped who I am, and it has made me think. If I could be a song, and I had to chose one that would represent me and sum up who I am in a melody it would be this one.
(D&C 25:12) For my soul delighteth in the song of the heart; yea, the song of the righteous is a prayer unto me, and it shall be answered with a blessing upon their heads.
(D&C 136:28) If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
(D&C 136:28) If thou art merry, praise the Lord with singing, with music, with dancing, and with a prayer of praise and thanksgiving.
I was excited to see that you started your own blog. I'm looking forward to reading more of your thoughts and experiences.
ReplyDeleteI've always loved music too. It's a hug part of my life. I love to listen to it, to sing it and to play it on various musical instruments. It always helps me feel better to sing hymns when I'm feeling down--at least to sing the ones I like : )
Music has helped me to keep my sanity.
ReplyDeleteI remember once having a sunday school lesson when I was a teen that suggested having a couple of hymns memorized and ready to play back in your mind when things get hard. To this day I still have a couple of favorites that get a lot of "air time" in my head. :)
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