When you're walking alone somewhere, especially on a darkened street, do you find yourself humming or even singing a song? It isn't just any song, either. It's a special one that comes to mind whenever we need a sense of security and comfort. While this tune swirls in our heads, our feet keep moving until we reach our destination. This works not only for individuals, but for groups as well, marching armies for instance.
In 1861, Julia Ward Howe wrote a poem which was to become the anthem for the Union Army of the American Civil War. It came about as a result of a challenge made to her to write new, uplifting lyrics to the popular song of the time, "John Brown's Body." It quickly gained popularity and its place in history.
My favorite verse, "In the beauty of the lillies, Christ was born across the sea, with a glory in his bosom that transfigures you and me. As He died to make men holy, let us die to make them free. His Truth is marching on," encapsulates qualities of being legendary.
Let's break it down. Lillies are symbols of purity and truth. The sea generally is used in literature to represent desire or freedom. The bosom is the heart, and it's glory is love. Love, or devotion if you will, is the power that changes everything. It is our call to action. Is it any wonder this song carried an army to victory?
When we discover something that we value enough to give our lives over to its pursuit, we find our passion. The things we do as a result of that passion tell the story of who we are. Hopefully, it will be said that we acted with an energy in our hearts that changed the world; that we broke with old ways of thinking and doing, and raised up ourselves and the people around us to a higher consciousness and an exemplary way of life.
No comments:
Post a Comment