There is so much pain and suffering happening all over the world and I am so sick of turning on the news and expecting to hear about another tragedy in our world. This should not be the norm for our society but yet we are so used to what we see on the news. I connect to emotions better with music so here are 5 songs that I think our whole world needs to hear now.
1. "Humble and Kind" by Tim McGraw
This song expresses so much about the simple things we can do to help make this world a better place. I especially like the part when it says "I know you got mountains to climb but always stay humble and kind." This reminds me that while I might be going through a tough time, it does not give me the right to treat people in a way that could hurt them. I would not want others to do that to me so why should I do it in return? Bottom line is, no matter where you are on life's journey, remember to stay humble and kind because then you will help make the world a better place.
2. "One Day" by Matisyahu
The first time I heard this song was at church camp a few years ago. I have always cherished the message for this song. We live in a world that is full of fear and hate. I cannot be more clear than one say, I hope we can come together and not live in so much fear. I join Matisyahu in praying for a world where one day to have no more wars- both physical and societal wars (as in the ones dealing with racism and homophobia to name a few).
3. "Bleed Red" by Ronnie Dunn
Again, this is a song that I heard at church camp about 6 years ago now but that I still listen to in order to remind myself that we all bleed red meaning what hurts one member of this world also hurts me because we are all one world. Too many people in this world try to hold themselves above others and make it one big ranking order. This song reminds me that we are all human- meaning we make mistakes, we say things that hurt, and we all bleed red.
4. "Do Something" by Matthew West
Yes, this is a Christian song but one that I believe deeply in. It frustrates me so much when people tell me that yes, there are problems in this world but that there's nothing they can do because it is in another nation or something "they have not witnessed before." I turn to this song and remember that I was placed here to do something, to try and bring change. It does not have to be done in a huge heroic way either. It can be something as simple as holding the door for someone. I am a firm believer in chain reactions so if you go out of your way to do one small act of kindness, then it will spread and guess what- this world will be a better place.
5. "Peace Stories" by George McCorkle
This song is another one I heard about 6 years ago but still listen in hope for a world that focuses on building up one another rather than tearing down. I especially like the part where is says "there will be the sound of laughter, not the silence of tears." I am tired of seeing people crying and hurting. This song reminds me to hope.
I know that it is a lot to expect world peace and that unfortunately it will probably never be peaceful among the whole world, but I am hopeful that the change starts with me and how I act towards others. I find these 5 songs to be songs that bring message of hope and love and kindness that our world desperately needs to hear at this moment in time.
