To capture the presence of God in music that flourishes through San Francisco is a very difficult, yet gratifying experience. Because this city is a mecca for self-expression, it is important to recognize that there are many religious communities that are bound together by their love for God, which is verbalized through music. Listening to a variety of genres growing up has allowed me to have an open mind and desire to learn about religions through the music they associate their beliefs with. Many churches and temples are established within this seven-by-seven city that I have had the pleasure of attending and delving into. These experiences allowed me to have a better understanding and appreciation for these sounds of God. The importance of music and faith is a concept that was much more vivid to me once I explored the sanctity of the relationship between the two. From the improvisations of jazz music at Church of St. John Coltrane to the gospels at Glide Memorial, the love people have for music and each other is nothing short of an enlightening embrace.
Music is the vessel that connects me to my faith in a higher-being. The influence that music has on a religion is so vital to me because ultimately I find it to be the main pathway to connecting with God and the followers of the religion. Faith is enhanced with melody and the eloquent stringing of instruments that I have found in all religions and with all people that I have had the privilege of meeting. From African Orthodox jazz music to Christian pop to sutra chants of Buddhism, music is the light at the end of the tunnel for those seeking solidarity in a religion. Sometimes, speech in a formal setting can take away from the beauty of a faith. More often than not we can feel the sanctity and deeper meaning of what a religion has to offer by hearing music composed in honor of that belief.
In San Francisco, there is so much beauty to explore within religions. In particular, the Church of St. John Coltrane is an extraordinary safe haven for those who connect with God through music. My roommate and I waltzed into the place pleasantly surprised to find people hurriedly arranging saxophones and tambourines for the service. For an hour, we stood and grooved to the music that gives many people hope and drive to live another day. It is services like these that are less about condemning you for your sins and more about embracing and loving one another.
It is services like these and the warm welcomes from others like Glide Memorial and Canvas that show that finding resonance in a belief does not limit your individuality at all. If anything, you gain more compassion for all the beauty around you. For me personally, I learned to take it slow. I get so wrapped up in school and work and music and friends and trying to make it in this rat race, that I forget to breathe and remind myself that the only thing that matters in this world is love. The only moment that matters is now. The only moment we have is now. Make the most of it.
