Sunday, March 15, 2009

Musical Monday: My New Leaf

I don't know... This is big. I'm not sure how I am going to accomplish it, but I so want to try. I have got to figure out a way to start showing more tolerance and compassion toward others. I don't know what my deal is. I am most excellent at extending an open heart and mind to those who are different, those in need, those who can't help themselves. But I run into major problems with those who have no excuse. Those who are intolerant or close-minded themselves. Those who appear superior or judgmental. How do I show compassion to those people? How do I keep from getting irritated and rendering them not worthy? How do I stop myself from being hypocritical and just see them as human. Like me. Imperfect, but lovable. 

I don't know... But this song sure puts me in the mood to try! 

Now go see Jori and the rest of the gang (hint, hint). She'll have you dancin'!

Musical Monday

26 comments:

Liz {Learning To Juggle} said...

This song gives me goosebumps everytime I hear it. I think we have similar leaves to turn....does that make sense?

Anonymous said...

"Measure Your Life in Love" I loveeee that line!!

jori-o said...

LOVE that song! What a great song to join in with! It totally takes me back--I got to see Rent in London when I was doing a study abroad in college. I bought one of the day-of student tickets, so I was in the second row, and Jesse L. Martin was playing in that production...mmmbaby! He is so veryvery nice to look at! ;-) Thanks for playing!

Kristina P. said...

I've never heard this song. It's beautiful!

That Janie Girl said...

Love that song.

Halftime Lessons said...

Oh Man.

First, I missed your writing. Like this. I missed it.

Second, there are few things that move me like this song does, at the risk of sounding like a ...well...I wont use the word.

The piano, the lyrics, and every time they hit the word Love, and they move the harmony back and forth over the women...man...Liz, goosebumps are right.

As for what you said, well, you know my thoughts, so I'll leave that part alone. But I love your writing. I always do.

Young Momma said...

Ahhh you can do it Deb! I hope... 'cause I know I have to do it too! LOL

Kim said...

I remember the pastor of my church giving a sermon about a women he met who was hateful, bigoted, racist, et. etc. He tried to like her, accept her and had a hard time. He said the then realized he "looks down on people who look down on others". I about fell out of my pew because I, too, am THAT person that looks down on people who so harshly judge others. I don't know that I have stopped doing that, but at least I am aware of it...

Sera said...

Oh, how I love that song. Makes me want to get up and bust a move. Great song for singing in the car when you're by yourself, too. :)

Beth said...

You say this like it is wrong to not have patience with ignorant people.

Seriously, great song choice!

Cajoh said...

I do catch myself doing the same thing. I try to give people the benefit of the doubt, but sometimes I do get frustrated at people. If I get stuck again I may have to turn to you for advise.

kel said...

Love it!
I too try not to judge. I try to keep an open mind. I am not religious, but I believe in kindness. And I believe that kindness comes back to you. Good for you, Deb!!!

Heather of the EO said...

I'm tolerant of pretty much any human lifestyle issue EXCEPT for judgmental, angry, intolerant, closed-mindedness (that's a word). It hit me one day that I'm doing exactly what I can't stand by getting so worked up about it. I feel like I have the right to do that because judgmental people are SO wrong... ha. That's what they think too I suppose.

There's this part in the Bible that I love...of course I can't remember where or what was going on, but Jesus is talking with someone about the attitudes of the pharisees, their judgment and ignorance. And He basically says that those types of people need the most grace because they are the most lost. (obviously, I paraphrase--terribly)

Now I'm going on and on. I LOOOOVE that song :)

Anonymous said...

At least I know that no matter how superior or bigoted I am, you will still love me!

Anonymous said...

I sure love that song too! In fact, the whole movie pretty much leaves you in a more open-minded, accepting place.

Unknown said...

Oh geez - don't get all better than me!! I don't want to be the only one left judging lame people!!

HA HA!

Really Deb - what a great post and what a great song. When we meet, let's sing it together okay??

Happy Monday!

Lee

jill jill bo bill said...

Okay, my philosophy of "Jesus loves you, I hate you" does NOT work with this song. Great song choice, Casey Casem. Maybe we should not go out in public when we are together...we may land in jail or with tattoes with mean sayings.

Dawn Parsons Smith said...

This is one of my favorite songs! I use it all of the time in my photo slideshows:)

I always feel uplifted when I hear it! I'm glad you shared it today!

Mimi said...

I always wish I would have been able to see this on Broadway with Neil Patrick Harris.

Kimberly@PrettyPinkMomma said...

What a good song choice! I thought mine was awesome but yours is great.

Tony@ That One Paticular Harbor said...

Very thought provoking Deb. I like many of us have a Very hard time with people who feel they are superior to the rest of us. In our home we call it "being on cool duty" or for some of my NFL friends, " they big league us". . I am sorry I am not at a place in my life where I can let go of my disdain for those poor souls. I live in a very glass home so I am not better or worse than others as I do not a rock to shatter what I have. I will try to be better tomorrow - maybe. Maybe I've lost my mind.? ;-)

Anonymous said...

Such a great song!
Happy MM! Thanks so much for stopping by to say hi

Amy said...

I have never heard this song. I saw a little bit of the movie but as I was passing into the other room. Thanks for coming by.

Mama Wheaton said...

This is my daughter's favorite songs, she was glad to see you had it up.

dogwooddiarist said...

Well, that is the question, isn't it? Great that you see what the real challenge is -- treating those who don't deserve it with respect and compassion. So hard.

Straight to Your Hart said...

Since I was a little tot..I have enjoyed all around me. REALLY...So when I see what goes aound outside my little bubble, it surprises me. I grew up in a family of foster/adoption/step and biological. Race/and color did not matter. We worked and played hard. We knew that life wasn't easy. Moved more times I lost count. It was a great way to grow up. So grateful to be given that opportunity..for it is a very strong and healthy part of me (notice only part-trying to figure out the rest:).

Great song...so important to be reminded of our strengths whether we have them now, or trying to work that direction. You had me at Hello:) Hugs...