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Inspiring Music

A few months ago, our Bishop in the Parleys 7th Ward introduced us all to a favorite group of his, The Lower Lights. They are a popular local group that sings Revival-Style versions of LDS and other gospel hymns. One of the sisters in the ward had a connection with them, and was able to book them for a special concert at our building, and it was a rollicking good time. Hands were clapping, people were praising, and a great spirit was present.


After the concert, I rushed out to Deseret Book, and bought one of their CD's for myself, and one for my Gram and my Aunt for Christmas gifts (I'm not sure how much Gram enjoys hers, but my Aunt is loving it). I had it on auto-play in the Monty for several days, and listened to it over and over again.

 Well, December happened, and I got hooked on Christmas music. And after that, I didn't listen to anything for awhile. But as this week started out, and I was struggling to boost my spirits, I happened to be reading a message from President Ezra Taft Benson, where he recommended 12 things we could do to prevent despair from overtaking us, and one was good music:

 "Inspiring music may fill the soul with heavenly thoughts, move one to righteous action, or speak peace to the soul. When Saul was troubled with an evil spirit, David played for him with his harp; Saul was refreshed and the evil spirit departed. (See 1 Sam. 16:23.) Elder Boyd K. Packer has wisely suggested memorizing some of the inspiring songs of Zion and then, when the mind is afflicted with temptations, singing aloud, to keep before your mind the inspiring words and crowd out the evil thoughts. (See Ensign, Jan. 1974, p. 28.) This could also be done to crowd out debilitating, depressive thoughts." (Ensign, October 1986)

 Realizing that President Benson was right and that I needed to get rid of the bad feelings, I made sure to grab my Lower Lights CD and pop it in the car while I headed off to work. And I've pretty much had it on continuous play the entire week. It was a big help.

 So yesterday, feeling a little more flush than normal due to my tax refund coming back, I took off to Deseret Book first thing in the morning, and picked up another one of their CD's. I'm probably going to eventually end up with the entire collection. I kind of can't get enough, and I highly recommend them.

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