Author: Brian Morgan

“Love Lifted Me” was first written and published in 1912. It was written by James Rowe, an Irish immigrant to the United States. James knew a life of hard work but also a life of faith. His faith taught him that God was love and that God loved His children. It did not take long for “Love Lifted Me” to become a favorite among Methodists worldwide. Most notably, it was found in the Cokesbury Hymnal, a hymnal that was used by many Methodists and was first published in 1923.

Fiddler on the Roof is set against the backdrop of 1905 Russia. In the musical, the Jewish families of the fictitious village of Anatevka are facing forced removal from their homes. This brings great fear and worry as they strive to hold onto their faith and their homes.

“You have heard that it was said, ‘You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.’ But I say to you, Love your enemies and pray for those who persecute you, so that you may be sons of your Father who is in heaven; for he makes his sun rise on the evil and on the good, and sends rain on the just and on the unjust. For if you love those who love you, what reward have you? Do not even the tax collectors do the same? And if you salute only your brethren, what more are you doing than others? Do not even the Gentiles do the same? You, therefore, must be perfect, as your heavenly Father is perfect.

I waited patiently for the Lord;
he turned to me and heard my cry.
He lifted me out of the slimy pit,
out of the mud and mire;
he set my feet on a rock
and gave me a firm place to stand.

My first year of high school began when I reported, early in the summer, to football orientation and practice. I walked into the gym of my new high school with eyes wide open, not knowing what to expect. All first-year students sat down in the gym as the coaches brought us together for a heart-to-heart discussion on what we were about to experience. They described the hard work that was expected, what our schedules would be, and the effort they expected out of us.

The first day of school is filled with so many great memories for each of us. Today is the first day of school for so many across Oklahoma. My daughters were excited to start a new year. Do you remember your first day of school? Maybe you remember that new backpack or special outfit your parents bought you? Were you nervous or excited? Do you remember the sadness of summer vacation ending? Whatever emotions were stirring in you, the first day of school is a special day that opens the door to so many great possibilities.

When I think of a Broadway show, my first thought is of the great music. I love musical theatre. The powerful music, performed by amazing musicians, is something I could listen to all day. However, music is not only the thing that makes a great Broadway show. Each show has multiple elements that come together to bring a story to life. The stage, props, music, dialogue, casting, choreography, lighting, sound, and many other components come together to make the show happen.

One of the most successful Broadway musicals of modern times is Hamilton. Arriving on Broadway in 2015, this musical took the world by storm. Within just a few short years, Hamilton collected a trophy case full of awards, including the Tony Award for Best Musical, Best Book, Best Original Score, the Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album, and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama. It continues to be a successful musical with multiple touring casts and performance locations all over the world.

I really enjoyed our look at the musical Back to The Future. I have not seen the musical but loved the movie in which Marty McFly travels back in time to the 1950’s. It’s been several days since we looked at the show, and I haven’t been able to get it off my mind. Perhaps part of the reason is all the folks I visit with who have lost loved ones. As we plan services of remembrance, we often spend much time revisiting the past focusing on those memories that make family members smile. I often say it is those memories that sustain us when a loved one dies.

Your love, Lord, reaches to the heavens,
your faithfulness to the skies.