Out of the Ashes, A Unifying Sound
In the midst of so much evil, divisive language, behavior, and vitriol from those who are in positions of ‘leadership,’ along with many of their constituents, I chose and managed to pivot and find some solace during the wee hours of this morning while watching FireAid, a benefit concert assembled to provide assistance to those affected by the wildfires that have devastated Los Angeles. Off for the day from my Substitute Teacher gig, I got comfortable and excited while crashing on my couch for the chance to see two of my favorite artists perform: Sting and Stevie Wonder. And much like they did for the former’s 60th birthday celebration back in 2011, these two legendary performers appeared together (along with Red Hot Chili Peppers bassist Flea, no longer bare-chested and adorned in his trademark drawers/shorts), this time, puttin’ a hurtin’ on “Higher Ground,” a hit track from Stevie’s 1973 album ‘Innervisions.’ Powers keep on lyin’While your people keep on dyin’World keep on turnin’‘Cause it won’t be too long I’m so darn glad He let me try it again‘Cause my last time on earth, I lived a whole world of sinI’m so glad that I know more than I knew thenGonna keep on tryin’‘Til I reach my highest ground There’s a strong desire among many to say something; to do something. I get it. People are angry, hurt, dumbfounded, befuddled, and a myriad of other emotions; many at the incredulous lack of empathy, the stark absence of humanity from someone positioned to be the leader of the free world who seems more hellbent on creating division and exacting retaliation than on navigating towards reconciliation. But in the wee hours of this morning on Hulu, Netflix, YouTube, and other outlets there were artists – not just performers – but artists with a collective heart rooted in love, unity, and restoration. Yup, I’ll stay up late and tune into that any night or early morning of the week…