WHAT A WONDERFUL WORLD
REPOST-
I really enjoy the song “What A Wonderful World” performed by Louie Armstrong. The authors of the song describe the good and beautiful in our world. The day and night, rainbows, friends, and children.
It’s interesting that Armstrong would have accepted the invitation to sing a song with those type of lyrics in 1968, the climax of America’s racial conflicts.
My guess is, by the age of 68 he had enough wisdom to know that the only true change in people would start in their hearts.
A changed heart is a changed perspective and a changed perspective is a changed way of thinking. I think of all the nasty things Armstrong must have witnessed in his life. The oppression, segregation, and hate. Yet in spite of all he knew about human nature, he knew there was hope.
We all know that pain and suffering is part of this world. We know that death is inevitable for all of us. Everyone has witnessed or lived through difficult times, some obviously more than others.
My sister-in-law has a friend who’s eight-year-old daughter died of Cystic Fibrosis. She was at her friends house when the little girls ten-year-old brother offered to carry his little sisters emaciated body to the ambulance. She watched him carry her out with tears in his eyes.
That family will never be the same.
There is a popular Christian singer/songwriter who shortly after he released a song about his adopted daughter, was accidently killed by another family member. How does one cope with that in this life?
We see pictures of little kids in various parts of the world who are dying of hunger and disease. There isn’t anything wonderful for the eyes to find in those circumstances.
Maybe you’ve heard someone say something like, “If there is a God, how come He allows so much pain and suffering”?
I marvel at the life of Louie Armstrong, his dad left him and his mom for another woman. His mom ended up as a prostitute and Louie lived part of his life on the streets. He picked up the desire to play the Cornet from listening to the live music in downtown New Orleans.
What if he’d been born with a silver spoon in his mouth, say in California? Do you think he would have had the same determination and spirit that motivated him to perform non-stop right up until his death in 1971?
I consider the verse in 2nd Corinthians 5:8. “We are confident I say and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.”
Those children previously mentioned, according to this scripture are at their real home.
What if the old adage has some deeper meaning than first meets the ear. “Only the good die young.” What if our human perspective is relegated to a brain born in this flesh, with less comprehension of the other dimension where God’s word tells us our souls live forever?
In those horrific things that happen in the flesh, what if God is showing mercy to the flesh? What if God is showing mercy to the ones He calls home?
What if an omnipotent God can use those negative things in our lives to bring about wonderful things in the lives of others?
What if God could use a simple song by a man who had been oppressed, and yet put forgiveness in that man’s heart?
Maybe that little song would give people a better understanding of how we’re to treat one another, regardless of what we look like?
Hmmmmm….. “I think to myself, what a wonderful world.”
http://theregoi.com/
bill (cycleguy)
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:44 am
Love the message floyd. Changing hearts is where its at. Not legislating morality or religiosity. Thanks for the repost.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:51 am
Thanks Bill, I agree. A changed heart is the only way we can begin to grasp a bigger purpose and picture of the real world and the dimension we can’t see.
Lisa notes
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:21 am
I didn’t know all that about Louie Armstrong. Yet he continued to have hope… I love that spirit. It leaves me with no excuses…
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:52 am
You and me both Lisa, I just needed another reminder…
Amy Nabors
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 1:09 pm
I didn’t know all that about Armstrong either. I’ve ofen thought that about mercy too though. When I lost my closest childhood friend in high school I wondered if God wasn’t saving him from something even worse to come. I don’t know.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:42 pm
That’t the exact thing I think God puts on our heart. I ponder the other people who never allow for the sovereignty of God who controls all things. He either causes or allows all things for His perfect will. We are the created, not the Creator… I hear you, thanks.
Nancy
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 2:47 pm
Seeing through God’s eyes is the only way I have been able to make it in this present world.
I see what he meant for this world to be and how it should work. I read in His word that the whole of Creation is groaning waiting for the sons of God to be manifest.
That presumes that the sons of God will help deliver the creation from it’s bondage.
And so it is. As the Christ-ones walk in the Light as He is in the light, His precious blood cleanses us from all unrighteousness. No we are not perfect – our minds have been renewed to God’s thoughts and spiritual principles.
Now it’s our turn to go pull others out of their pits. We can only do it when the “wonderful life” that God provided us via Salvation is revealed through us. God’s perfect plan was interrupted but HE came to renew and restore all the brokeness.
I know…. I think was broken almost beyond fixing, yet He took the heartaches and losses. Then He ran, something akin to a spiritual steel rod, up through my spine. He made me stand up straight and all I can do is speak of His marvels!
Wonderful reminders about how God actually made us, Floyd!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:48 pm
I always appreciate your testimony, it is worthy and screams for a book. Your life and world is a miracle of God, your heart is His gift. Thanks Nancy…
Brenda
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:08 pm
Hey there, Floyd! Love the message. It made me think about a question that Robert had asked me, “are you ever angry at God for your Spina Bifida?” I will admit that there have been times that I have been…when I was young. I’ve come to the conclusion that there is a reason for my Spina Bifida…to educate people about tolerance, awareness. I better stop there cause I could go on. The world is not all wonderful but, it’s not all bad. Still enjoy your writings…whenever I can get to a computer. Take care. Gotta find out what mischief Brian is up to. Happy Thanksgiving!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:52 pm
What a blessing to get to hear from you today! All I can say is there was never one time I’ve ever seen you in all of these years and not been lifted up by your presence… Yes we teased each other and had fun, but we share a bond that goes deeper than our physical bodies. We share our Father in heaven, we are brother and sister. Happy Thanksgiving to you as well! Tell Robert I said hey! Good luck with the little guy! I’m getting tired just thinking about it! Thanks Brenda, you always honor me with your words.
Hazel
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:41 pm
It is amazing how in one household, each person will make different choices. Some will get a job and enjoy a spouse, children – – a family, the other will get on drugs and die of an overdose. One will stand straight and tall, and the other bend over and eat the dust. All in all it is a wonderful world that God has created, and opportunity is around us, only the choice is for us to make. Then there are those who face illness and disease, yet God in his mercy stretches out his hands to them as well. He ministers to them in their pain and tells them of another world – – a wonderful wonderful world.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 6:55 pm
Well said Hazel! Leave it to you! That is exactly right, it all points to HIs omnipotence and His perfect, wonderful, wonderful, world. That is what we look forward to. Great point. Thanks Hazel.
Audra Krell
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:02 pm
Hi Floyd,
Loved learning about Louie! I get really sick of that song, as Pandora plays it too much, but you’ve given much to think about and a renewed heart toward the message.
I look at all the pain of this world and wonder how people could think there isn’t a God. It hasn’t always been this way for me, but the more living I do, the more I see that God is glorious, maker of Heaven and Earth. Amen.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:45 pm
Thanks Audra. Your comment is a message all unto itself. “Maker of Heaven and Earth. Amen.” I don’t hear it that much and I can’t even remember what it was that prompted the post. I hope it was the will of God…
Effie-Alean Gross
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 8:54 pm
Songs, words, people make a difference in our world. You have made a significant difference in the lives of many, Floyd.
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:47 pm
That’s so nice Effie, I’m not sure how many years I’d have to live to measure up to the level you’ve marked, but it’s an honor to be on the same team as you my friend.
Chuck Allen
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:12 pm
I’m glad you reposted this as I didn’t see it the first time.
I love that song and didn’t know much about Armstrong’s story before reading this. There are so many things that happen in life that we don’t understand, but those things don’t have to dampen our view of this life we’ve been given. Excellent post!
Floyd
Wednesday, November 16, 2011 @ 9:49 pm
Thanks Chuck. We have indeed been given much haven’t we? It does take His perspective in us in order to see it. You and I are blessed to have that chosen perspective. Excellent point.
Danelle
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 6:32 am
This is so good Floyd. My Pastor is encouraging us to consider what we are thankful for “not” having, or what we maybe thought we wanted but never got? It is honest and true that where He shines best is through places that have been painful but overcome through Him alone.
Floyd
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 6:48 am
Amen to that. Thanks Danelle. As painful as it may be at the time, if we’re seeking His will, we can always find peace in the midst of the storm and joy in the hindsight.
Bt
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 1:40 pm
WOW, your “family-of-bloggers” is really expanding. Are you feeling more pressure to preform at a even higher level as the stadium nears a sell out? LOL.
Great message, it’s always interesting to read others perspective to your message. Everyones’ life experiences impacts and leaves a individual trail of happiness, sadness … their our very own “trail” that impacts how they view and relate to what they read. Hazel’s perspective was very grounded and simply articulated. The wide range of individual choices that family members make when raised under the same roof, consistent parenting, yet take such diverse paths. In some cases a path of self-destruction. It’s interesting to wonder … why? Is it God’s will, the influence of evil, or just what they want or maybe need? It is a wonderful world! Maybe it is a choice, some chose to live in the light and some in the dark. Maybe someday I will learn the answer. Bt
Floyd
Thursday, November 17, 2011 @ 2:43 pm
OK Mr. Sarcastic Guy! I love all the feedback. It does so much more for the subject than my message. I have to say, they are all thought provoking, and that is a good thing! I think it really comes down to free will given by God. We all get to choose. We might not get to choose where we’re born and raised, but beyond that it is a choice. It is discipline and perseverance fulfilled or not. We all get lumps, it’s what we do with those lumps I think. Excellent perspective, thanks BT.
Voni Harris
Friday, November 18, 2011 @ 10:20 pm
I forget who said it (Jan Karon, I believe) but it’s true: there’s almost nothing so amazing as slmeone’s life story. God grant that we learn from and cherish, help and treasure one another and all the richness and joy of life.
Blessings,
Voni
Floyd
Saturday, November 19, 2011 @ 4:01 pm
Thanks Voni, that was beautifully said. I couldn’t agree more.
Pat Bowling
Sunday, January 1, 2012 @ 1:54 pm
Suffering, or watching a loved one suffer, brings out the best in all of us because “it is in our weakness that He is made strong.”
Job 14:5 says, “A person’s days are determined; You have decreed the number of his months and have set limits he cannot exceed.” (NIV)
Floyd
Sunday, January 1, 2012 @ 3:21 pm
Well said Pat. Not many people can grasp that concept, it is difficult for all of us I think. We just need to remind ourselves once in a while. Thanks.