Courage

March 23, 2020

Music and the Gospel: "Soon You'll Get Better," Taylor Swift ft. The Dixie Chicks

What does it mean to be courageous? Sometimes courage means standing up for or with someone through a conflict, or a big game, or through a punishing sickness. Two brothers play basketball in the Spirit story; one has to struggle with cancer. The other shaves his head in solidarity. Taylor Swift’s song “You’ll Get Better Soon” is about navigating the pain of watching someone go through cancer and having faith that they’ll get better.

Lyrics: I know delusion when I see it in the mirror / You like the nicer nurses, you make the best of a bad deal / I just pretend it isn’t real /I’ll paint the kitchen neon, I’ll brighten up the sky / I know I’ll never get it, there’s not a day that I won’t try / And I’ll say to you / Ooh-ah, soon you’ll get better / Ooh-ah, soon you’ll get better

Questions: When have been close to someone experiencing a major illness? How did it change the person? How did it affect you? What did you learn from the person who was sick? How did/do you support him or her? What does courage mean?

October 6, 2015

Music and the Gospel: “Courage,” Villagers

Following the teachings of Jesus isn’t always easy.  Sometimes it means standing alone, even against our own culture and community.  This week’s Spirit discusses the life of St. Kateri Takakwitha.  Kateri’s life with her Mohawk tribe taught her courage, composure, even a sense of fearlessness, when it came to following her own path, even though she would have had an easier time following the beliefs of her community.

Key lines: Courage / It’s a feeling like no other / Let me tell you, yeah / Courage / In harmony with something other than your ego / Courage / The sweet belief of knowing nothing comes free

Questions: When Jesus invites you to follow him, how do you respond?  What are you willing to part with in service to the less fortunate?  Who do you feel the need to help?