Why Beatitude?
What does Beatitude even mean?
Definition: Supreme Blessedness
“Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”
Think of that definition - supreme blessedness. Not just blessed, but supremely blessed!
When the word beatitude is employed, that which is trivial is cast aside, that which is temporary rings hollow, carnal understanding flounders and only light can perceive light. In a few sentences Jesus of Nazareth radically redefined what it means to be blessed, supremely blessed.
The world and environment in which he stated those words over 2000 years ago is not too different from today. People across the world claw for commodities, power, status, wealth, comfort and youthfulness like a beggar grasps for bread. Christ, in contrast, says “blessed are: the poor in spirit; those that mourn; the meek; the hungry and thirsty; the merciful; the pure in heart; the peacemakers; the persecuted; the reviled.” They are blessed, supremely blessed.
So why did I name my upcoming album Beatitude? Beatitude is a common word in Christianity. Religion is a large part of my life and therefore shows up often in my music, particularly with this album. However, I hope that everyone can always know and feel from me that I honor and respect all forms of worship and also the choice to refrain from religion. This album is designed to cross barriers and dividing lines and unify us all in a common goal regardless of beliefs or associations.
Often, these verses in the Bible are referred to as The Beatitudes (plural), I am using the singular form of the noun. I am doing this because right now I am only focused on one of these: “Blessed are they that mourn: for they shall be comforted”.
Let’s look at just one more definition, “to mourn”: to feel sadness about the disappearance of something.
For most of my life, mourning usually had to do with the loss of physical life. But in sacred solidarity I use the word, mourning, with those who struggle with mental health related issues. Anxiety is the disappearance of peace. Depression is the disappearance of hope. Personality Disorders are the disappearance of self. PTSD is the disappearance of a sense of safety. Normalcy vanishes. Logic fades. What once was easy becomes unbearable. And all fades to gray until one is left sitting alone in the emptiness mourning what once was compared to the bleakness that now is.
But the scripture says: “Blessed are they that mourn…” How is it possible that the people who have lost their sense of reality and foothold in the world can be supremely blessed?
In this album I want to show the forgotten, the betrayed and the hopeless that their vulnerability is their strength. I want to show that their scars are their beauty. I want to show that the emotional bricks that weigh on their backs can be repurposed into laying a guiding path for those coming after them.
How do I know any of this? It is because I experienced my own hell. I am no stranger to the dark and hopeless corners of my mind. I have felt tortured, twisted and torn - ripped in half, bottled, trapped. All of this so much to the point that death became the only door I felt worthy of. But I learned that being broken only puts you directly into the hands of the Healer. In this way you become blessed, because He, who is supreme, holds you in His hands and kisses your scars, turns the pain to gold, smoothes the cracks and leaves you better than you could have ever dreamed of. In His hands, that which is most ugly, becomes that which is most beautiful - and that is beatitude indeed.
