The healing power of music - eLine Military Program - Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi
Posted by Keith Wommack on May 14, 2012 | 12 Responses
Henry Garza, guitarist and vocalist with Los Lonely Boys, wrote the lyrics to their song, Heaven. It was a prayer; a prayer motivated by his families financial and emotional hardships, combined with the death of his first-born son from sudden infant death syndrome. The prayer expressed his deep desire for healing. “I know there’s a better place/Than this place I’m livin’/How far is heaven?”
Henry’s heartfelt plea touched hearts worldwide. Because of the strength of the message, the album that included Heaven sold over 2 million copies.
Melodies move us emotionally and change us physically. Hospitals around the United States are utilizing music in a wide variety of ways. Clinical studies now show that music can be used as a therapy in treating depression, schizophrenia, autism, dementia, and as well, substance abuse. Creating or listening to music can alleviate some negative symptoms of mental illness and ease pain.
According to the Mayo Clinic, music improves communication, enhances memory, reduces pain sensation, counteracts depression, promotes activity (i.e. dancing, exercise), encourages feelings of relaxation, and calms and sedates. As well, its been reported that listening to happy, joyous music is good for your heart.
Recognizing that harmonic voices have the ability to inspire and heal, after the success of Heaven, Henry and his brothers, JoJo and Ringo, now make it a habit to sing to individuals who are suffering. Recently, the trio was at the Los Angeles Children’s Hospital.
Both tenderness and power can be expressed in song. These two qualities are paramount in erasing fear and pain.
As I look back at years of performing in a musical group, as well as the last 29 years of healing others with prayer, I see their connection. The tenderness and care of the divine, whether expressed by music or silent prayer, loosens tight grips on fear. The spiritual energy behind both music and a prayerful treatment can ease or erase pain. They enable suffering to be replaced by health.
Doesn’t music hint that we can live as free as a melody? Music does not present a vague or general sense of harmony, but a specific divine expression, tangible to spiritual sense. The reason you react to a song’s beat and melody is because you are spiritual. The divine beauty and energy expressed in music remind you of your spiritual freedom. Melodies and rhythms are slices of heaven being seen and felt right where you are.
Of course, music is not the only way we receive hints of heaven. Accountants witness balance and order, parents reflect unselfed love, and teachers expect and see wisdom and development. Life is worth living because of these divine qualities.
I learned recently that Mary Alice Dayton, a Christian healer in the early 1900s, reportedly suffered a spinal injury that was completely healed while she penned the words to a hymn. Whether or not this was actually how Dayton’s healing took place, this does not discount the fact that, for many years, others have used the strength of the hymn’s message as a prayerful and healing treatment for themselves and others.
Dayton wrote, “God could not make imperfect man/His model infinite;/Unhallowed thought He could not plan,/Love’s work and Love must fit. …And man does stand as God’s own child,/The image of His love./Let gladness ring from every tongue,/And heaven and earth approve.”
Apparently, betterment can take place because the language of music is a divine message. And, perhaps, the reason you and I love music so much is because we yearn to experience more and more of heaven. Each chord and chorus reveals that heaven is not that far away.
– Keith Wommack is a Syndicated Columnist, Christian Science practitioner and teacher, husband, and step-dad. He has been described as a spiritual spur (since every horse needs a little nudge now and then). Keith’s columns originate at: KeithWommack.com
© 2012 Keith Wommack
Columnist / Christian Science practitioner & teacher / Legislative
advocate for spiritual healing. -- Keith Wommack is a nationally
syndicated columnist on health, thought, spirituality and the powerful connection they have to each other.
Beautifully written article. Music soothes me throughout each day even when just singing in my mind. I often awaken with a song in my head. Music in my mind keeps hope in my heart. Being a fan of LLB I have experiened the depth of soul reaching their music penetrates. They are such kind individuals who deliver messages of love, hope, encouragement and inspiration through their innate musical talents. They have provided me with great joy, entertainment and a spiritual awakening for the past 6 years when I first discovered them.
I am a LLB fan too. Thanks for stopping by and commenting. Come back often.
It was one night when LLB appeard on Connan O’Brian’s late night show and the moment I heard Heaven, I was like ok I need to get this album. Thanks for all the melodic compositions you all have written and looking forward hearing many more ahead. God Bless.
Kathmandu, Thanks for sharing. Heaven has touched many hearts.
I love this song motivates me to continue through all my struggles and familys god bless you Los Lonely boys for the positive message in your songs..
Joseph, Los Lonely Boys are certainly Spirit motivated. They love to bless.
Dealing with a 23 year old with severe depression is not easy. The only thing that he finds solace in is music. He has loved music since he was about 15 years old. I am happy that he has an outlet, but wish I could get him to accept Jesus into his life. He was raised in church and his father and I are still in church today. Our faith has carried us through a lot of things. If only my son could combine music and faith. I pray that he comes to rely on the Savior to get him through his darkness.
Kelly, Your faith will help him. When one person turns on the light in a dark room, all in the room now see.
LLB’s music is therapeutic….Heaven did not only help me through a difficult period in my life (I had just lost my grandmother and was going through a divorce) but even many years after, their songs like You can See The Light and Road to Nowhere have also touched me deeply. I found some comfort thanks to the Garza Brothers whom I have been followng for over 8 years. Their harmonies and music are soothing and it’s inexpensive therapy that is highly recommended.
Laurie, Thank you for sharing. I like your statement, “Their harmonies are soothing and it’s inexpensive.” Music does hint that heaven is not far away.
Music expresses the freedom that is necessary for some of us to gain that peaceful part of your mind that enables one to drift off and forget about their woes. It helps give balance to ones life, just like the blues háve for so many years. It blends happiness together with humility quite well. Having been diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease 12 years ago, I have turned to music entirely for my entertainment, and I am thankful that my son introduced me to the Garza brothers, a.k.a the Los Lonely Boys.
Bryant, Glad to hear you are finding that music helps you. Music is truly a hint of heaven.