Level: Late Intermediate

Format: PDF Digital Download

License: Studio (please share with your students only)

Titles: Declare the Glory (E Major) Wait Quietly (D Major) Be Still (Ab Major)

After a horrific accident in our family, my heart ached from permanent loss. I wanted to find light again, but it was blinding after trudging through the ink-black tunnel of grief.

Music pulled me out and carried me to a tolerable place in the shade. During this time, several hymn arrangements came to me. Reflecting on their text and exploring ways to put “my stamp” on them was a coping mechanism, yet I didn’t feel much closer to God. I had hurled plenty of angry words at Him and preferred to keep him at a distance. Why lean on a God who betrays his beloved?

Ouch...strong words from a broken-hearted mother.

Although grief remains, it finally left me space to take courage. Courage to approach God through his word in the Psalms. I discovered this book of songs was transparent and real, filled with lament, anger, praise, insecurity, despair, fear, joy, self-loathing, gratitude, disappointment, promises, and unfailing love.

I began to read a Psalm each morning, and I wrote down one line in my journal that stood out to me. After meditating on the verse, I noodled with it at the piano. These noodles were unexpectedly appealing, so I began recording them. Soon, I accumulated a catalog of noodles that begged me to explore them. I couldn’t resist, which resulted in this first opus of interludes for the soul or “soulos.”

Anne Lamott, one of my favorite authors, says, “I write what I love to come upon.”

These interludes--which means to lift up--are just that for me. They viscerally understand the full gamut of human emotions--from mourning to dancing.

For those who listen to these soulos, let the music pour over and carry you.

For those who play these soulos, convey the dark and light with lyrical transparency.

From my heart to yours,

Leila