‘The River of Jordan’ and Redemption
Indie loved the river, and the song ‘River of Jordan.’ He never claimed to be perfect (he always said he was a half-a^^ Episcopalian) but he was very soulful. He used to say “the River will cure what ails you.”
Indie believed in redemption. He knew how to forgive. At times I saw people do their best to do him wrong. I think I might have been resentful, but Indie’d just shake it off. “He can’t help it boy, his mama didn’t love him,” he’d say.
‘River of Jordan’ is my ‘Song of the Day’ today on FaceBook. If y’all haven’t joined me over there, I hope you will consider it. I’m not a very active FaceBooker in that I don’t play any of the games like Mafia Wars or Farmville. I have nothing against the folks who do, but the doc gig takes up a big chunk of my day and I need the extra thirty minutes to play my mandolin and an hour or so to write.
I do enjoy my Song of the Day post, though, and it has allowed me to find many people of like mind. Most of the songs are bluegrass, but I’ll dip into jazz, swing music, big band, or classic rock at times. On Sundays I always opt for a gospel number. (It’s the bluegrass way.) I try to post songs that not only have a nice melody and lyrics that tell a story, but that also have some personal meaning to me. I never hear ‘River of Jordan’ that I don’t think of Indie, and his remarkable ability to forgive. He said he got it from Jesus and the River. I believe him, ’cause Indie always told me the truth, even when it wasn’t pretty.
Y’all have a fine Sunday, and I’ll talk to you in the morning for my regular Monday Morning Post.
Dr. B
Tags: redemption
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Dr. Tom Bibey: Stories of the Bluegrass Music Road 
January 3, 2010 at 7:40 am
Forgiveness is one of “those” things, Doc; we all talk about it, we all know it’s important, but so few of us ever really figure it out. It’s complex enough that it comprises an entire thematic unit in my English classes; we read Wiesenthal’s The Sunflower, try to define what forgiveness really is, and then talk about whether or not forgiveness is even a possibility.
For myself, I find that I have to redefine it in every case it’s called for. For example, I’ve forgiven my abusive parents, but that doesn’t mean I want them anywhere near me or my family now. Some people say that, unless I repair the relationship, I haven’t really forgiven them, but I disagree. I hold no ill-will toward them anymore, there are no toxic emotions left, but that doesn’t mean I’m willing to invite that stuff back into my life.
Ooof. That’s a lot of thinking before 8 on a Sunday morning!
January 3, 2010 at 8:31 am
chili,
So good to hear from you. Yeah, when it came to forgiveness Indie was All-Pro. Like you, Indie knew how to forgive, but still he didn’t forget. He could be very cagey to dodge people of ill will. When someone tried to do him wrong, he would tell me all about it, not so he could degrade them but that I might be wiser and not have someone do me in from me being naive.
So, I think you are right. Forgive but don’t forget, and keep your radar up. Self preservation is the first rule of Mother Nature.
All the best to you in 2010. We are close on the book, and I will give you a shout when me and my Marfar hit New England.
Dr. B
January 3, 2010 at 1:11 pm
Indie had the right idea. We should all know that by grace we are saved…. We are uncondemnable (my minister’s word) in Christ…. Doesn’t mean we aren’t supposed to try and behave. But, once we accept the Lord, he takes on all our sins and loves is better than anyone on earth can.
January 3, 2010 at 1:23 pm
Amen Cindy,
Ain’t none of us perfect. One of my mottos is “just ’cause I’m not perfect ain’t gonna stop me from trying to be.” (I think my kids got tired of all my sayings, so I had to take up writing.)
Hey, I just now posted my ‘Charitable Arm’ page. It is under the ‘About Dr. Bibey’ link on the right hand side of the main page. You are one of my long time readers, so if you get a chance check it out and see if you think it is okay. I plan on some sort of charitable arm to go along with my book tour, but haven’t decided on the format yet. (Heck I don’t have book yet, but I’m getting close)
Dr. B