Tragedy accumulates; continued struggles of hurricane- and earthquake-devastated communities, wars, terrorist attacks, devastation incited by corrupt governments. And now… the unspeakably horrific massacre this week in Las Vegas.
Yesterday — for me — was a day of hunkering down with my sweet, furry bestie. A day of many days of mourning. A day of attempting to regain some equilibrium.
I am blessed to have had the opportunity to take that restorative day. So many folks can’t even imagine a respite from life’s pain, let alone any eventual relief or restoration.
With the sad passing this week of rock star Tom Petty, his songs are resurfacing as those who mourn his death revisit his music. I’ve noticed his song, I Won’t Back Down, getting a lot of attention. Its lyrics seem to speak so poignantly to today.
No, I’ll stand my ground
Won’t be turned around
And I’ll keep this world from draggin’ me down
Gonna stand my ground *
Today I can’t afford to be turned around. I can’t afford to let the world drag me down. I have an obligation to stand my ground and be the best advocate for righteousness I can be.
You can stand me up at the gates of hell
But I won’t back down *
* Tom Petty and The Heartbreakers, I Won’t Back Down
Rest in peace, Tom Petty.
And, Hell? Get ready for some very serious blow back!
The Sixth 