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MP3 Catherine Benskin - Lily, So Beautiful
1 MP3 Songs in this album (3:21) !
Related styles: Folk: Folk Pop, Spiritual: Contemporary Christian, Out-and-Proud
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This song is written as a tribute to my friend (not really Lily), Alison. She is one of the most caring, personal, loving, Christian people I have had the priviledge to call my friend. When I met Alison, I suddenly got really cynical about all the songs with the word beautiful in them that were so superficial and narrow in definition.
My story starts 8 years ago at a Catholic Musicians'' Convention. It was my first time attending and admittedly I had some emotional and spiritual struggles I was working through at the time. Even as confused and naive as I was, I still felt there was something wrong with the fact that many of the people I was with seemed to know who Alison was from past years'' conventions, yet no one really knew anything about her. But, as is human nature, there were plenty of questions and speculation. I was remorseful that I was not able to reach out to her at the time of our first meeting. As I became healthier and more comfortable in my own place at the table, I made a promise to myself that if we ever crossed paths again, I would apologize for my inability to step outside of myself to reach out to her.
That opportunity came 2 years later at the next National Conference. I spent the first few days watching Alison (ok, stalking) and mustering courage to meet this new person who many would say had no place being at a Catholic Music Conference. What I did notice was that she spent much of her time alone.
Midway through the week was our Convention Liturgy. I took a deep breath as I entered the prayer space and walked to Alison''s row. Now, I was not surprised, but a saddened shock went through me as I realized that with 3000 Christians in attendance at Liturgy, no less, Alision was sitting in a row by herself. I asked if I could take the seat next to her and she agreed. For the next 2 hours, we shared God''s word, made the same Profession of Faith, held hands during the Our Father and partook of the greatest priviledge our Catholic faith allows; we shared Eucharist at the same table.
After Mass, I asked her to join me for a drink. That evening I learned everything that those busybodies were to insecure to find out for themselves, just by listening. And so much more. I learned that this was a person not to be shunned, but admired and emulated. This person had spent a lifetime doing the spiritual work on herself that we are all called to do, but are afraid. What if we actually admit to ourselves who God has made us to be and what if we actually live to use our uniquely and personally chosen gifts?
That night started a friendship that has lasted mostly by phone. This is a person with whom I can share my joys, sorrows, and challenges without fear of judgement or rejection. We see each other only once every year or two, but we know each other as well as any friend I''ve had. Our conversations are not littered with fluffy, easy conversation. We encourage each other through the rough patches and rejoice together in the triumphs.
Thank you God for sending me Alison. And thank you Alison for the priviledge of calling you my friend.
*Please note, some of the details have been taken from other members of the LGBT community I have worked with over the years. This song was inspired mostly by Alison, but also my many friends I that have been put in my path to educate me and inspire me to live my own unique & personal gifts.
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