Sometimes our conversations have a wider impact that we could not have imagined or intended. For example, my song ‘Incidentally.’* One conversation at summer camp in the late 1980s led to a long-time friendship with Lisa. In 1992 ‘Incidentally’ was prompted by a very sad letter from her. As I began to sing it in public, other people resonated with it—to the point of weeping and sometimes even ‘claiming’ it as their own. That was a strange transition for both Lisa and I—to realize that a private exchange had become publically important and that neither of us ‘owned’ the song anymore. It’s still “for Lisa”—and now it’s for with anyone else who has ever felt this way.
In February, my friend Sherry had a similar experience with this song:
It has been a long day. As I am writing this I am listening to “Incidentally” and man this should be my theme song right now. It would so be my mom's song with me. She always knew what to say when I was having a hard day. The words to the song really speak to my soul tonight. For the most part I have been doing well, but I am still struggling with some things. The line about not knowing how to trust Jesus... I love the question, “what do I do when he doesn't seem to hear?” cause that is where I feel like I am tonight.
Because of the things that are going on I am tired of living on the outside and tired of hurting. But the line "that’s why I am so glad I have you, you’re someone I can talk to, I know you understand but you’re so far away, and I wish you were here to hold my hand" means a lot to me because I do wish my mom was here to hold my hand through this time.
People tell me I am a lot like my mom in my faith, and how I go through dry seasons, but I also know that no matter what Jesus will be there. My mom used to hold my hand when I was little, and Jesus has held my hand since I was created.
Anyway thanks again for sharing the music God gives you. It heals through tears, and this song is helping healing my heart from a lot of wounds, and helping me through today. (used with permission)
So Sherry started sharing ‘Incidentally’ with people around her: friends, colleagues, students. Sherry works as an educational assistant in a private school Here are some responses from high school students:
Christine: The song made me feel sad and peaceful at the same time. It is a very touching song and thought that there was desperation for God.
Samantha: It’s about a girl who is tired of her masks! She has someone to talk to but they are far away. Makes me feel lonely, scared but hopeful too.
Carly: Feel I could fall asleep to this song at night, Love the piano in it. Made my heart feel better.
Jon: Feel happy and want to take more time to talk to Jesus. Was blessed by the song.
Sherry added, “Colleen I hope this encourages your heart. I wish you could have seen the kids faces...I could tell their hearts were blessed. It made the teacher cry.”
You just never know where one conversation will lead: to a friendship, a song, and many, many blessings.
* ‘Incidentally’ was originally recorded on the album Good Storyline and re-released on the EP Prairie Soul. You can listen to ‘Incidentally’ and purchase the digital download or the CD at www.colleenanddara.com.
