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May 03, 2007

I Went Through the Desert On a Horse With No Name

There is a song I believe that was recorded by the group “America” that has been ringing in my ears for some time. The one line I believe goes something like this. “I’ve been through the desert on a horse with no name. It felt good to get out of the rain. In the desert you can remember your name. Cause there ain’t no one for to give you no pain.”

Now just why has this song continued to stay with me for the last three days? I am not sure, but my speculation is that maybe there is a longing somewhere in my soul to be removed from the rain. I guess all of us long for that place where the rain cannot get to us. This also reminds me of another song, “Everybody Gets Stoned!” This song relays a message to us that we all have our day of being beat up and abused by the world. The Eagles suggest that we all long for a desert where we can get away from the “rain” or the “stones.”

It is a fact of life that trouble finds its way to all of our doorsteps. It does not matter whether you are in a ghetto, living in a gated community, always hungry or have more food than you need; the holder of a Ph.D or a high school dropout we all have bad days. These are not just troubled days, they are days that try our faith, assault our spirit of optimism or just make us want to stay in the bed and not be involved in the battle of life. I realize that we all need to get away but we get away not to avoid the “rain” or “stones” but to renew our strength to be energized to continue the struggle.

So when you feel overwhelmed, go “…through the desert on a horse with no name…” and be refreshed, renewed and rededicated.

Posted by Bishop at May 3, 2007 02:03 PM

Comments

I have been out of the Holston Conference for some time now. From time to time I wonder who is Bishop and what he/she is saying. The quote from America was enough to peek my interest, but when you quoted Dylan you caught me hook, line, and sinker. The ironic thing, I guess, is that most times, the only place our souls find relief, is further inside our souls. The theory being that God resides there alone. I am not very good with these things, but did want to tell you that in my book at least, you are way cool.

Posted by: Kevin Thompson at May 10, 2007 05:55 AM

Bishop, you could be a classic rock DJ when you retire. But for our sake keep your day job.

I thank God for being among us always. We all have wildnerness moments in life and Jesus showed us how to go through the wilderness with him. Job showed us that we should remember the blessings we have even through times of adversity.

Posted by: Tony B at May 7, 2007 01:47 PM

*Giggle* YOu dated yourself with those songs, but good devo out of them anyway. Thanks!

Posted by: Marsha at May 3, 2007 03:09 PM