What Now?

The events of this year, and this past week have rocked all of us.  Naturally, many of us have asked 'Why?' and my mind turned to a song I heard years ago.  One of my favorite singers, and someone who was personally very encouraging to me whenever we crossed paths or exchanged emails, is the late David Bailey.  He was a brilliant man and powerfully insightful lyricist.  Given six months by the doctors who found a grape fruit-sized tumor in his head, David soldiered on for over 12 years, switching from a career in the coporate world to music.  He found space in this new calling to ask his hard questions and to hear God's answers.

 

His own questions swirled and mixed with new questions around the tragic deaths of two young women, one from unknown causes and one in a car accident.  I first heard this song and the story he told at Montreat during a week our youth group lost a girl many in our group knew well to a car accident.  David imagined asking God, 'Why' and instead turning to, 'What now?'  And as so many of these stories go, a song was born.  I'll share the lyrics here, as well as a link to the song and a YouTube video of an interview he gave not long before he passed away.  I hope this gives you something to cling to as it has to me so many times.

 

Becky's Song (Her Favorite Color Was Green)  On the left, click on the orange 'play' button to listen.

Interview

 

Her favorite color was green
That's about all that I know
Except she knew the Lord Loved her -
her Bible told her so.

She swam in an ocean of laughter
She deanced in a desert of grace
The way she loved those around her
Was written all over her face

I was there the morning she left us
I heard every tear that was shed
I wanted to ask God the reason
But I asked him what now instead

'What now, God would you have us say?
What now, God would you have us do?
Wasn't it clear she was faithful?
Wasn't that enough for you?'

God said, 'how could you ask such a question? Surely the answer is clear?
Do I have to paint you a picture?
Is it not enough I'm here?'

I said God, 'that's not what I meant
She was just too young to die'
God said, 'I know what you mean - Remember I watched my son cry'
I said, 'yes, but at least your boy is with you'
God said. 'right, and now so is she
I set her a place at my table
and man, you should see that girl eat

'In fact, I wish you could see her smiling
then you'd know she feels right at home
She's been telling the angels about you
Just so you won't feel alone'

Her favorite color was green
That's my favorite too
She's already sliding down rainbows
Right between yellow and blue