The movie “FEARLESS” (1993) is another one of those films that stays with you forever. Every once in a while I’ll remember a scene from that movie starring Jeff Bridges. It’s another classic directed by Peter Wier who also did Witness, Dead Poet’s Society, Green Card and The Truman Show.
It centers around a man (Jeff Bridges) that survives a horrific plane crash. He struggles with his demons and guilt over why he was spared and so many others perished. He meets another survivor from that crash, played wonderfully by Rosie Perez. She portrays a mom that has to endure the anguish of losing her baby in the crash, blaming herself for not holding on to her child tight enough.
I guess it’s always extra special whenever a movie or book covers a near-death experience. This movie does a fantastic job with this subject matter. All of the characters are realistic, including the helpless wife played by the lovely Isabella Rossellini. The ending isn’t the usual Hollywood type either. What a wonderful experience you’ll never forget.
Here’s the trailer that gives a good taste of what’s in store for you
Here’s the intense crash scene set to a ColdPlay tune
On April 20, 1999, Cassie Bernall, a junior at Columbine High in Littleton, Colorado, was a typical teenager having a typical day, then a classmate aimed a gun at her and asked if she believed in God. She said “Yes”. Even though she witnessed another classmate get shot for answering yes moments earlier, she still said “Yes”, knowing what would happen next. It was an amazing display of faith and courage that no one will ever forget. Here’s the official website in honor of Cassie. You can also read an excerpt from a book written by Cassie’s Mother called “She Said Yes“.
Michael W. Smith wrote a song for Cassie and called it “This Is Your Time”, which won the Dove Award for the Best Song of the year (Dove is the Christian equivalent to the Grammy Awards).
Michael had this to say, “I went to Littleton (Colorado) to sing Friends at the Columbine Memorial Service and it was a day that impacted me greatly. It was so over-whelming emotionally, that I just had to find a way to cope with it and to digest it all, so I found myself at the keyboard writing music. Meeting Cassie Bernall’s family inspired me the most. Cassie claimed she believed in God and lost her life for it. I have written a song called, This Is Your Time, which is a challenge for us all to recognize through Cassie’s life, that now is our time to stand up and live life unabashedly for God.”
We should all strive to live our lives with such faith and conviction. This is our time. We should live every moment and leave nothing to chance.
The song and the music video are unforgettable. The video footage at the beginning is Cassie which is amazing to see. The other absolutely chilling part of the song and video is the ending sequence with the bagpipes blaring in the distance. What an incredible experience, what she taught us and this haunting tribute to her life. I still get chills at the end when the bag pipes start playing.
Here are the powerful words to the song:
This Is Your Time
It was a test we could all hope to pass
But none of us would want to take
Faced with the choice to deny god and live
For her there was one choice to make
This was her time
This was her dance
She lived every moment
Left nothing to chance
She swam in the sea
Drank of the deep
Embraced the mystery
Of all she could be
This was her time
Though you are mourning, and grieving your loss
Death died a long time ago
Swallowed in life, so her life carries on
Still, it’s so hard to let go
This was her time
This was her dance
She lived every moment
Left nothing to chance
She swam in the sea
Drank of the deep
Embraced the mystery
Of all she could be
What if tomorrow
What if today
Faced with the question
Oh, what would you say
This is your time
This is your dance
Live every moment
Leave nothing to chance
Swim in the sea
Drink of the deep
Fall on the mercy
And hear yourself praying
Won’t you save me
Amy Grant has done a ton of great songs, Christian or otherwise. For some reason, “Lead Me On” has always been one my favorites. Michael W. Smith wrote the song, so it’s no wonder why I love it because he’s another favorite of mine.
The music video is well done too. She’s out in the mountains so there’s a great deal of breath-taking views (including the ever gorgeous Amy herself). Wonderful message too about having faith in God and asking Him to lead the way.
Here are two videos of the song. First, the one in the mountains and the second is a live performance of Amy Grant with the composer, Michael W. Smith. Followed by the lyrics
LEAD ME ON
Shoulder to the wheel
For someone elses selfish gain
Here there is no choosing
Working the clay
Wearing their anger like a ball and chain.
Fire in the field
Underneath a blazing sun
But soon the sun was faded
And freedom was a song
I heard them singing when the day was done
Singing to the holy one.
Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.
Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking…lead on.
Waiting for the train
Labelled with a golden star
Heavy hearted boarding
Whispers in the dark
Where are we going–is it very far?
Bitter cold terrain
Echoes of a slamming door
In chambers made for sleeping, forever
Voices like thunder in a mighty roar
Cry to the lord.
Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.
Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking…lead on.
Man hurts man
Time and time, time again
And we drown in the wake of our power
Somebody tell me why.
Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.
Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking…lead on.
Lead me on
Lead me on
To a place where the river runs
Into your keeping, oh.
Lead me on
Lead me on
The awaited deliverance
Comforts the seeking…lead on.
I’ve heard some horror stories from friends who’ve committed adultery and every time they’ve been filled with guilt and remorse and regret. I guess some people have to learn things the hard way in life. Some just have to find out if the grass is greener on the other side while others just know what’s right. I’m thinking of something the late Paul Newman (RIP) said when someone asked him how he never cheated on his wife and he said “Why have a hamburger when you have steak at home?” So funny yet something to remember.
I also think of this beautiful song by the amazing husband and wife team Askford and Simpson called “Count Your Blessings”. It’s a simple sentiment but so important about so many things in life. We’re all so busy striving for goals and achievements and forget to be thankful for what we already have. It also applies to those that struggle sometimes with temptation.
COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS
Ashford & Simpson
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
You can’t say I love you
Too many times, oh…
Simple things mean so much
Like when was the last touch,
When was the last kiss
When did you hold ‘em like this
I almost lost the one I love
Searchin’ ’round for something new
Before you make the same mistake
Oh, let me pass this on to you
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count my blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
Though they don’t complain
Doesn’t mean that there’s no pain
To forget is the worst
So always put them first,
Thinkin’ of their needs
Make them the one you please
I almost lost the one I love
Searching ’round for something new
Before you make the same mistake
Let me pass this on to you
If you don’t see eye to eye
Come close to sayin’ goodbye
Think how far you’ve come
The victories you’ve won
What’s kept you through the years
Was to dry each other’s tears
Memories you recall
Let’s you know you have it all {Woo}
I almost lost the one I love
Searchin’ ’round for something new
Before you make the same mistake
Ooh, let me pass this on to you
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget, ooh…
I had to learn, learn a lesson {Yes, I did}
Never forget to count your blessings {Woo}
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
I had to learn, learn a lesson
Never forget to count your blessings
Everything But the Girl’s “Apron Strings” is the other unforgetable song from the movie “She’s Having a Baby” (1988) that I’ve covered on here before (“This Woman’s Work”). It’s such a beautiful song about a common every day object that takes on monumental meaning. Every little thing changes when you have a baby and it’s all for the best.
Apron strings
Hanging empty crazy things
My body tells me
I want someone to tie to my
Apron strings
Apron strings
Waiting for you pretty things
That I could call you
I want someone to tie to my
Lonely apron strings.
Your baby looks just like you when you were young
And he looks at me with eyes that shine
And I wish that he were mine
Then I go home
To my
Apron strings
Cold and lonely,
For time brings
thoughts that only
Will be quiet when someone clings
to my apron strings.
And I’ll be perfect in my own way
When you cry I will be there
I’ll sing to you and comb your hair
All your troubles I will share
For apron strings
Can be used for other things
Than what they’re meant for
and you’d be happy wrapped in my
Apron strings
You’d be happy wrapped in my
Apron strings
I love Carly Simon and especially her classic “You’re So Vain” which she’s never revealed who it was about. Rumors have always been that it was about Warren Beatty or Mick Jagger who actually sings background vocals in the song.
Here’s a shortened version of the song followed by the full version live performance. Then the lyrics.
You walked into the party like you were walking onto a yacht
Your hat strategically dipped below one eye
Your scarf it was apricot
You had one eye on the mirror as you watched yourself gavotte
And all the girls dreamed that theyd be your partner
Theyd be your partner, and…
Youre so vain, you probably think this song is about you
Youre so vain, Ill bet you think this song is about you
Dont you? dont you?
You had me several years ago when I was still quite naive
Well you said that we made such a pretty pair
And that you would never leave
But you gave away the things you loved and one of them was me
I had some dreams, they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and…
I had some dreams they were clouds in my coffee
Clouds in my coffee, and…
Well I hear you went up to saratoga and your horse naturally won
Then you flew your lear jet up to nova scotia
To see the total eclipse of the sun
Well youre where you should be all the time
And when youre not youre with
Some underworld spy or the wife of a close friend
Wife of a close friend, and…
I was involved in a horrific six-car pile-up yesterday on my way home from work. I’m sharing this amazing movie called “Unbreakable” because that’s how I felt during the shocking experience of being trapped in my car as it got slammed from the rear with great impact, which then hurled my car into the vehicle in front of me. I was jolted as my car was sandwiched as the bone-chilling sounds of breaking glass and crunching metal exploded in my ears. It felt like an eternity as more cars kept crashing into the pile. I can’t repeat what I was saying.
Then it was done. I knew I was all right but the car was making a strange noise from the engine and fan-belt. I got out to inspect the carnage as did everyone else. The pickup trucks behind me had the worst damage. Everyone made their phone calls on their cells and we all shook our heads in disbelief. When the police arrived we all reconstructed the chain of events. An elderly gentleman at the extreme rear of the pack admitted that he just couldn’t stop his monster rig in time and that set off the ensuing pile up. I remember just sitting there for several seconds as usual in traffic and all was peaceful and tranquil until the world exploded.
It can all go away in the blink of an eye. That’s so true, my friends. My whole life did flash before my eyes as my car was crushed and I was rocked, thank goodness for seatbelts. I’ve always been cognizant of how precious this life we live is (witness the name of this blog) but this took it to another level. It wasn’t a near-death experience but more a near-life experience. I thought I loved life and appreciated my precious gift, but now I know I truly didn’t. I’m extremely grateful to come away from the nightmare accident unscathed and without even a scratch. I will still go see my doctor to ensure I’m all right today but I think it’s all good. Sure, it will be a pain in the neck (no pun intended) to take the car to the mechanic and possibly get it replaced as I feel that it’s totaled but I don’t care because I was lucky. It could have been far worse for all of us. I will appreciate things and people even more than ever from now on. Please don’t wait for such a wake up call, my friends. Live and love each and every day as if it were your last because quite frankly and literally someday it will be. God bless you all.
I could not believe that I was routing for the Boston RedSox to win tonight even though I’m a lifelong Yankee fan. Why would a true pinstriper fan ever do such an unimaginable thing? Well, trust me, I had my reasons and I’ll explain it in a minute. What made this extra painful was the fact that a win by Boston would eliminate my beloved Yankees and end their 13 year streak of making the postseason, one year short of the Atlanta Braves mark of 14 years in a row (1991 to 2006).
OK, what could possibly make me do such a dastardly thing? Well, it involves the amazing 1978 season when the Yankees made the greatest comeback in baseball history by over-coming a 14 1/2 game deficit to the same Boston RedSox in late July no less. The comeback involved the infamous Boston Massacre in which the Yanks swept a four game series at Fenway to wipe out the four game lead the RedSox owned at the time.
On a personal note, my little brother and I actually saw Ron Guidry pitch against the RedSox on September 15, 1978 for our first Yankee game ever. Guidry pitched a two-hit shutout as the Yanks won. He had nine shutouts that year.
The most important part of that incredible season was the ace of the staff, Ron Guidry. He was known as Louisiana Lightning and the Ragin’ Cajun. His best game came when he struck out 18 Angels batters. He eventually won the Cy Young Award and almost the MVP. He kept the team in the thick of things by winning even when they were struggling.
Ron Guidry’s .893 winning percentage for his 25-3 season in 1978 is the current record for the best winning percentage by a 20 game winner. It has remained the standard for 30 years now. Many pitchers have come close to breaking his record but no one has been able to do it yet.
Well, tonight, Cliff Lee’s attempt to break the record was thwarted by the Boston RedSox, ironically enough! Here were are thirty years later and Boston helps a Yankee legend keep his record for at least another season. It was such a nail-biter too. Boston lead 2-0, then fell behind 4-2 and then jump ahead 5-4 and the Indians loaded the bases in the 8th inning. All they needed was a hit and Cliff Lee would be off the hook and on pace to break the record. All he would have to do is not lose his last start next week and he would be king. However, Boston summoned their ace closer Papillon because they knew the win would clinch a playoff spot for them and eliminate their rival Yankees.
Papillon got out of the jam and closed the deal in the 9th and saved the record for Ron Guidry. I was never so happy to see the RedSox win and will never pull for them again! I promise!
Note:
Roger Clemens was in line to break the record in 2001 when he was 20-1 and a .952 winning percentage, but he lost his last two games to finish at 20-3 .869! Close, but no cigar. Ironically enough, he started his career with the Boston RedSox but was pitching for the Yankees in 2001. He ultimately won a couple of World Series with NY in 1999 & 2000.
Ron Guidry’s stats for that magical 1978 season:
TEAM
W-L
PCT
ERA
G
CG
SHO
IP
H
ER
HR
BB
SO
Yankees
25-3
.893
1.74
35
16
9
273.2
187
53
13
72
248
Here is a list of the Best Seasons for 20 game winners along with the Louisiana Lightning’s miracle season at the very top of the heap.
Today’s my birthday so I’d like to share one of my favorite songs of all-time. “God of Wonders” is by Third Day and Caedman’s Call for a special City on the Hill project they did together with other Christian music artists. I hope you listen to the song even if you’re not a Christian. It’s just a celebration of this world and the life that we are blessed with. I remember the first time I saw this music video in church several years ago. It came at a very dark time in my personal and professional life and it inspired me to turn things around for the good. Since then, I play this song every once in a while just as a reminder and it always fills me with hope and inspiration. It’s a perfect song to remind us all of the big picture, especially when things seem to be caving in all around us. When that happens, play this song or video and turn it up really loud. You’ll feel much better like I do every time I experience it.
Lord of Heaven and Earth
(Lord of all creation)
Lord of Heaven and Earth
Lord of all creation
Of the water, earth and sky
The Heavens are your Tabernacle
Glory To the Lord on high
God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe
Declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Early in the morning
I will celebrate the light
And when I stumble into darkness
I will call your name by night
God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
The universe
Declares your majesty
You are holy, holy
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Holy, holy
Holy, holy
God of wonders
Beyond our galaxy
You are holy, holy
Precious Lord,
Reveal your heart to me
Father hold me, hold me
The Universe
Declares your majesty
You are Holy, Holy
Holy, Holy
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
Hallelujah (to the lord of heaven and earth)
it’s always sad whenever the world loses a gifted artist, but it’s especially tragic when they die as young as Minnie Ripperton was (31). She’s famous for her one and only number one song, “Loving You” with its amazing 5 1/2 Octav range. It’s still a beautiful song and extremely bittersweet when you think about how we were robbed of so many more years of incredible songs she would’ve given us. She was 27 in 1975 when the song reached the peak. She was diagnosed with breast cancer the very next year and died in 1979 in her husband’s arms while listening to a special song that Stevie Wonder wrote just for her.
Little known fact, her daughter is Maya Rudolph, the hilarious cast member from Saturday Night Live.
Here she is and a photo of her mom who had the voice of an angel.
The movie “FEARLESS” (1993) is another one of those films that stays with you forever. Every once in a while I’ll remember a scene from that movie starring Jeff Bridges. It’s another classic directed by Peter Wier who also did Witness, Dead Poet’s Society, Green Card and The Truman Show.
