The Frequency of Love

The concept of this Uplift is simple. I came across a quote about the singular role that art plays in our lives and was astonished how perfectly it describes the center of my own life, God and faith.  The text is from author Saul Bellow, excerpted from his Nobel Prize acceptance speech in 1976. Where you read or hear the word “art,” just think “faith.” Bellow writes, “Only art penetrates… the seeming realities of this world. There is another reality, the genuine one, which we lose sight of.” Bellow continues, “This other reality is always sending us hints, which without art, we can’t receive.”  Yes, I thought, God is always tapping us on the shoulder sending us hints, moving us toward a more genuine way to live- in His arms of love. Bellow continues saying that, “Man hears from art what we do not hear from theology, philosophy, social theory, and what it cannot hear from pure science. Out of the struggle at the center has come an immense, painful longing for a broader, more flexible, fuller, more coherent, more comprehensive account of what we human beings are, who we are, and what this life is for.” Yes, I thought, it is my faith that provides the only satisfying and coherent account of who we are, and the meaning of our lives. We are children of God, and plugging into that relationship is what this journey is all about. Bellow perceives another reality. And there is another reality that Jesus asks us to help create here on earth. It’s a place where we turn the other cheek instead of striking back, where we’re kind and loving to each other and where we put God at the center of our choices, instead of the cares and concerns of this life. Jesus calls this place the Kingdom of God.

There is an undeniable kinship between art and faith. Art creates something from nothing, and God created everything. These are the very first words in the Bible, Genesis 1:1: "In the beginning God created the heavens and the earth."

The creative process, for us mere mortals, is like putting on a set of rabbit ears hoping to pluck something meaningful from the universe that is floating by. Then shaping it into something that is recognizable to others.  If we’re skilled enough, others will find it meaningful too. It’s no coincidence that the artistic process is referred to as “being in the flow.” And every now and then, art can connect us to the divine.  But as I read Bellow’s words about the singular and exclusive power of art in our lives, a point of view that I once would have agreed with, I imagine a man standing at the end of a hallway, searching for a pot of gold that is just a few steps around the corner. He can sense the treasure is close, but he never turns the corner.

Those of us old enough can remember having to navigate our radio dial to the exact frequency needed to tune to what we wanted to hear, from the dozens of choices floating out on the airways- talk radio at 66.8 on the dial, rock and roll music at 94.5. If Bellow is right that art is some kind of cosmic tuner for what’s valuable in this life, God is every frequency on the dial. And just like those old radios, until we tune in, there’s only static. Lace up those dancing shoes, the song pairing this time is “The Frequency of Love.” Until next time stay safe, be brave and keep walking in the light.

The Frequency of Love
You got me so ecstatic baby
since you come around
I tuned out all the static
tuned into your happen’ sound

you got me really going baby
you’re every preset on my dial
you’re my only station honey
there can be no denying
We’re on the frequency of love

I don’t need no cable streaming
threw out that old satellite dish
you give me a warm feeling honey
you’re my only wish

I don’t need no messenger service
messing up my phone
it just makes me nervous
I prefer to chat with you alone
we’re on the frequency
the frequency of love

now your sound is never loud baby
so I listen real low
you got me so proud honey
you let me into your show

you’re my lovely symphony
you’re a rockin’ band
you’re sweet music to my ears
I know you understand

We’re on the frequency
the frequency of love

Now I am so tuned in honey,
tuned straight in to your heart
I got to get back in a hurry
whenever we’re apart

When I’m flying real high
on some transatlantic flight
way up so high in the sky
but you’re never out of sight

We’re on the frequency
the frequency of love
you and me, on the frequency of love