I have always been an emotional person, but I keep it locked up inside in order to project a calm demeanor. I am under control. That is, until I hear music. Whenever I hear a hymn, my spirit is touched and my heart is opened. I feel a spiritual release as the music speaks to me of hope and promise. I cannot sing, but I mouth the words as I am carried through the music.

In the moments after the music ends, my soul emerges in a state of rest, without anxiety or concern as I prepare to resume the business of life. In this brief period of time, I compose myself and tuck the emotional me back inside. Peering inside of myself, I see that I feel joyful, loving, unafraid, and strengthened for whatever life brings me. Music is soul-cleansing for me.