For me, Bobby McFerrin will forever be linked to the song, “Don’t Worry; Be Happy”--
“Here’s a little song I wrote
You might want to sing it note for note
Don't worry, be happy
In every life we have some trouble
But when you worry you make it double
Don't worry, be happy
Don't worry, be happy…”
And then comes my favorite part!
(Ooh, ooh ooh ooh oo-ooh ooh oo-ooh)
be happy!
Honestly, I can get so caught up singing in my best Jamaican accent and belting out the Ooh, ooh, ooh oohs that I neglect to truly listen to the invitation McFerrin is offering.
In the midst of rent needing to be paid and other troubles that come our way we hear, “Here, I give you my phone number, when you worry, call me…” Ironically, he doesn’t promise to buy us furniture, pay our rent, fix our problems, or take away our worries, but we are reminded that we are not alone.
Of course, those are only lyrics to a catchy tune and I doubt McFerrin is giving his number out for when we’re worried. So, I guess it’s up to us to support one another, encourage one another, be there for one another.
So why aren’t we?
Are we worried someone might take advantage of us? Are we worried we might have to give up an hour or two of Netflix?
Are we worried no one will not be there for us in our time of need?
Maybe it’s time to listen once again…
"The weight of worry drags us down,
but a good word lightens our day."
--Proverbs 12:25
Pastor Jo
February 8, 2020
