Tag: depression

Dear Evan Hansen

On By reneemarie31In Film/TV/TheaterLeave a comment

Yesterday, I saw the Broadway play Dear Evan Hansen here in New Orleans.  It was amazing, of course.  I had first listened to the soundtrack a couple years ago after the show won at the Tonys, but I had to read plot summaries to get a feel for the whole story between the songs.  Seeing the show performed really brought it all together.

It was funny.  It was inspiring.  It was sad. Walking out of the theater after the show, it was obvious that many tears had been shed among the audience.

The play is very relevant to the experience of today’s teen.  The power of the internet is a big part of the show. Our interconnectedness can be used for good and can also keep us apart.

It’s a story about depression, but even more, it’s a story about how each of us matters.  It’s a reminder that it does get better.

The show is amazing and powerful.  If you ever have the opportunity to see it, I highly recommend it.  The cast is small, but we really get to know each character. The set design and effects are really cool and evocative of how social media is so ever-present in our lives. Ultimately, it is about connection between people.

The right song at the right time

On By reneemarie31In Faith, Music, Positive ThinkingLeave a comment

I have always been a believer that sometimes the universe (or God) sends you messages when you most need to hear them. I’ve had those moments throughout my life. Sometimes it might come in the form of a quote, something you read, a sermon at church, but often it comes in the form of song lyrics.

This evening, I was feeling pretty down on myself. I was driving in my car and thinking about how I’m not great at my job and not great as a mother. I was reflecting on all the ways that I am deficient. Just as I pulled into my destination, “Live Like You’re Loved” by Hawk Nelson came on the radio. I was telling myself that I’m not good at anything, and then ….

That’s the great thing about music. It reminds us that so many of the things we feel are part of the human condition and not unique to us. A few more lines and then I heard exactly what I needed to hear in that moment ….

In the midst of my depressing thoughts, God reached out to me through the power of a song. It helps that I was listening to KLove, but I promise that this used to happen to me all the time long before I started listening to Christian music. The messages are there if you keep your ears open for them.