Music Monday: “Music Of My Heart” by Gloria Estefan & ‘NSYNC
by: Debbie waltz
Wishing a belated but heartfelt Happy Father’s Day to every father who has given so much love, support, and guidance to their families. While preparing for Music Monday, I searched for a Christian song to commemorate Father’s Day, something beyond the usual classics like Chris Tomlin’s “Good Good Father.” I wanted a more unique and original piece. My father, a guiding force in my career, has consistently supported and encouraged me. He provides for my physical needs and embodies the immeasurable love of my Heavenly Father, extending his generosity to friends and actively sharing the gospel.
As Christians, we believe we are created in God’s image (Genesis 1:27). As a result, our faith compels to be ambassadors of hope, demonstrating God’s compassion and mercy to a broken and hurting world. This is one of the roles of a father – to his family and to the world.
God uses a father’s care for friends and family to reveal His character, employing relatable comparisons like a king, shepherd, or father. Our past experiences with our earthly father, both positive and negative, shape our understanding of and expectations for our Heavenly Father. However, even though we are made in God’s image, we remain human and live in a broken world, prone to fall into our fleshly nature, despite our faith.
“Music of My Heart” was a favorite film of mine from years ago. It wasn’t just the music; it also highlighted a mother’s dedication to her children. After a devastating divorce, Roberta Guspari (played by Meryl Streep) is forced to enter the workforce to provide for her children. With no job prospects, Guspari worked wrapping gifts until a chance encounter with a former classmate, Brian Turner, reignited her love of the violin. He then suggested an introduction to Janet Williams, the principal of Central Park East School in East Harlem (played by Angela Bassett), drawing inspiration from the previous conversation. Maybe she could fill in for the violin teacher. She agreed to the idea, even though she has no prior teaching experience.
Upon their meeting, Janet agrees to give Roberta a chance if only on a temporary basis. To help the school get started, Roberta loaned them some of her musical instruments because they had so few. Facing predicted budget cuts, the program’s future is uncertain after a decade of success. Seeing no other option to save the program, she decided to organize a fundraiser. Supported by their parents, they organized a concert showcasing current and former Guspari students.
Instead of being intimidated by inner-city substitute teaching, Roberta showed grit and determination, sharing her love of the violin with students. This not only boosted their confidence but also fostered a devotion to the violin, a devotion that would extend to other aspects of their lives. Simultaneously, the class built a supportive, close-knit atmosphere resembling a family, allowing students to confidently turn to their peers for help and support, creating a strong sense of community and mutual reliance. As Christians, we feel called to a life of mutual support, actively lifting others and offering our companionship during times of difficulty and need, mirroring Christ’ love and compassion shown to us. 1 Thessalonians 5:11 reminds us, “Therefore, encourage one another and build one another up, just as you are doing.” (ESV)
