Lenten Theme Song

I have a theme song this Lent. This song, no matter the Liturgical season, always manages to bring me to my knees (not always literally), causes me to reflect deeply and to desire that freedom of soul that Jesus only can bring. This song has been on my mind lately and I have been listening to it in the car when I can. Now, I wouldn't say it is your quiet, meditative type of Lenten song. But I am often moved by powerful songs and deep down there is some hard rock inside this faithful Catholic girl. If you'd like to hear a small snippet, you can go here (#6, "Set Me Free"). I am also including the lyrics.

Set Me Free

by Casting Crowns

It hasn't always been this way

I remember brighter days

Before the dark ones came

Stole my mind

Wrapped my soul in chains

Now I live among the dead

Fighting voices in my head

Hoping someone hears me crying in the night

And carries me away

Set me free of the chains holding me

Is anybody out there hearing me?

Set me free

Morning breaks another day

Finds me crying in the rain

All alone with my demons I am

Who is this man that comes my way?

The dark ones shriek

They scream His name

Is this the One they say will set the captives free?

Jesus, rescue me

Set me free of the chains holding me
Is anybody out there hearing me?
Set me free

As the God man passes by

He looks straight through my eyes

The darkness cannot hide

Do you want to be free?

Lift your chains

I hold the key

All Power on Heaven and earth belong to me

You are free

Now some of the words may sound a little strong and rather depressing. They may possibly make any one of us want to say, "Well, these words "soul in chains" and "live among the dead", etc. don't apply. I'm just trying to be more patient with the kids." And I can honestly say that I truly wouldn't say I am living in the depths of darkness being plagued by demons. But yet, in a more subtle way don't these words really apply to me? Yes, they do.

My days are bright, but doesn't the darkness come and take a piece of my soul each time I get angry with the children? Don't I walk among the dead, as opposed to the living, each time I sin, no matter how venial? Am I not constantly fighting the voices in my head that tell me I can never overcome this or that fault? For me, yes, that is all true. Do I feel alone with my "demons" - those sins that continually tie me down? I am chained by my sins and failures - not free. Do I not fight and get pulled down by my temper, my overindulgence in food, my self-doubt, my self-pity, my impatience and need to control life. For me this is the stuff of real life. These are the chains that bind me and the demons that take hold of me. From these I want to be free.

My absolute favorite part of the song, and the most powerful, is the part where the "God man passes by." Sends chills down my spine. There He is. The God man! He is looking straight through me. He sees into the depths of me. He knows me fully. And he says to me with strength and power,

"Do you want to be free?
Lift your chains
I hold the key
All Power on Heaven and earth belong to me
You are free"

Yes, Jesus, I want to be free. This Lent set me free! Here are my chains. Unlock them and set me free, Lord. All power on Heaven and earth - WOW! Take my soul and set it free!