🌐 World Service 2021, 1. Courage to Carry the Weight of Suffering. 11.2.2021

In this episode:

Jo Jo Ma, Biden Inauguration contribution;
Where is Sinead O’Connor?

If there were a theme to this episode, it might be the courage it takes to carry suffering with us, living with situations we can do little about, but carrying the weight, while praying in our own ways, hoping for the best and doing the little things that make a difference in supporting others.

There were so many inspirational moments on the day of Joe Biden’s inauguration as the 46th President of the United States of America. One highlight for me during the evening tributes was the contribution of the master-cellist, Jo Jo Ma. He is such a wonderful human being. For me, he radiates light and goodness.

During the COVID dominated 2020 I have offered meaningful songs written during the pandemic. But one voice seems to have been silent. I began to wonder what Sinead O’Connor might be writing, seeing she is such a forthright, razor-sharp truth-teller.

As I began to dig around, I discovered an amazing story – how and why she has been silent to us these last years, but now beginning to emerge. Her story seems to me such a metaphor for getting through life’s hard hits. This episode’s ā€˜Sun Spot’ shines on her.

We conclude with a rendition of one of Sinead O’Connor’s great songs, so poignant following her long period of suffering. How can she sing, ā€˜thank you for beaking my heart’? An old song but reclaimed with deeper significance. And so hopeful, as she emerges out the other side.

 

 

  • For a great summary of her story, see this article in the Washington Post:

https://www.washingtonpost.com/graphics/2020/entertainment/sinead-oconnor-still-in-one-piece/ March 20, 2020

  • For a refreshing, insightful recent interview on Irish television:

https://youtu.be/0G9YPvsG_c4

 

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