Thank You For Hearing Me

I read a blog post earlier today about Sinead O'Connor. I never had any intention of reading anything of the sort. I was tired. I had other things on my mind. But there it was. And it seemed to hold something I needed.

Remember controversial, eccentric, yet honestly transparent Sinead O'Connor?

I always liked that she wrote most of her own stuff and while I've not always listened to her music; I do like her desire to speak about God, and think she has an absolutely beautiful voice. The song, "Nothing Compares To You," always comes to mind whenever I hear her name. I also like her desire to stand against injustice. 

This post I read was about her newest album and one of her controversial songs about the many childhood sexual abuse cases in the Catholic Church, which she has often spoken out against. The fellow that wrote the blog had posted a few videos of her and one of them was, "Thank You For Hearing Me." I'd never heard her sing it before. I didn't even know it was her song. David Crowder Band did this song several years ago, but I had no idea Sinead O'Connor actually wrote and performed it originally. 

DCB narrowed down a few of the lyrics and defined it more as a prayer of thanksgiving to Jesus. They ended it with, "My Jesus, I love thee. I know thou art mine."

I’m not entirely certain (although I think I have a pretty good idea) what inspired or compelled her to write these lyrics, but her words speak to me deeply about where I am in my life right now, and I thank her for that.

I do know this—we all have a life story. Some parts of our stories are beautiful and some parts are ugly. Some parts make us laugh and some make us cry. Some bring us comfort and some bring pain. And then sometimes you find a song that speaks volumes about all such things. 

For me, it is certainly that. This song is also a kind of prayer conversation; precious words between Jesus and I. He understands what they mean to me. He also understands the places in my heart that long to speak but can't fully find a way to articulate any words. 

Jesus, I know you see, hear, help, hold, love, heal, save, prune, shape, and stay with me in ways, no one else can. Thank you.

And certain parts of this song speak to those special people—family, friends, and even some online acquaintances—who have stood by me through the most difficult times in my life.

And to those who are standing with me as I write—some  of you hear me as no one else can. Some of you see me like no one else can. Some of you can stay and be in the difficult places with me that others cannot. And for that, I say a deeply grateful and heartfelt thank you.

The end of this song says, "Thank you for breaking my heart, Thank you for tearing me apart, Now I'm a strong, strong heart, Thank you for breaking my heart." 

I can apply that to certain people, events, and circumstances that broke my heart and yet inadvertently, have made me stronger.

Sometimes, usually in hindsight, we can be grateful for the hardships, adversity, struggles, and pain in our lives because they eventually push us toward the places we need to go.

Below is a video of Sinead O'Connor singing this beautiful song and while she varies the words a bit here and there, it is the original lyrics that I think speak so much for me, for all of us.

So how do you feel about this song? 

Does it speak to you in a particular way?  

I'd love to hear what you think. 

Michelle



Thank you for hearing me (x3)

Thank you for loving me (x3)

Thank you for seeing me (x3)

And for not leaving me (x3)

Thank you for staying with me (x3)

Thanks for not hurting me (x3)

You are gentle with me (x3)

Thanks for silence with me (x3)

Thank you for holding me
And saying I could be (x2)

Thank you for helping me (x3)

Thank you for breaking my heart
Thank you for tearing me apart
Now I'm a strong, strong heart
Thank you for breaking my heart.

Sinead O'Connor

11 comments

  1. I feel as if this song is all of our life's story whether we realize it or not. Thanks for sharing it. I'd not heard it before.

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  2. I love that song. Not sure when it was written, but it sure is beautiful. Thank you for posting it, Michelle. As always, your timing is impeccable. Always the right words at the right time. Hope you are having better days. Love you!!!

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  3. Beautiful song, beautiful post, Michelle. I always am inspired by what I find here at your home on the web. God bless..

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  4. Melinda, Kathy and Renee, thank you my friends. Always so glad to see each of you. Love you all!!

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  5. This is the first time I've heard this song. I think it's beautiful. I agree with the words. Some things that broke my heart have led to greater joy than I thought possible. He is so faithful. Thank you for visiting my blog and for the nice comment.
    Blessings,
    Charlotte

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  6. Well, thank you for stopping by my blog Charlotte. Nice surprise. I appreciate you taking the time to share a comment. And you are so right; He is faithful.

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  7. Hello. I came across your blog yesterday. Thank you for visiting me as well. Thank you so much for sharing so vulnerably. It truly is such a blessing. I just "happened upon" this post. The timing is impeccable. I so needed to hear the words of this song. And Sinead was one of my faves during high school. Back then she had a completely shaved head, and I remember how beautiful she was. She pulled it off! I Truly, I thank the Lord for not leaving me now, during one of the darkest hours of my life. And blessings to you as well.

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    1. Moi, it's nice to "meet" you! Thank you so much for sharing this. I appreciate your words. I read through a few of your posts yesterday. My favorite part was reading about you. I like your unique style and also admire your transparency. I am sorry you're going through so much loss and heartbreak. I do relate to brokenness and loss very much. Like you, the Lord has been my true anchor through it all. It's not easy but He has certainly kept me. Thank you for taking the time to comment. I always enjoy being able to share life with others; even online. I'm truly honored to have you following along here and look forward to reading more of what you have to say on your blog. God bless and keep you, dear one :)

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    2. Oh by the way, I'm one of those gals who also checks the ingredients on ALL products too (food, household, supplements, body care; you name it, I check it).

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  8. I found this song and it is now my song I turn to when life is getting particularly difficult. I play it every morning as it is a prayer for me to start the day. I realize that while I may feel alone, I am never alone. The difficult experiences that life brings are just that, experiences, and how I react to them is my choice. This song makes those choices easier. Thank You Sinead

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  9. Beautiful song. Beautiful singer.

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