Have you heard of Regina Spektor? She is one of my favorite singer songwriters, right up there with Adele. Regina is less popular, but equally talented. I have been a fan since she began her career. You have to check her out.
Her song Laughing With especially resonates with me. Here are some of the lyrics:
No one laughs at God in a hospital
No one laughs at God in a war
No one’s laughing at God
When they’re starving or freezing or so very poor
No one laughs at God
When the doctor calls after some routine tests
No one’s laughing at God
When it’s gotten real late
And their kid’s not back from the party yet
But God can be funny
At a cocktail party when listening to a good God-themed joke
Or when the crazies say He hates us
And they get so red in the head you think they’re ‘bout to choke
God can be funny,
When told he’ll give you money if you just pray the right way
And when presented like a genie who does magic like Houdini
Or grants wishes like Jiminy Cricket and Santa Claus
God can be so hilarious
Regina admits that her views on religion are mixed and constantly changing which is what is so universal about this song: that our views on life, purpose, religion, or God can be completely predicated on our circumstances.
That said, this song especially resonates with me, as someone who identifies as a religious Catholic. People often ask me to pray for them or for a loved one, which I do, but I remind them that they too can pray to God. He is not blocking your prayers!
Catholics: 8 days until Ash Wednesday. What is your Lenten goal?
Evangelical Christians: Are you voting for Ted Cruz?
Atheists: Do you detest my posts on religion?
Wow, she has a beautiful voice. And I honestly haven’t gotten so far as to think of Lent yet and know it is coming, but still not sure what I am giving up myself now.
Great post. Great song. Love it. I am a Buddhist Catholic. People say those two can’t go together but it does for me.
Believe it or not I pray a lot. As former Pittsburgh Steeler Troy Polamula once said why he is always praying during a game ““Prayer is a foundation. It’s your communication with God. It’s constant prayer – constant, constant, constant prayer,” Also he has said “It is about beating back the temptations of pride, being vain, ego.” I try to also.
I don’t fall into any of those three categories, but I do agree with you that our views on God are often dependent on our circumstances.
I’ve never heard this song – thanks for introducing it to me.
I love the tone of her voice – beautiful and a bit haunting. I’m a Catholic who prays constantly. When my sister was dying, I understood for the first time the notion of praying for strength rather than praying for a desired outcome. I gave up giving things up for lent because it felt a little self-serving. “I’ll give up sweets and maybe lose a pound or two.” Now I just try to focus on kindness – walking the talk.
I’m Jewish so can’t answer about religion. I don’t detest your posts! I’d never vote for Cruz. As for Regina, my ex went to high school with her and I met her!
She’s wonderful in person.