-by Jared Adamson-

Words are inadequate.

The news this morning(Oct. 2, 2017) about a mass shooting in Las Vegas, which has been reported as “the largest gun violence massacre in recent human history”.

Realistically, while I’m typing this, my brain is running a million miles an hour in a million difference directions. And every report, broadcast and tweet, for me, is actually just adding to my jumble.

Words are inadequate.
I can’t explain what has happened.
I can’t put into words my emotional state.
I can’t speak to cause, effect or experience of anyone involved.
Words are inadequate.

But even when I can’t speak, I am finding solace in music. Specifically, I’m listening to Christmas music. And not the “ho ho ho”, “fa la la” stuff. I’m listening to “peace on earth, goodwill to men.” Even when words are inadequate, music is speaking.

And as I’m trying put into words why I’m even writing this today, why I’m telling you about comfort in Christmas music…I just can’t.
Words are inadequate.

But somehow, in ways I may never understand, music is helping me sort through the carnage. I am a man of faith. And the faith message of this music is bolstering my spirit. Maybe God is speaking through the tunes. Maybe the song is simply soothing. Or maybe it’s just distracting me from reality.

I don’t know.
Words are inadequate.
But music is my solace.

Jared Adamson 10/5/2017

Jared Adamson is the Minister of Worship and Creative Arts at Centerville Christian Church in Centerville, IN.  Studying voice, composition, organ and improv, he has a Bachelor of Music in Church Music with a double major in Bible and piano from Cincinnati Christian University where he later served as an adjunct professor in the music and worship department.