Hearing is one thing, but to listen with discernment is quite another. The ability to see inherent contradictions in something is evidence of discernment.

A songwriter depicts how humans tend to forget their surroundings when they are in the presence of beauty. In some traditions, a bride is expected to forget her family of origin and choose her partner’s family as her own. The capacity of beauty to heighten one’s sense to the point of forgetfulness may seem contradictory,

However, the songwriter’s intention is not to highlight the contradiction itself. Rather, it is to encourage the listener to empathize with the bride and groom and their joyous union. The songwriter invites us to get swept off our feet by the holy wonder of the moment and to forget our past, pressing on towards new pastures.

As artists, we have a responsibility to be ambassadors for a new humanity. It is our sacred privilege to inform and invite others through tactful narratives, weaving a new story.