…more miles south yesterday, into South Carolina.  We are staying in Greenville, which I had forgotten is the home of Bob Jones University.  The term “University” is understood as only Christian fundamentalists would understand the word.  Young adults born into a cultic form of faith seek admission to BJU.  “Faith” by the literalist interpretation of the Bible, brooks no “free” thought.  The education at BJU, indoctrination in good measure, to solidify the conditioning of the adherent, to the end, he or she will reflexively disseminate their dogma of “salvation” for the rest of their lives…  I am not overstating the matter.

After a few hours of being out-and-about in Greenville I note the numerous houses of worship.  Religion is manifestly popular as one travels further into the South.  As a person born in the South I well understand how religion is intertwined with Southern culture, that “faith” and the “good ole boy” network of running things are not to be separated.

Also, covid is not perceived as a risk to well being as few if any are seen wearing a protective mask indoors of a business.  Perhaps the calculation is — a bout of covid would be an opportunity for Jesus to perform a miracle on their behalf…    I do not know.  We who live in the more secular “Blue” states do not have that option.

Enough on the topic of religion.  The topic has always been close to home, too close.

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This is the tune that will get us through the weekend.  Should I have opportunity to see Pat Benatar and Neil Giraldo perform live once again, I will eagerly purchase a ticket!

And one more thought: I know this is a love song, but…  The lyric is also a reflection upon the importance of the words which we allow to shape our life.

We Belong

By Pat Benatar

Many times I’ve tried to tell you
Many times I’ve cried alone
Always I’m surprised how well you
Cut my feelings to the bone

Don’t wanna leave you really
I’ve invested too much time
To give you up that easy
To the doubts that complicate your mind

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We’ve both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

Maybe it’s a sign of weakness
When I don’t know what to say
Maybe I just wouldn’t know
What to do with my strength anyway

Have we become a habit?
Do we distort the facts?
Now, there’s no looking forward
Now, there’s no turning back
When you say

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We’ve both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

Close your eyes and try to sleep now
Close your eyes and try to dream
Clear your mind and do your best
To try and wash the palette clean

We can’t begin to know it
How much we really care
I hear your voice inside me
I see your face everywhere
Still you say

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We’ve both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder
We belong to the sound of the words
We’ve both fallen under

Whatever we deny or embrace
For worse or for better
We belong, we belong
We belong together

We belong to the light
We belong to the thunder

Songwriters: Daniel Anthony Navarro, David Eric Lowen