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May 28, 2016 · compassion & empathy, Empowerment Songs, Frustration, healing songs, Life In Song 2010's, Overcoming Adversity, Songs of Transformation, Suffering

515 Light A Lamp (Acoustic)


515 Light A Lamp origAbout This Song: (lyrics below)
This is a song written in response to Dr. Donnie Epstein’s 12 Stages of Extraordinary Experiencing.

He was deeply adamant that the first stage, what he calls “suffering” is that hopeless helpless phase that is actually a REQUIREMENT for any real, lasting healing to take place.

Of course that’s not something that people in pain want to hear. We want to hear that “someone” has a “solution” that can solve our “problem” fast.

The reality of the human condition however, seems to be that we will not change unless we have to. So that’s what this song is about.

(I couldn’t help but build a little hope into it though. Sorry Dr. Donnie :o).

My own experience has confirmed this. I have never made a significant change in my actions or my thinking that was not preceded by the most painful, helpless, hopeless state of suffering that finally brought me to the place where I was willing to do ANYTHING to stop the pain INCLUDING changing my INTERPRETATION of the pain and being willing to be GRATEFUL for the pain because it FORCED me to seek a better way.

So it is with the deepset compassion for you and your “stuck” places that I offer this song as a “messenger” to your uncosncious mind. Something has to change. Someone has to change. Other people won’t. The world won’t. Until you change you. Once that shift takes place within your neurology, then, everything else is possible.

Thank you for listening with an open mind and heart.  – Mark

I Will Light A Lamp

Inspired by “Suffering” Stage # 1 of 12 Stages of Extraordinary Experiencing by Donnie Epstein.
Song # 515 | 2/17/16 | Tuning: DADGAD

Disconnected and in despair…
Everything seems beyond repair…
Helpless, hopeless and afraid…
Nothing works and it won’t go away

But I am more than this dis-ease…
I am more than this field of pain
When I accept that there is no release…
That’s when everything begins to change

Refrain:
Suffering is where we all begin.
Breathe the Love in to the wounded place within

Overwhelmed and tangled up in pain
I must stop attempting to explain
Why “what is,” is not what I wish for it to be
When I accept it as a gift…I set myself free

Refrain:

But we are more than…what we think is real
We can’t heal… what we can not feel…
The Love I feel for you caught me unprepared
Because I love myself more than I have ever dared

Refrain:

Bridge: How does the rage of open wounds
Pull us through the night?
How does the Source of countless tunes
Always bring the light?

I will light a lamp for you…. and I will leave it on…

copyright 2016 by Mark Shepard. All Rights Reserved.

Filed Under: compassion & empathy, Empowerment Songs, Frustration, healing songs, Life In Song 2010's, Overcoming Adversity, Songs of Transformation, Suffering

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Some reviews & testimonials

I loved the song and listened to it 3 times….

Hi Mark, I just had to tell you this. I emailed my 3 granddaughters the song you wrote who are sisters with the youngest being 11 years old, has cerebral palsy and is very smart, is able to talk, very funny, uses a computer, is able to write, now is learning to play drums, emails me ‘Thanks. I do.’ I loved the song and listened to it 3 times.

Gail Russ

You have put a grown man in tears…

Mark, this song and message really hit home for me today. You have put a grown man in tears. Thank You for what you do. Sometimes I think you sound kind of cheesy, and then others, I think you are a genius, and I’m beginning to realize that you actually care about helping people. So hard to “get out of your own way” sometimes…thanks for the reminder.

Jeremy

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album…

Love the “Key To Your Cage” album. I hear so many different influences and styles woven throughout the songs, really keeps it interesting from start to finish!

Dan Z

Been singing the chorus since the first day I heard it…

I sh*t you not when I say I’ve been singing the chorus to Honest Rock since the first day I heard it. I sing this every single day. Many times a day. Seriously. It’s like a mantra to me. It soothes me:-)

Gene Moore

Never fails to move me…

Your incredible music never fails to move me. Thank you, Mark.

Paula

For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love…

Dear Mark, THANK YOU for sending *Spark & Flame*!!!! This CD certainly is a compilation of Conscious Love Songs! As I listen I am transported to memory after memory past, present and future, fulfilled and unfulfilled. I was flooded with many different emotions. I cried, laughed, held my breath and also breathed deep heart-centered breaths of connection to the Divine. I feel joy, grief, sadness, compassion, love, awe, freedom, kindness, gratitude and appreciation. For me these songs are transformational lessons in self-love, releasing, acceptance for what was, what is and who I am. Knowing that I am enough and that I am Divinely Loved.

J

Enjoying your songs so much…

Hello Mark. I am enjoying your songs so much! I’d love to see you play live somewhere.

Marianne

Love your lyrics!

Love your music! Love your lyrics!

Robin Bridgeford

Just awesome…

Your music is taking over my life and it’s awesome!

Eric

They love (your song) and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

My name is Cecile. I teach kindergarten at OMSD. I had the pleasure of using your song Together We Can Change The World to help my students make a difference in this wonderful world! They love it and ask to listen to it, ALWAYS.

Cecile Arvizo

Brilliant!

Brilliant! I LOVE seeing the words to all these beloved songs, thanks!

Mary F.

Your song was just perfect to start my day…

Mark, your song ‘Freedom (It’s Been  Long Road)’ was just perfect to start my day. I LOVE IT!  Thank you, Thank you.  Blessings to you and much gratitude for your musical gift.

Judy

I Love listening to all your songs…

Mark, you really are an amazing songwriter! I Love listening to all your songs and sitting in the creative aura they create!

Cheri

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred…

Your lyrics embody everything we hold sacred and dear as a faith community.

Gina Sullivan, Sisters of the Congregation of St. Joseph

Total awesomeness!!!

‘Let’s Run’ is MY FAVORITE so far.. I LOVE THIS ONE.. great job.. total awesomeness!!! I thank Jana Stanfield for introducing me to your gifts. I am grateful.

Merril

You write some great songs!

Hi Mark, You write some great songs! I really enjoyed listening to all of them on Spark and Flame. Thank you for all that you do. Keep up the good work! All the best.

Susan

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