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Ob la di ob la da

Saturday, Jul 3, 2021
Jim Sutton

Ob la di ob la da, the song penned by Paul McCartney and recorded by the Beatles became popular in the era where I grew up. The song lyrics were catchy, trite and created with controversy between Lennon and McCartney. (See history of the song here)

The origination of the phrase came from Jimmy Scott, a Nigerian musician who played congas on the song, and was rebuffed by Paul for any lyrical credits. So often, such is life - the catalyst for things that go viral are all too often obscured by motives less than ideal. Lately I've noticed that more people in my circle are becoming aware that society is suppressing the kind of truth that reveals motives of authority figures. It's not really a new phenomenon, it's just a whiplash sort of feeling after the 4 years of questioning everything about President Trump's words, actions and possible motives. Now, in a new administration elected through believably fraudulent means, crickets from the same news sources.

The trivialization of something beautiful,such as marraige and the veneration of that which the Bible calls sin has been played out in American society, and other western societies such as Canada and England. It's no surprise, as the sheer number of people that seem to resonate with a Marxist message of "here, now, and on our terms" is substantial. But the message has a fatal flaw in disregarding the Creator, and His purposes for this created haven for human life. The Psalmist cry of "How long will you allow the righteous to suffer at the hands of the wicked" is balanced by the understanding that God's love desires that no one should perish . Those who delve deeper into this mystery wonder whether the predestined language of Scripture reveals a deeper aspect of the creation that was in place from the beginning of this supernatural experiment in the meaning of God's love towards His creation.

Regardless, we live in an age now where civil life has become more tenuous as polarization strangles the conversation that might build bridges rather than IED infested passages between warring areas. Where this leads is anyone's guess, although I believe that the God who formed you and I has the best insight into our future with our current trajectory. How He reveals it to His people is always interesting and will most likely be available to future generations to ponder.

Ob la di ob la da, life does go on, and perhaps in a meaning that is better understood with the Nigerian expression than the cynical lyrics that McCartney penned and Lennon hated. I will find comfort in knowing that God is in control, even though I am not. My days will be lived taking opportunities to be the blessing and the comfort for those around me that God intends for us to be with each other in His kingdom. The idea that marriage is a sacred union between man and woman, established and blessed by God will continue to be modeled by my wife and I. And in the end of our physical lives where we represent this reality to our family and friends, ob la di ob la da will stretch into eternity with fulfilled meaning and joy!

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