Faith Matters - One Call Away

And we return! The pandemic continues to dictate our lives due to the required compliance of lockdown restrictions. We are fortunate and grateful that we have been able to once again return to face to face learning. Of course these events draw the following article to the theme of isolation which I have previously explored. I hope the following offers an interesting extension of this theme and a reflective insight as we think of those still in lockdown, and pray that we have endured our last.

Sneaky Jesus Song #1

Artist: Charlie Puth (b. 2 December 1991).

Song: One Call Away (released: August 2015).

This song was the second single released from Charlie’s fourth album ‘Nine Track Mind.' It peaked at Number Three on the Australian ARIA charts and finished in 14th position for singles in 2016, going platinum twice along the way!

Although written as a song about unrequited teen love it speaks to people of all ages, and with a strong pop overlay and underlying Gospel tone and drive, it instantly grabs the attention of the listener. If you have not heard this song, or can’t remember it, hit the link below and you will soon be tapping your foot and singing along with the chorus!

Although unintended the song is surreptitiously Christian and by substituting one word the lyrics change from the love song it is to a song that offers us the love of Christ. We could paraphrase the song to highlight these themes through the following:

We know that Jesus is ‘one call away’,

And that he will ‘be there to save the day’,

‘Superman has nothing on’ Him.

He is our ‘friend’,

He is ‘reaching out’,

and we are called to ‘take a chance’.

If we follow Him we should not be ‘scared’,

That He wants to ‘set us free’.

We can take Him ‘anywhere’ and He is everywhere.

That if we ‘sit a while’ and rest in Him, we will be restored,

And that he just wants to ‘see you smile’.

As you listen to this song found in the link below close your eyes and visualise the Risen Lord, Jesus, as the focus of the lyrics. He is there for you, he offers you all that you need, can solve any problem you have and is reaching out for you, offering his love.

We pray for all artists who help us find God in the wonder of their art. We pray especially for Charlie Puth, who we pray is blessed with good health, continued success and happiness as he continues to give so much to so many through his talent. May we all find Christ, who is only one call away, and live in Him as so beautifully offered in this song as our joy is found in knowing Him.

Yours in Christ,

Brendan Nicholls  Liturgy Coordinator