Music Inspiration
PSALM 131
I finished writing the music and this song on October 6th 2023.
The next day, the October 7th massacre occurred. I sat broken-hearted for the little children ripped away from their parents and parents ripped from their children.
I began writing this song a couple of weeks earlier because I had written a book about the stones on the breastplate, revealing a particular character for each stone. The first stone is the Odem stone. Hidden in that stone is the word dumah, which means to be still.
I began writing the music to this song in order to memorize Psalm 131.Yahweh, my heart is not proud nor my eyes haughty, nor do I involve myself in great matters or in things too difficult for me. Surely, I have composed and quieted my soul; like a weaned child with his mother, my soul is like a weaned child within me. Oh Israel, hope in Yahweh from this time forth and forever.
After the attack, I read verses 1 and 2 of the Psalm again. I stopped at the word ‘dumamti’, which means ‘quieted my soul’. I pondered how a person who lost someone in such brutal horror quiet their soul, I pondered how anytime a separation between a mother and child in any form occurs, it leaves the soul unable to be still. The most vulnerable place of pain is the space of loss between a parent and child.
I was struck by the timing of this song and could only pray that Yahweh would grant many the ability to quiet their souls, even amidst such pain. Then I read verse 3: "Israel, hope in Yahweh from this time forth and forever." That became my moment of awe.
For all who claim to be believers in Yahweh, after enduring tragedy, remember to hope in Yahweh. When the pain of losing a loved one arises, hope in Yahweh. If hardships come your way, hope in Yahweh. And if your relationship with your child—the most precious gift God could ever give—is strained, hope in Yahweh. From this moment onward, do not let anything diminish the hope that is fulfilled only in Yahweh. Sit in the quietness, even in your sorrow, and hope in Yahweh.
Shalom,
Angela Noe
Psalm 1
This song was written by David, but the musical interpretation was created by a dear friend of mine who passed away before it was produced. Charles "Chuck" Louis Demos passed away from an aneurysm when he was only 53 years old in April 2010, so he wrote this sometime prior.
Chuck and several others from our church formed a band, and we were beginning to record and hold live performances. He was the group leader. His wife graciously allowed him to use a portion of their home as a music and recording room, and the band would meet there regularly. She and one of their daughters would also join us whenever they could. Chuck had instruments that missionaries had given to him for use in other countries, and he could play any instrument he got hold of.
One of his unique instruments was a llama jaw that could be used for percussion because of its rattling teeth, as well as a horn due to the holes left by the loosened teeth. He once recorded a song on a child's plastic recorder that could only be described as having the Holy Spirit attached to it. He played guitar, percussion, harmonica, and piano; in short, he could play anything that came into his hands. From what I knew of Chuck, God, family, and music were everything to him.
At his funeral, a variety of instruments were placed in the middle of the sanctuary. His daughter sang a beautiful eulogy, and several of his friends were given the opportunity to share their music. My heart breaks when I think of how such a talented person passed away so quickly before his gift could be fully heard.
I pray that recording this song now will help his legacy spread from one generation to another. I hope it inspires both men and women, young and old, to consider that true blessing comes from walking not in the path of the wicked, but instead planting our roots deep into the streams of eternal delight.
We miss Chuck and pray that his music continues to touch lives forever.
Shalom,
Angela Noe
Voice of My savior
This song can be deeply understood on a personal level, especially when someone endures painful situations in their life. Such experiences can strip away the joy of singing along and may leave them feeling shame. The painful circumstances can disrupt one’s sense of rhythm and cause fear, leading individuals to turn away from Yahweh. This sentiment is relatable; these moments can often leave us feeling lost and devoid of comfort. However, if we seek Him, we can find the voice that brings us peace—the voice that sets us free and truly speaks to the song within us.
At the beginning of time, all creation had a song to sing. Inside every created being, there exists a song; the trees clap their hands, and the rocks cry out. Every animal and every person has a voice and a song to share. As we explore the words of this song, we can relate them to our own lives and the painful experiences we may have faced. We can also reflect on the song of creation and its return. From the time of creation in the Garden, where everything was beautiful and in harmony, to the moment sin entered and chaos disrupted the harmony of the Creator, we see the shift. Sin brought shame and fear; the music changed, and the rhythm was lost.
What was once synchronicity turned into disarray, and the purity of The Word was marred, losing its poetic beauty. Now, all of creation longs to hear the peaceful redemption that comes when the music comes together as a beautiful symphony. The rhythm aligns even in the midst of complexity; the lyrics are inscribed in the hearts of humanity; harmonies resonate through every particle; and all creation dances to the voice of the One and Only, the Savior.
Shalom,
Angela Noe
