Rhonda and I enjoyed this past week the musical production of Les Miserables at Broward Theatre of the Performing Arts. This is a great story (by Victor Hugo) with superb music (by Claude-Michel Schonberg). The production includes a song delivered by the character Fantine entitled "I Dreamed a Dream" (This was made popular by Susan Boyle on Britain's Got Talent and in her debut album a couple of years ago).
In the theatrical presentation, Fantine's heart has been broken by a man whom she had loved until he abandoned her to a life of poverty and difficulty. She sings:
"I dreamed a dream in time gone by
When hope was high
And life worth living.
I dreamed that love would never die
I dreamed that God would be forgiving.
Then I was young and unafraid
And dreams were made and used and wasted.
There was no ransom to be paid
No song unsung, no wine untasted."
But after life's bitter experiences, she sings:
"I had a dream my life would be
So different from this hell I'm living
So different now from what it seemed
Now life has killed the dream I dreamed."
I suppose one reason this song resonates with so many is that people can identify with the idea of broken dreams. Indeed, music has the ability of capturing the sadness of a broken heart.
It's been said that "dreams are the feathers on which we fly." But often times those dreams come crashing down and are destined to die. When this happens we need to know that God offers grace to heal broken hearts and strength to face a new day. So the next time you are left with a broken dream remember the One who offers grace to you and promises to make all things new (Revelation 21:5).
Devotedly your Pastor,
Ron