As I walked into a meeting this evening, another participant asked me if I was okay. My tear-filled eyes were the cause of his query. I waved off his concern. "I've been listening to Anne Walker's CD," I replied. "Ah!" my inquirer replied, his face filled with understanding.

Anne, a member of the congregation I serve, West Hill United, is a singer/songwriter who has graced our Sunday services with beauty and inspiration for almost two years. This past February she launched her latest CD, Labyrinth, after a decade away from the spotlight. The years have only added to the strength with which she wrestles the challenges of life and the beauty with which she celebrates it.

When I listen to Anne's music, as my friend noticed, my eyes often fill with tears. But like most of my tears, they are for beauty, not for sadness, for what moves me, not what refuses to be moved. Anne's heart is interlaced with the truths so many of us struggle to grasp. And while those truths often buckle the knees of otherwise strong and hearty folk, Anne is able to carry them with grace because she weaves them into her songs and her music. Listen carefully and you will hear not only Anne's truths poured out in music but your own.