Tag: #gratitude

When I first words and music from the song, Hallelujah, I was mesmerized by the music and words. I have listened to many renditions and these are my three favorite ones:

The Canadian Tenors: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LTx8IGPwrIk

By Leonard Cohen https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YrLk4vdY28Q

Here is a beautiful rendition without the lyrics. It is now one of my favorites. From FB https://www.facebook.com/watch/?v=587745302694001 is this amazingly beautiful rendition: https://fb.watch/iqepx6omVI/

What is the story behind the great artist, Leonard Cohen, writing this song? There are over 50 verses and the artist much choose which ones to perform. I refer you to this interesting and in-depth article about Leonard Cohen. https://religionnews.com/2022/08/02/hallelujah-leonard-cohen/

Although Hallelujah is written as one word, its Hebrew original comes from two words, which (both the words and the concepts) have been merged into one. The first half of the word, from the verb hillel, means to praise, and it is used hundreds of times in the Bible. Praise what? Praise “jah.” “Jah” is a shortened form of the 4-letter Hebrew name for the Lord, YHWH, which is usually pronounced Yahweh. https://www.crosswalk.com/faith/bible-study/what-is-the-meaning-of-the-word-hallelujah.html

Sometimes the word hallelujah is expressed in excitement and gratefulness for something a person has been waiting for. I recently loudly exclaimed, Hallelujah, when I finally received my first copies of my 2nd edition of my first book, Outshine: An Ovarian Cancer Memoir. This was my first book published in 2012. I have wanted to update it and give the readers current information about ovarian cancer and my journey. It is soon to be released…hallelujah! My thanks to Gary Geez of Fresh Ink Publishing for his expertise, creativity, and help.

On a much deeper level, the word has sung in my heart and soul many times. When I accepted Christ into my life at the age of 17 years. The birth of each of my sons were miracles and such blessings my heart swells with love. Hallelujah rings in my soul each time I look at, talk to, or think about my husband. There are mornings when I watch the sun rise above the horizon, I quietly express a prayer of gratitude, hallelujah.

What are your hallelujah moments?