Ravine

When I first started this blog, I concocted a fake biography about an author, Smarmy, who was addicted to Ace of Base. It just so happens I grew up liking Ace of Base. Imagine that! My kids like Ace of Base, too. Totally my fault.

As I’ve grown older, I’ve continued to love the song, “Ravine.” From The Bridge album, “Ravine” was written by Jenny after a fanatic came into her home, threatened her family, and hurt her mother. The song is a poignant metaphorical telling.

I know nothing about Jenny’s Christian faith or views. What I know is that her simple lyrics talk of reaching out to God in the aftermath of a horrible experience. I’ve been there. I’ve gone to the ravine—a metaphor for being at the lowest point; yet, conversely, a place where one gathers strength and draws close to God.

In the aftermath of an experience that leaves one shaken, a person’s character goes through a forging process. The reaction in the moment has faded, and the full horror of the situation bears down. There’s no human being to turn to and no pride to depend on, nothing but the naked spirit oppressed by Grief, Anger, Doubt, Fear. That’s the moment when one decides to go to God or reject Him.

Here are the lyrics in the bridge section of “Ravine.”

“Why do you ask why I’m not blaming my God.
I’ll tell you what; He was the only one there.”

Bad things happen in life—not because God isn’t there, but because God allows souls to choose the right way or the wrong one.

Here’s the song from RIVERBACK on youtube:

“Then they cry unto the LORD in their trouble, and he bringeth them out of their distresses. He maketh the storm a calm, so that the waves thereof are still. Then are they glad because they be quiet; so he bringeth them unto their desired haven.” – Psalm 107:28-30