Folly #92: Lyrics

Listening for supernatural delight, money and survival.

My son and I like to geek out on music. It’s a funny interest we share. He’ll send me a new genre or group, and tell me why he likes them. I’ll share something I hear that reminds me of him. Sometimes it’s the way the band plays together. Other times it’s the clever lyrics.

Certain songs bring a vivid picture to mind of him singing them in a lounge-lizard kind of way. (That one would be Dancing in the Moonlight, which is out of sight in the groovy lyrics department.)

Do we do this with nonprofits? Do we text friends or family to share something really cool that we just heard? Or do we just count on the fact that they’ll always be there?

And if you had my number, what favorite nonprofits would you text me?

Money

Right now, there are a lot of nonprofit leaders who are feeling unsure. And other people who seem to think:

Money. Get Back. I’m all right Jack, keep your hands off of my stack.

Money is on everyone’s mind. Nonprofits are getting word that grants are being canceled. (A lot of federal grants reimburse organizations for expenses they’ve already incurred. Double the pain.) And the stock market is down. Is there less to go around at a time when we need it the most?

Remember that Yosemite shirt? Go Climb a Rock. I’ll paraphrase.

Go make a gift.

Now is the time. A wise friend said it just right. “This is what nonprofits do. Overcome adversity. Solve difficult problems. Nonprofits dig in when the going gets tough.” So dig deep and support them.

We Will Survive

At first you’re afraid. You’re petrified. It’s taking all the strength you have not to fall apart. … And then you grew strong.

No one says it better than Gloria Gaynor, (Bonus points for the sequin-clad roller-skate dancer!)

In a nod to my son, I’ll let one of his favorite bands sum it up.

I beg to dream and differ from the hollow lies. This is the dawning of the rest of our lives.

Let’s go. Let’s give.