Creative Writing ~ Media Autobiography

For my media autobiography, I decided to do a combination of both music and literature. There’s not really any specific order to this, though I did try to organize each category (songs and books) in the order of life events it occurred with.

1. “God Is All Around Us” by Twila Paris

Truthfully, the entire CD that this song is found on, has been instrumental in my life. Ever since I was diagnosed with narcolepsy and cataplexy at six years old, I have listened to this album during every rest/nap and at night. Because of the horrific nightmares that often come with narcolepsy, I was and sometimes still am, scared to go to sleep. Having this CD though, and specifically this song, gave me something to listen to that was completely centered around Jesus and His love.

2. “Blessings” by Laura Story

As stated above, I have an illness that is not curable. And this song, Blessings, really describes how I feel. It says, “We pray for Your mighty hand to ease our suffering, all the while, You hear each spoken need, yet love us way too much to give us lesser things.” There have been so many times that I have prayed for God to just let me get a good rest. I mean, that’s not a huge request, right? But sometimes it doesn’t happen. He doesn’t answer or come through in the way I want Him to.

Another lyric that I relate to says, “What if a thousand sleepless nights are what it takes to know You’re near.” I can’t tell you how many times I have been awake during the night. Sometimes crying, sometimes scared, and this line really is true.

3. “Through All Of It” by Colton Dixon

Something I struggle with is doubt. Like most people with whatever they struggle with, I’ve had seasons where it’s stronger than others. During one of those, I was listening to Colton Dixon’s album and caught these lines, “When I was blinded by my fear, and I struggled to believe, but in those unclear moments, you were the one keeping me strong, this is how my story’s always gone.” I love that.

4. “Free To Be Me” by Francesca Battistelli

I’ve never met Francesca Battistelli, but if I did, I would ask her if she’s a perfectionist. The reason why, is several lyrics in this song seem to hint at that.

Try to fit the pieces together But perfection is my enemy

And

When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out

Being a perfectionist myself, I relate to those lyrics.

5. “Oceans” by Hillsong United

I really love this song; it deals with a lot of different components: faith, fear, and trust. I’m someone who doesn’t trust very easily – even with God, I struggle with it, though I like to believe that I’ve grown in that.

6. “Fight Song” by Rachel Platten

This is such an awesome song! It’s really empowering and inspirational. I love how it talks about to keep fighting even if everyone else is saying you can’t do it or if you feel like giving up.

7. “Mean” by Taylor Swift

I’m pretty sure every person on the planet can relate to this song. It talks about the mean people in our life, and how someday they won’t be able to treat us like that. I know I’ve had people who have ignored me and well, y’all girls know, all that girl drama lol. So yeah, this is another great, upbeat song.

8. “Love” by Jana Kramer

Alright, I’ll admit it. I’m a completely Hallmark-watching, sappy romantic. I adore a good love story. Put a romantic movie in or give me a love story, and you can be guaranteed that I’ll probably like it. Side note, that’s likely the reason why I’m such a shipper. Anyway, this song is definitely me.

9. Elsie’s Endless Wait by Martha Finley

Even though I absolutely love reading, there have been very few books that have really touched me beyond the fact that I think they’re wonderful. I remember reading the Life of Faith series for the first time, though, and being struck by Elsie’s character. She made me want to be a better person and Christian. Even in the midst of her circumstances, she was still honoring God and putting her faith first when it would have been easier not to.

10. Breaking Up With Perfect by Amy Carroll

Lastly, this is probably the most recent one on this list. I still haven’t finished the book yet, but what I have read so far is really good. It was written to help perfectionists (aka me) break free from their perfectionism. And being the perfectionist I am, I had to include it.

There you go! Those are my ten songs and books that would be my media autobiography. What ten songs, ten books, or ten songs and books would you choose as your media autobiography?

~ Southern Dreamer