Find Yourself Listening to ‘I Am’ by Kurt Denison

by Sister Julie Ann on August 1, 2010

 

Kurt Denison sings 'I Am'

Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity highlight Kurt Denison's 'I Am' which encourages reflection on the deeper realities of life in the summer sun.

As St. Francis, a follower of Jesus, searched for his true identity deeply and lovingly within and around him, Franciscan Sisters of Christian Charity spotlight Kurt Denison’s I Am this month of August which encourages reflection on life’s deeper realities in the summer sun.

About Kurt

Kurt Denison is a musician born and raised on the west coast of Michigan. Kurt learned to play piano at age 6, and later learned saxophone and guitar. His songwriting reflects a humble nature, and shares uplifting thoughts.

He has written, recorded, and released the album Surface (2010). 100% of the proceeds from the latest album will be going to Friends of Grand Rapids parks. It’s available for download on Amazon Mp3 and iTunes.

Kurt’s Comments

Surface by Kurt DenisonMany people on our planet derive their sense of self from the things that they do, accomplish, or not accomplish.  I am sad, I am happy, I am young, I am old, I am successful, I am a failure – with every thought or opinion we are limiting ourselves.  We are taking ourselves further and further away.  In our life situation we may be these things, but beneath the surface of the waves there is a great depth, an entire universe unfolding through us.  It’s the same life that we were before we were any of these things, it’s untouched by anything that has happened in the past and anything that will happen in the future.  It exists now, in this very moment, the only place where it could.  By seeing the formless in others, that which is within ourselves, the very thing that animates every living being, that is true love.

‘I Am’ Lyrics

I am, I am, There’s nothing better to be
I am, I am, no need for the me
I’m not this, I’m not that, as a matter a fact
There’s nothing I’m lackin’ and it’s all intact well
If you want, I’ll save a seat, and together we could be
You’re not weak, you’re not strong, you’re not right, you’re not wrong
You are just as you are, like the moon and the stars.
My friends, that’s love, that’s love.
All my friends, that’s love, true love.
I am, I am, there’s nothing better to be
I am, I am, no need for the me
Be aware of the life we share, and from the oneness we could make a pair
You can’t love from the mind, you love from deep inside
You’re not young, you’re not old, you’re not dull, you’re not bold
You are just as you are, like the moon and the stars
My friends, that’s love, that’s love.
All my friends, that’s love, true love.

Websites:

http://www.kurtdenison.com

http://www.facebook.com/kurtdenisonmusic

  • smjs

    A great line: “I am, I am”. These words strike a chord with the scriptural name of the Lord, “I am who am”. And “no need for the me” puts me in my place before him. If I am all about me I can not be all about him. All that I am is rooted in him. If I truly desire him, if I fully desire to live as he wills, “My friends, That’s love, That’s love.” And when the one becomes a pair there is potential for exponential growth. This oneness becoming a pair points toward the communion of saints. It again pulls us out of the me to that awareness of the life we share. So simple, so true. Just as the guitar music, simple but beautiful. What a great song of the month.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/ Sister Mary Ann

    In the book “Everyday Simplicity” by Robert Wicks I read, “Be as clear about your talents as your faults; such clarity before the living God will help you to do your part in the spiritual relationship with the divine.”

    I think Kurt reflects this in his song, “You are just as you are, like the moon and the stars My friends, That's love, that's love…” Thanks so much for sharing your everyday spirituality with us Kurt, you fit well with our Franciscan life!

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Your comment reminded me of a chapter in Pope Benedict's ‘Jesus of Nazareth’ where Jesus' ‘I am’ and ‘I am he’ sayings from Gospel passages are studied beginning ‘where Jesus was at home in the Old Testament and in the Judaism of his lifetime’. (Ex. 3:14, Is 43:10) Kurt's reference to oneness especially reminded me of this passage…

    “And so the ‘I am’ of the burning bush found its true meaning once more: This God simply is. When he says ‘I am’, he is presenting himself precisely as the one who is, in his utter oneness. At one level, this is of course a way of setting himself apart from the many divinities of the time. On the other hand, its primary meaning was entirely positive: the manifestation of his indescribable oneness and singularity.
    When Jesus says ‘I am he’, he is taking up this story and referring it to himself. He is indicating his oneness…” p. 348.

  • Brooky2929

    I feel like in todays world, with all of the war and troubles this song presents listeners with an “off button”. Not so much shutting off the nasty world, but shutting off the nasty thoughts. Laying down what we're not and opening up to love. I've been watching a loved one become sick and weak recently and it's hard not to become consumed by the problems. This has been a wonderful reminder to step out of the noise and “be aware of the life we share”. Thank you!

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    I like what you said. Sometimes taking the time for a deep breath can make all the difference in the world. Peace and all good.

  • Stheresa Schleis

    Keep up your good work ,yes we all need love in our lives,whether young or old.

    our world can be a better place if we start loving from our hearts.

    Many Blessing's to you.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Lately, I discovered again through reading the intimate importance Dorothy Day placed on the value of community in her life, an answer to a great loneliness. She knew herself well enough to look to the teaching of the Gospels with heartfelt conviction. Kurt's song reminded me of this Catholic Worker's own words:

    “We cannot love God unless we love each other, and to love we must know each other. We know Him in the breaking of bread, and we know each other in the breaking of bread, and we are not alone any more. Heaven is a banquet and life is a banquet, too…We have all known the long loneliness and we have learned that the only solution is love and that love comes from community.”

  • Sisabelle

    This is a very powerful song. It sends me the message to accept myself for who I am and to be true to myself. Many times we associate ourselves with what we do and not with who we truly are.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    On this feast of St. Clare of Assisi, a light in the darkness for many souls in her day and just a great Franciscan trail blazer of faith, it is easy to accompany the lyrics of Kurt's 'I Am' with some wonderful words of Clarian wisdom:
    “What you hold, may you [always] hold,
    What you do, may you [always] do and never abandon.
    But with swift pace, light step,
    [and] unswerving feet,
    so that even your steps stir up no dust,
    go forward securely, joyfully, and swiftly, on the path of prudent happiness,
    believing nothing, agreeing with nothing which would dissuade you from this resolution
    or which would place a stumbling block for you on the way,
    so that you may offer your vows to the Most High in the pursuit of that perfection
    to which the Spirit of the Lord has called you.”

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Your words reminded me of some further wisdom I had read when doing some research on Mary Riley, Sister Pascalita's sister, who shared words her grandmother said that encouraged her to lead the White Mountain Apache Tribe as a respected elder: “If you put your arms to work, everything you want is going to be at the tip of your fingers,” the grandmother would say. “You don’t have to take anything from anybody because you can do it yourself. Don’t be afraid, stand on your own two feet. You’re as good as the next person … Don’t be afraid, don’t give up. Just keep trying and you’ll get there.” Click on this link to read more about Mary: http://www.lib.az.us/awhof/women/riley.aspx

  • Sister Karen Anne

    I am retired from nursing. I appreciate having more time for prayer and to study Scripture.

  • Sister Monica, novice

    This song reminds me of how God loves unconditionally. He is the only one who can judge us, but He is a merciful God.

  • Mandy

    I write Christian songs and this song reminded me of a song that I wrote called: 'Truly You'.

  • Amanda

    I was reminded that it doesn't matter what people think of me because God will always love me.

  • Maria

    This song spoke to me: yes, that I'm not always right. God is always with you-when you need him, when you don't.

  • Ann

    With God we are strong. Without him we are weak. God truly loves us.

  • Kaylee

    This song reminds me just to be myself. Don't try to be cool or just like your friends. God created you to be you. So don't change yourself.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/ Sister Mary Ann

    It is so good to read comments affirming the unique love God has for us to be our true selves! Thanks so much for sharing your faith insights Sister Monica, Ann, Kaylee, Mandy, Amanda and Maria!

  • Kyra

    When I hear music I really listen to the words and I really think about what they mean to me. Not just in my mind, but I think about the words in my heart too.

  • Leann

    Sometimes I think that who I am and what I do is not good enough. This song tells me that who I am is good enough-I am enough to love God and to love others. I am a tabernacle of Christ. I am Him to others-that's LOVE!

  • Maddie

    You are who you made yourself to be.

  • Hannah

    As I listen…I'm just as I am.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    Thanks for taking the time to listen. More importantly, thanks for letting us read your heart-felt reflections, Leann, Maddie and Hannah.

  • Gracey

    It's the additions that people add to who they are that causes the problems we face. This song points to true peace on earth. How do we share this with the rest of the world though?

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org/ Sister Mary Ann

    Gracey, it is good to hear you grapple with how to share the Gospel message of peace with others. I am very convinced that the more we can cultivate peace in our own lives; through words, actions, prayers, decisions etc. we are then sharing this message with the world. Becoming conscious of our need for God's peace is the first step that you seem to have already made! My prayers are with yours!

  • Jessica

    I feel that I'm not certain things, but it doesn't matter. I'm me and I don't have to be anyone else. I don't have to do the exact things as anyone else, just do what makes me.

  • Alyssa

    You're everything you want to be in your heart.

  • http://www.fscc-calledtobe.org Sister Julie Ann

    You just did. One person at a time… Peace and all good.

  • Ashley

    fun, happy, want to get up and dance!

  • KMK

    Love from the heart…and not only telling you love.

  • sisterannemarielom

    What great lyrics encouraging us to “be” and not label ourselves or others. “You are just as you are” is a great line inspiring us to fully sink into the great gift we are as God made us. Thank you for featuring this meaningful song.

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