In the midst of the Advent season and as I journey toward the manger, I have been sidetracked, but in a good way! The sidetrack is the new SZA album SOS. Well, first, I really like SZA and her album CTRL from over five years ago. I was really looking forward to listening to her new album; which many did not think would come out, but here it is. I must say I like it, am I as crazy about it as the first one, NO, but it definitely has merit and there are a few songs that I go back to often. I will share my favs in a moment.
So, what might this sidetrack have to do with the Advent season? Well this album talks about a wide range of the sides of love. As I know, it can be sad, regretful, hurtful, toxic and empowering and those sides are shown in this album, SOS. I think the same “sides” can be shown in the ways that we show our love in this season of Advent. As I spoke about last post, this blessed season is not that way for everyone and people can feel some pretty difficult emotions and react in ways that are different then they imagine themselves to be.
The title SOS, meaning Save our Ship was used as a distress call for those that need help. This season like no other signals the true needs that people have in this world. Some that come to mind are the Unhoused who in this winter time are bracing for the cold and in need of help. Students who have finally realized that they are not going to pass a class or that more help is needed for them just to get by. Widows or orphans, who have lost their loved ones and are sensing that truth in the midst of the holiday season. These are just a few of the ways that people are sending out SOS calls to the world. I know that you all can think of your own ways that help is needed.
Lastly, as promised, here are some of my favs from the album that show the different sides of love that all people can experience. Love is not always blessed sometimes it gets messy too.