Someday Soon
Few words or songs strike a chord in my life these days quite like the song, Someday Soon. The song is a solo project by NEEDTOBREATHE frontman William "Bear" Rinehart and was released in 2019 by Wilder Woods. It's a heavier song by Bear as he wanted the message to teach his kids about deep emotions. The lyrics speak to me about struggle, pain, confusion, and, most of all, resiliency.
Over the past six years, I've had the good fortune to interact with Bear on numerous occasions. He’s been a constant friend and supporter of my previous employer, OneWorld Health. On more than one occasion, I had the privilege of standing backstage with him as he graciously took time to pose for photos with donors, making each person feel valued and appreciated.
He is a talented, gifted musician and a man who communicates the passions and struggles of life through music. About a year ago, I had the privilege of standing backstage with him at the Ryman Auditorium in Nashville. I took the opportunity to thank him personally for the message and meaning of his song Someday Soon, which had resonated deeply with me and served as a source of encouragement during my difficult season.
The song captures the emotions of my struggles and challenges over the past two years better than anything I know. If you’ve never heard the song, the words are below.
SOMEDAY SOON
There is a shadow in the hallway trying to frighten you
Don't let the darkness surround ya, you can make it through
Don't you give up on the kingdom, think it's crashing in
No, it ain't worth all the worry, they'll still let you in
[Chorus]
Someday soon, these worries roll on
Someday soon enough
[Verse 2]
Sometimes the weight of decisions will try to bury you
Don't let the shame tell you something that you know ain't true
Just 'cause you feel like a stranger, that don't mean you are
God, I could use a reminder of what forgiveness is for
[Chorus]
Someday soon, these worries roll on
Someday soon enough
[Post-Chorus]
Sometimes the cold wind blows, sometimes the wolves rush in
Don't think the battle's over just 'cause you say "amen"
I must confess, I have felt the suffocating presence of the darkness at times over the last two years. As well, my engagement and exit from the denomination I knew most of my life left me questioning my faith on more than one occasion.
Through the changes and struggles, I found myself asking questions like: What does the kingdom really look like? Is this how the people of God are supposed to behave? How did I end up like a stranger within the very church I grew up in? Maybe the kingdom isn’t as hard to enter as some make it sound?
Personally, I’ve concluded that God is much more merciful and forgiving than we care to admit. I’ve come to believe that we are the ones who want to keep people out of the kingdom, not God. Much like the father of the prodigal son (Luke 15), I think God is waiting patiently for us to return. His mercy and grace lead in His relationship with us. Despite how others sometimes describe God, He doesn’t lead with anger, fear, shame, or rejection.
Finally, the post-chorus echoes through every part of my being. In fact, the first time I heard the song was in a small venue in Minneapolis. You see, there are times when the cold wind still blows in my life, and I find myself fighting off the wolves (thoughts, emotions, and doubts) that rush in when I least expect them.
Believe me, I’ve prayed, wrestled, and fought with the challenges of these last few years. Yet, I am reminded - both from Bear's words and in the writing of my recent book - that the battles are not over simply because I’ve prayed the prayer and said, “Amen.” Instead, I choose to get up and move forward. I choose the Best!!