I first heard this song on a recording by Lost Dogs quite a few years ago. It was Track 18 on their 1992 release Scenic Routes. When I read the playlist on that recording I find myself able to hum all of them and recall the lyrics for most (at least for parts of the songs).
Vernon and the team offered this version in worship recently and I was, as I often am, amazed by the power of the right song as part of a whole -- with other music and Scripture reading and a sermon and the lights and graphics. All of it.
I was also reminded of why I love this song which so clearly reminds us that ALL are loved by God and ALL are invited to breathe deep of his very breath. He does not ask us to straighten out our act or get our stuff together or make things right or figure them out BEFORE we are loved, invited, included. He promises to walk with us through all of that mess and do the straightening and cleaning and restoring for us. He knows we can't do it ourselves.
I am also reminded that many of the things that we think divide us (status, titles, roles and such) actually don't. Or only do because we let them, but by letting them we are listening to the one who deceives and divides rather than the One who is Truth, the One in whom everything is brought together in unity.
The lyrics are in the video above, but I'll put them here too.
Breathe Deep (The Breath of God)
(Music and lyrics by Terry Taylor)
Politicians, morticians, Philistines, homophobes
Skinheads, Dead heads, tax evaders, street kids
Alcoholics, workaholics, wise guys, dim wits
Blue collars, white collars, war mongers, peace nicks
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Suicidals, rock idols, shut-ins, drop outs
Friendless, homeless, penniless and depressed
Presidents, residents, foreigners and aliens
Dissidents, feminists, xenophobes and chauvinists
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Breathe deep
Breathe deep the Breath of God
Evolutionists, creationists, perverts, slum lords
Dead-beats, athletes, Protestants and Catholics
Housewives, neophytes, pro-choice, pro-life
Misogynists, monogamists, philanthropists, blacks and whites
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