Article By: Dee Jones, President of Light 2 World, Inc.
Do you have a bucket list of dreams?
It is good to dream; sometimes they even come true. I experienced a dream come true! My dream was to sing a duet with my favorite singer, Jon Gibson. That day came true at my wedding renewal ceremony. The Army Veteran graced us with his Stevie Wonder-like vocals and gave a message of hope to my guests and others.
A highlight of this event was serenading our nation’s Veterans with oldies and original songs by Mr. Gibson. What a beautiful week we had sharing the gift of music with others. Whether you are a disabled Veteran or a child with disabilities, music has numerous benefits for the mind, body, and soul. It is called Music Therapy.
This evidence-based practice “employs musical interventions” in the clinical setting to achieve therapeutic goals. Numerous benefits are documented in medical and psychiatric journals.
Benefits include:
- Enhanced communication for autistic children and adults with learning disabilities.
- Improved social skills.
- Emotional regulation such as reduced anxiety and meltdowns.
Music is used in community living centers for the elderly as well as psychiatric treatment for mental health. Music is used in my home for our son with disabilities; it aides focus when completing schoolwork, and helps calm him before bedtime.
There are various types of Music Therapy.
Receptive Music Therapy promotes relaxation and focus. Active Music Therapy uses instruments and rhythmic motion to enhance fine and gross motor skill development. Songwriting facilitates emotional expression and experiences through creativity which can be verbal and non-verbal. Group Therapy in Music promotes teamwork and social interaction in school and community settings like church.
Music therapy marries scientific research and creative interpretation as a means to heal the mind and soul.
God used this powerful tool in Zephaniah 3:17 to comfort his people. We are advised to do the same as David did in 1 Samuel 16. Music fights battles and heals our bodies. Jon’s music was used in my home to help our child heal from nasal surgery several years ago. Yet, I never thought it would be a catalyst for my hopes and dreams.
Years later, we would meet Mr. Gibson and enjoy music and healing across numerous settings: a wedding ceremony, a meal, a car ride, and with our Veterans.
Mr. Gibson used songs such as “What’s Goin On” by Marvin Gaye and his original melody “Have a Talk with God” to sooth our souls and lift our spirits at two Veteran Facilities. We used “Mime” and Lights for the children, and it was magical!
Whatever your hopes and dreams may be, let music infiltrate those spaces.
Sing, write, and play instruments, as it says in Psalms 150 “praise the Lord with trumpet, harps, lyres, and more. It’s good for your soul and even dreams.
Resources:
Read more articles from VOM Magazine here: www.veteransoutreachministries.org/vom-magazine
