Brandon Heath The Ache
Released: September 6, 2024 (Centricity Music)
Written by: Laura Chambers (November 25, 2024)
Ever had a nagging pain that just wouldn’t go away? Perhaps you stretched yourself too far and thin, pulling something out of alignment. Or a sudden, violent blow rocked your world, leaving a continuous dull throb behind as a souvenir. Maybe you woke up one day and realized you’ve been hurting for so long, you can’t remember what it was like not to.
But some pains can be good; the satisfying burn that follows a stress-relieving exercise session. The utter relief of having a painful sliver removed from your hand. The sharp crack of a slap to the face when a reality check is needing. Most of all, a longing for somewhere you’ve never been, prompted by every glimpse you’re given. Brandon Heath reminds us that pain has two sides; The Ache of experiencing it and the sweetness of finding God there.
“The Ache” speaks of the push and pull of forgiveness, through the lens of Brandon’s own childhood heartbreak. Children often bear the weight of their parents’ choices, and although they’re not to blame, they have a choice. We have a choice. Do we forgive and begin the healing process, or allow our scars to keep us apart? It’s a work in progress, so we shouldn’t be discouraged if we don’t receive instant, complete relief.
“He Does (Oh, By The Way)” expresses the joy of learning that God is the answer to all the what-ifs we wish were true. It almost seems too good to be true – that we can find everything we’re looking for, all in one – but surprise! To paraphrase a toast, a short song but a merry one.
“Thank You. Need You. Love You” distills prayer into its simplest form; gratitude, surrender, and adoration. We don’t have to compose flowery poetry to woo God, or use big words to impress Him. Whatever weights we’re straining under, if we muster even the smallest, most innocent expressions of worship, He is pleased. A prayer for children young and old.
“Gospel Truth” muses on our failures to live up to our dreams and our roles in life. We’re still being refined daily by a God who is more than able to take our mistakes and incorporate them into something better. When we’ve done all we can, He fills in the gaps.
“Scars” describes the aftermath of tragedy, what it can do to a soul when the trauma lingers day after day. It can seem as though our prayers aren’t being heard. Platitudes mouthed by those who haven’t been there fall flat. Our mind knows the truth but our hearts haven’t absorbed it yet. But Jesus has been there before, and He knows our pain. Heath prays that if the titular marks never leave, may God use them for His glory.
Heath joins with Ryan Ellis for the celebratory “Highly Favored”, reminding us that suffering is not necessarily an indication of God’s wrath upon us. If we remember our status as beloved children of God, we can make it through any trial. Knowing who we are is because of who He is, is a comfort that will sustain us when it feels as though He’s abandoned us.
“Can We Go Home Now” is a prayer of longing for reunion with God in heaven. Like a child who gets homesick at sleepaway camp, we desire to be with those who love us. Though God has given us many blessings on Earth, there’s something even better waiting for us in heaven. As the end draws near, our yearning only intensifies.
“How To Apologize” expresses the difficulty of admitting that we were wrong and asking for forgiveness. We may have an entire laundry list of skills, knowledge, and wisdom, but apologizing? That’s in a category by itself. We all struggle with pride, and ask for patience as we learn humility.
Gratitude shines through in “Lucky”, as Heath relates all of the good things God has poured out on him; clothing, food, shelter, family, romance, and His love. You can call it good fortune or blessing, but whatever it is, God is good and these gifts are all proof of His kindness to the undeserving.
“Neverland” evokes imagery from Peter Pan to express a father’s love for his children. Never is a good word when you promise never to fail someone if it’s within your power not to, or when you recognize that you’ll never be perfect, but will always strive to do what’s best. When you become a parent, you suddenly can’t imagine not pledging your devotion to them.
Lastly, “The Other Side of the End” muses on all the ways heaven has been depicted in popular culture and the many questions we ask about what it will be like. We have the reassurance that Jesus is waiting to welcome us, and that’s all we need to know for now. The reality of heaven is far greater than our limited minds can grasp, and it’s worth waiting for. Regardless of what we find there, He’s the one we long for, not a place but a person.
Will we allow our wounds to cripple us, or will we use the counterweight of glory to balance the burdens of this world? The Ache resolves this debate emphatically in favor of the latter. Brandon Heath turns pain light-side-up to reveal all the ways it can make us stronger, tenderer, braver, and holier.
