The Brilliance ‘All Is Not Lost’

Written by: Laura Chambers (1/18/2017)

How do we respond when it seems as though the world has crumbled into dust beneath our feet? Everything we were certain we could rely on no longer seems to stand up to scrutiny. Lines are drawn in the sand between groups that have far more in common in their humanity than either side is willing to admit. It’s enough to make us want to throw our hands up in the air and surrender to our circumstances. But what if we chose to raise them in worship instead? What if we lifted our eyes and let love pull our heads above the water so we could breathe the pure, clean air of hope? The Brilliance brings us a word of comfort and honesty with All Is Not Lost, allowing for our uncertainties even as it alleviates them, encouraging us to come together in our search for meaning.

A short introduction to this project, “Oh Earth” looks down upon our planet with a mixture of awe and sorrow. Our home created us in a sense, every furrow and height affecting our own experiences. “Gravity Of Love” is the force that draws us and God toward each other, no matter what happens. He surrounds us with His love, and we cannot escape it, even if we run away. He is infinite, more than enough to cross any distance between us. “Night Has Passed/Morning Has Broken” begins at the turn of darkness to light. Fresh with possibilities, it is only in unity of purpose and worship that we can properly see each day as a gift from God.  Stretching upwards like one has newly awakened from sleep, The Brilliance refocuses our perspective towards what could be rather than what has been. “See The Love” sadly mourns our lack of understanding for others or even a desire to try and see things from their point of view before picking a fight with them. If only love was as visible as our hatred. Beginning with the second verse, other voices join in, as if to say that there are others who wish the same. Some pain won’t respond to drugs, only compassion. Even a little can bring a significant amount of light to the darkness.

“Turning Over Tables” continues by moving on from talk to action, resolving to reach out to others even if it means destroying strongholds and fixtures. Using the imagery of Jesus flipping over the moneychangers’ tables in the temple, the song takes it a step further and suggests that we also become free when we love others – free from the slavery of hatred and indifference. “Hear The Prayers” addresses God, asking Him if the unending cycle of violence, pain, and hatred really has to continue. Petitioning Him to draw us to Himself and heal us, bringing unity, it recognizes that we are responsible for the outcome we now ask to be delivered from. Is it possible to change, or have we gone too far? By leaving room for doubt, the song seems more honest than some that just say, “I know it will work out.” “Will We Ever Rise” continues questioning whether we can overcome our human nature and choose a better way. It’s not beyond the realm of imagination to see a day where we open ourselves fully to love and let it shape us into different people. “Who Is Jesus” looks at Jesus as many different people saw Him; only a man, a sacrificial lamb, or the Messiah. Those who crucified Him did not know the significance of their actions at the time; many still don’t.

“Holy Holy”, featuring the sweet voice of Hannah Gingrich, like a column of incense rising from the altar, worships as a response to the truth of Jesus’ identity. “Lift Your Voice” assures the hopeless of the world that God is listening to them, even though we often don’t. It’s easy to ignore our role in furthering the suffering of others when a good deal of it is passive or unintended. They are to continue crying out to Him, and we are to begin, asking Him to show us what we’re missing and help us to love those we neglected for so long. “All Is Not Lost” concludes by assuring us that we haven’t yet missed out on our last chance. We may have to suffer to arrive at our final destination, but there is much to be gained by heading there. A final blessing asks that our choices now may have lasting effects for ourselves and others.

We have a choice to make; will we allow everything to remain as it is and ourselves as we are, or will we open ourselves to loving and being loved? The Brilliance throws drowning castaways a lifejacket, promising them that the rescue ship is arriving on the horizon, just when they believed everything was coming to an end. All Is Not Lost echoes from the heights and sounds in the depths alike, reminding us that faith only exists in the presence of doubt defied and love embraced.

Rating: 3.4/5