The phrase “you opened up my eyes” was lifted from a musical rendition of “Alone in This World” written by Duane Parham and performed by Pastor Lydia Wright and Saxophonist Duane Parham.  My eyes filled with tears of gratitude for the goodness of God as I listened to the words and music, but what do they mean?  “You opened up my eyes” is an expression that reaches far beyond the human eye and connects one with a realization of the purity and transformation of divine Love.  It suggests inspirational growth and inner strength to continue the journey.  And dear reader, that is what this article is about!

Image by Divine Light Angels

Alone in This World

Capturing the purity of that love, a love that caresses and embraces all mankind known and unknown, the phrase continues to challenge the human mind.  It is only when we ‘touch the hem of (Christ’s) garment” can we move closer.

Pastor Wright chronicles this feeling with “Alone in This World.”  Before continuing the discussion, let’s discover more about Pastor Wright.  Lydia Wright-Hamilton is the pastor of Praise at Just Jesus Ministries and one of Detroit’s leading gospel singers.  The Pennsylvania Magazine describes her as “a unique talent. (A talent that) has graced stages nationwide musically with Thomas Whitfield, on theatrical stages with Michael Matthews, and internationally appearing on esteemed television platforms with Dr. Bobby Jones. Her journey in the world of theater gave her invaluable exposure and experiences.”

Pastor Wright-Hamilton has spent several years directing plays and recently furthered that experience to filmmaker with the movie Granny’s Place.   

Her music accentuates the ministry; delivers an electrifying sermon and embraces with love.  Such is her rendition of Duane Parham’s “Alone in This World.”  It opens up your eyes. 

You Opened Up My Eyes

Expounding on the meaning of the phrase, “You” refers to God, and “My” is a person praising God for advancing his/her vision beyond human sight, and moving it to divine revelation.  It’s one whose eyes are opened, resulting in the ability to touch the ‘fringes” of Soul, God, and see a purity and clarity the human eye cannot behold.  Mental transformation stirs the inner self and moves the outer self to do things never contemplated or expected.  Here’s what I mean:

Video of “Alone in This World”

Alone in This World expresses the gratitude one feels when God directs his life.  Trying to dig ourselves out of the valleys of human destruction and climb the mountains of despair, God is a welcome visitor.

Loneliness is a “strange animal.”  Without peace, mercy and a strong sense of belonging, it is easy to feel alone in a crowd of people or sitting among family members.  Conversely, Songwriter Duane Parham says, “When You (God) step right in, you open up my eyes,” and with clarity I see a straight path instead of a crooked one, togetherness, not loneliness. Therefore, when the thunderbolts of life knock me down, the piercing light of truth gives me the courage to stand again.  It is a song that tells you, “I can be a better person because I am no longer lost with a feeling of separation.  You have opened up my eyes.”

The Sameness of Christianity and Spirituality

Are Christianity and spirituality parallel in meaning?  Yes.  Christianity is derived from the word “Christ.”  Christ is not a man.  It is a manifestation of God—a representation of God comprehensive to human revelation; the Holy Ghost; man made in the image of God.  It is a mental reflection of all that God is, which comes to human consciousness and casts out sin, sickness and death.  Jesus demonstrated the highest and holiest representation of Christ, thus earning him the title Jesus Christ.  However, the same Christ that Jesus demonstrated centuries ago, is available to us today when our eyes are open to truth.

Spirituality is derived from Spirit.  Spirit is another name for God and is the substance of all that God made.  It is not visible, nor understandable to human sense or logic.  Paralleling Christianity, its presence is not known or visible unless sin, sickness and death are absent.  Sin, sickness and death are the opposite of Life, Truth and Love, which are also names for God.

This writer believes biblically, seven synonyms define God:  Mind, Spirit, Soul, Principle, Life, Truth and Love.  There is only One God, but each synonym represents the wholeness of God.  As we grow in grace, our unity with God evolves until we “awake in His likeness.” 

Claim “You Open Up My Eyes”

As a child of God, you have the capacity to increase your spiritual vision, arouse your intimacy with God, and stand on holy ground. Your eyes will become spiritually opened, and you will see Truth instead of error, good over evil and life over death. Each minute or second you are able to do this, you will never be . . .”alone in this world.”