The "broken" Hallelujah

Hallelujah is a Hebrew word which when translated means "Glory to the Lord".  I recorded this cover of the Leonard Cohen hit recently on a visit to South Africa.  I love the song - it speaks to my life on so many levels.  It touches on the human notions of vulnerability, confusion, seduction betrayal and guilt.  

But the underlying message is that all the perfect and broken hallelujah's have equal value.  It is an affirmation of faith and hope in life, love and surrender.  It speaks of the brokenness of our humanity and the vulnerabillity of love and our humanness.  

It reminds me of e.e. cummings' line 

"i do not know what is is about you that closes and opens; only something in me understands the voice of your eyes is deeper than all roses."

It is only when you live a life of challenge as opposed to one of comfort that you grow.  When you grow, you  become whole unto yourself.  That is the broken hallelujah - it is a humble affirmation of gratitude for discovering the blessing in heartache and the power of renewal. If it weren't for heartache you would never find joy. 

Hallelujah for the broken ones and for the ones which I know are yet to be spoken.