Emery Island's video: Another Day in Paradise Phil Collins Emery Island Piano Cover

I had always thought this song was moving- even convicting, but from a faraway prideful place where I felt sympathy but not with sincere empathy. Now I listen and I can’t help but cry. I had to sing this song a few times before I could make it through. The reason being is that it has now been part of my personal story. You would never think you could fall so low to have nothing and nowhere to go until you have. I came from nothing and worked hard to build a life for me and my son and then lost it all to where I had fallen even further than I had begun. What happens when your ego is broken and you are nothing more than your skin, bones, and a heart filled with painful experiences? For me, it has given me the gift of sincere empathy and true humility. I was so wrapped up in my self-centered world trying to survive that I oftentimes neglected to notice the broken souls all around me needing to be seen. I had my reasons and most would say that a single mother trying to survive on her own may have the excuse to be selfish and guarded. Justified or not, the walls I created kept me from seeing the heart of life and from feeling my own. No matter how high or low status-wise your life is, it has no true meaning or purpose if we see through the people in need around us. I may just be one little person with not much to offer at the moment, but I can see you and I can truly feel for you, I can offer a listening ear and a little kindness. In my personal experience, this is what I have wished for during my darkest times. Now, I can’t help but want to know people’s stories, allow them to express their pain, lessons, and share a gifted glimpse of their given realities on life, love, and faith. I want to give this to others because I have rarely found it for myself and it has broken my heart so much more than the loss of material things. It isn’t just homeless people that are struggling. We all need to be appreciated and noticed. Life can be almost too tough at times, and the few who have offered me kindness made me believe that angels do exist and walk among us. We are all on our own personal journey and although we must find and follow our own path home, we will touch a thousand souls along the way. Did we help encourage them? I will keep trying to do better and be better. Love to you! Smule Track Credit: ALSGARDT