Getting Away With It – Electronic

Gill writes:

I’m one of those people that is completely fascinated with words. I like to know the language that they originate from, whether there was an original meaning that is different from the one now and I like to understand how other languages have shaped and formed our English language.

This might also be why am fascinated with the lyrics of songs and how they marry meaning with music. Music on its own is a beautiful language but, to me, adding the perfect lyrics to the right rhythm and melody brings about a whole, new dimension.

One of my friends shared a word on Facebook a few days ago – ‘pluviophile’ (a lover of rain; someone who finds joy and peace of mind during rainy days). I was taken straight to this song from the 80’s which is part of my soundtrack to life because whenever I am caught in rain, I don’t necessarily run for cover. I can have a tendency to zip up my jacket properly, pull the hood up and surrender to the downpour. If I do, this is always the song that I start singing…

I’ve been walking in rain, just to get wet on purpose

Of course, the rest of the song is not about rain at all but is a series of one liners that capture the essence of inner turmoil and conflicted thoughts and feelings.

I hate that mirror
It makes me feel so worthless
I’m an original sinner but when I’m with you
I couldn’t care less

and these words lead to the ultimate line I’ve been getting away with it all my life. I’m not sure about you, but there are many times in my life where these words couldn’t feel any truer. I’m talking about imposter syndrome. The School of Life Dictionary (which is a great book about emotional intelligence) describes imposter syndrome as ‘the crippling thought that people like us could not possibly triumph given what we know of ourselves: how reliably stupid, anxious, gauche, crude, vulgar and dull we really are’. I’ll just pause while you take an uncomfortable intake of breath…

Pause.

There are many times in my daily life where I hear people say things that tally with having imposter syndrome. The Local Preacher who still can’t quite believe they are entrusted with preaching; the youth worker who wouldn’t claim they are an expert about young people (even though they work with them day in, day out); the Minister who chairs church meetings feeling like they’re not qualified to do that. So many people have this underlying worry that they are ‘going to found out’ – for what?

In these ‘imposter syndrome’ moments, it’s worth bearing in mind that we are created and possess God-given gifts, skills and abilities. We’re already equipped by God for the work that we do – whether we feel we are worthy or not.

We don’t see and experience ourselves like others do, or how God sees and knows us. We don’t see that we’re capable of more than we think we are; we don’t realise that we’re respected and valued for our knowledge or our gifts; we don’t believe that we’re entrusted with such important tasks at times.

Let the feeling that you’re getting away with it wash away – and trust that God has placed you in the right time and the right place for the kingdom work that you are doing. Amen!

Electronic were formed of two musicians – Bernard Sumner from New Order http://www.neworder.com/ and Johnny Marr https://johnnymarr.com/. They also worked on songs, including this one, with the Pet Shop Boys https://www.petshopboys.co.uk/