The Opposite of Fear: Songs Of Hope and Love For Valentines

I remember the night we drove everywhere just to find a place to commit ourselves to a future together. It was cold, like tonight is cold.

It wasn't Valentine's Day. But it was love.

Looking back, I can't believe it took me so long to accept that the feelings I had for you were real, and worth risking everything. All that time I thought I was too broken, too battered. All that time, I thought a fool like me didn't deserve a woman like you.

But you always believed. And every morning when I kiss you in your sleep before I leave, I thank you for that calm certainty. Without your willingness to wait forever, I might never have found the courage to jump into the abyss.

A companion post to Sunday's songs of Love and Fear, then: a soundtrack for that long shared silence; a short sweet story of the miracle of us. If I could give you anything, it would be this feeling, always. No longer afraid, I fly with you.

Rosie Thomas, Songbird (orig. Fleetwood Mac)
(from These Friends of Mine)

Swati, I'm On Fire (orig. Bruce Springsteen)
(from Small Gods)

Liz Durrett, How Can I Tell You (orig. Cat Stevens)
(from Liz Durrett's website)

Richard Shindell, My Love Will Follow You (orig. Buddy & Julie Miller)
(from Somewhere Near Patterson)

Matthew Good, True Love Will Find You In The End (orig. Daniel Johnston)
(from Hospital Music)

Patty Larkin, Have A Little Faith In Me (orig. John Hiatt)
(from Rollin' Into Memphis: The Songs of John Hiatt; more Patty here)

M. Ward, Let My Love Open The Door (orig. Pete Townshend)
(from Sweetheart 2005: Love Songs; more M. Ward here)

Alison Krauss, I Will (orig. The Beatles)
(from Now That I've Found You: A Collection)

Thanks to all who come, read, sample, and support artists.

May you, too, find love.