Eric Clapton’s conversion story
By Tom Quiner
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Kju1Opsvwzs
Eric Clapton was in rehab.
He had hit rock bottom. Here is what happened in his despair:
“I was in complete despair. In the privacy of my room, I begged for help. I had no notion who I thought I was talking to, I just knew that I had come to the end of my tether . . . and, getting down on my knees, I surrendered. Within a few days I realized that . . . I had found a place to turn to, a place I’d always known was there but never really wanted, or needed, to believe in. From that day until this, I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night, to express gratitude for my life and, most of all, for my sobriety.”
The song above, Holy Mother, flowed from his prayer. He performs it above with the late opera tenor, Pavaratti. The lyrics follow:
HOLY MOTHER
Holy mother, where are you?
Tonight I feel broken in two
I’ve seen the stars fall from the sky
Holy mother, can’t keep from cryingOh I need your help this time
Get me through this lonely night
Tell me please which way to turn
To find myself againHoly mother, hear my prayer
Somehow I know you’re still there
Send me please some peace of mind
Take away this painI can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait any longer
I can’t wait, I can’t wait, I can’t wait for youHoly mother, hear my cry
I’ve cursed your name a thousand times
I’ve felt the anger running through my soul
All I need is a hand to holdOh I feel the end has come
No longer my legs will run
You know I would rather be
In your arms tonightWhen my hands no longer play
My voice is still, I fade away
Holy mother, then I’ll be
Lying in, safe within your arms
Great post, Eric Clapton is one of my favourite performers and is up there with John Lennon who had the most influence on music this century.
I am glad he has found a way to live in harmony. I expect the tragedy of losing his child in an accident some years ago will have been a major factor in his difficulties.
We all handle the challenges of life differently and for many living in these very public lives it creates pressures that we often do not see and I agree that the perception of an all-powerful deity can create the impression of personal support by the way of will power, strength and confidence to the ones who are the most vulnerable in our society.
I do however criticise the rich spoilt brats who do nothing but complain about the press and make the headlines for all the wrong reasons. They should simply just get out of the business.
An all-powerful Deity is a lot more than perception, Steve. Thanks for writing.