Another Day in Paradise
In 1967 I heard a song about San Francisco. It had a catchy tune and its message was simple…If you’re going to San Francisco be sure to wear some flowers in your hair. You’re gonna meet some gentle people there. 1 It quickly became the anthem for the Summer of Love in this proclaimed City of Love.
Years later Beverly and I walked all over the City. Mission District, Union Square, Chinatown, Japantown, Embarcadero, Pacific Heights, Haight-Ashbury, Russian Hill, Pier 39, Fisherman’s Wharf…We saw pretty much everything from Coit Tower to the Golden Gate Bridge. 2 But no one with flowers in their hair.
Just people rushing along crowded sidewalks and busy streets…and the beggars and homeless who were invisible to them. One night as we walked through Chinatown, I heard a song coming from one of the shops. The lyrics were in English. They called out to me and moved me deep in my soul. They still do.
Another Day In Paradise by Phil Collins. 3
She calls out to the man on the street, Sir, can you help me? It’s cold and I’ve nowhere to sleep, Is there somewhere you can tell me?
He walks on, doesn’t look back. He pretends he can’t hear her. Starts to whistle as he crosses the street. Seems embarrassed to be there.
She calls out to the man on the street. He can see she’s been crying. She’s got blisters on the soles of her feet. She can’t walk but she’s trying.
Oh Lord, is there nothing more anybody can do?
Oh Lord, there must be something you can say?
You can tell from the lines on her face, you can see that she’s been there.
Probably been moved on from every place. ‘Cause she didn’t fit in there.
Oh think twice, ‘cause it’s another day for you and me in paradise.
Oh think twice, it’s just another day for you…you and me in paradise. Think about it.
Caring is what we do for Jesus.
Every time I hear this song I remember Jesus’ words: When I was hungry you fed me, thirsty you gave me drink, homeless you gave me shelter, in rags you clothed me, sick you cared for me, in prison you visited me. When you do such things for those with nothing, you do them for me. And when you choose not to do them for others, you choose not to do them for me. 4
People are in need throughout the world. No one can do everything, but each of us can do something. Will we love, encourage, and care for them, or will we pass them by as though they don’t exist? By the way, my birthday is July 15, and I would love to hear what you are doing or trying to do for the “least of these”. Think about it.
Ciloa Forever!
Chuck
Chuck Graham is Founder and Executive Director of Ciloa, an international ministry devoted to sharing God’s encouragement and teaching others how to “encourage one another as long as it is called Today!” He is also an author, speaker, teacher, and encourager. Chuck and his wife, Beverly, live in Lawrenceville, Georgia, USA. You can learn more about Chuck and Ciloa at www.Ciloa.org.
Footnotes: (1) San Francisco (Be Sure to Wear Some Flowers in Your Hair), written by John Phillips, performed by Scott McKenzie, produced by Lou Adler and John Phillips, released May 13, 1967, from the album The Voice of Scott McKenzie, Labels: ODE 103 and Columbia. (2) And we were very tired. Lots and lots of steep hills. (3) Another Day In Paradise, written and performed by Phil Collins, produced by Phil Collins and Hugh Padgham, released October 23,1989, from the album …But Seriously, Labels: Atlantic, Virgin, and WEA. (4) Read Matthew 25:31-46.
Pictures: Banner: San Francisco, photo by dell640, Getty Images. (1) The Painted Ladies, from Fodor’s San Francisco Travel Guide, Fodors.com, photographer unknown. (2) Homeless In San Francisco, photo by RapidEye, Getty Images.
Video: Phil Collins – Another Day In Paradise – Official Music Video.
