I originally wrote this mu*sic Monday in November 2021. Ponder This was only one month old. The world seemed upside down to me. I felt it spinning out of control and that, as a country, we were heavily divided. The voices on the airwaves were not trying to unite but instead divide. At the time, I was shell-shocked, confused about how we, as a country, had gotten to where we were. I hoped it would change and we could come together. I worried about what might come if we didn’t realize we had more in common than uncommon. When I heard this song, it spoke to me and brought hope. It still touches me when I play it.
Mandisa had a hopeful soul, and I connected to that. Her voice cheered for love, encouraged acceptance of one another, pleaded for patience with each other, and affirmed that we all bleed the same.
I still have hope, though now, almost three years later, we have not come together yet. But I continue to pray we find our way.
Until that day, give this a listen. And on a side note, “American Idol” will be doing a Mandisa Tribute on Monday, April 29, 2024.
Remember, our 60-Day Run begins May 1. Invite someone to follow Ponder This and take the journey with us. Until then, be safe, be kind, give grace, and pray. The world needs our prayers. <><
Here is my original post.
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
I stumbled onto this song a few months ago. An algorithm in Spotify placed it under“Recommended songs” based on my playlist. I have been in search of something that voices what my soul has been shouting. And Mandisa has crafted the message beautifully.
If we all read and listen to this week’s song – then there is hope. As subscribers to Ponder This, we are brothers and sisters who can link arms and start spreading positive love again. We can remind ourselves that what we have in common is more than what we do not.
This song made its debut in January 2018. Nearly four years later, are we much better? Ponder that. Start your day with prayer and play song six; it is a breeze of hope.
We are all made in His image. He created us and we all bleed the same by His creation.
I hope you enjoy this week's selection.
By the way, I’m just learning about Mandisa. She was a season 5 American Idol finalist and has sold millions of albums, often working with another new favorite, Kirk Franklin. She recently launched a podcast titled Out of the Dark with Mandisa & Laura Williams. It focuses on mental health in the body of Christ. I’m sure when I listen to this, we will find things to ponder.
Until our next read, be safe, be happy, and spread some love. If you liked today’s song, please share it with someone new.
If you have a song you’d like to recommend for our playlist - let me know.
Be sure to follow Ponder This on Instagram at ponderthis_k and Twitter at @ponderthisk.
Bleed The Same - Song by Mandisa
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
Woke up today
Another headline
Another innocent life is taken
In the name of hatred
So hard to take (hey!)
And if we think that it's all good
Then we're mistaken
'Cause my heart is breaking (tell 'em Mandisa)
Are you left?
Are you right?
Pointing fingers, taking sides
When are we gonna realize?
We all bleed the same
We're more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry
We all bleed the same
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
Tell me, who are we
To judge someone
By the kind of clothes they're wearing
Or the color of their skin?
Are you black? (black)
Are you white? (white)
Aren't we all the same inside? (the same inside)
Father, open our eyes to see!
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
We're more beautiful when we come together
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other (fight for each other)
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry (be the cry)
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
Only love can drive out all the darkness
What are we fighting for?
We were made to carry one another
We were made for more, said
Only love can drive out all the darkness
What are we fighting for?
We were made to carry one another
We were made for more
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
We're more beautiful when we come together
(Let's stand united)
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
So tell me why, tell me why
We're divided
If we're gonna fight
Let's fight for each other (fight for each other)
If we're gonna shout
Let love be the cry (be the cry)
We all bleed the same (we all bleed the same)
Bleed the same
Let's stand united (let's stand united)
Let's stand united
So Father God, I pray
That our families will come together right now
And seek Your face
You will forgive our sins
And You will heal our incredible land
In the name of the only Savior, Jesus Christ
Amen
Source: Musixmatch
Songwriters: Mandisa Hundley / Toby Mckeehan / Chris Stevens / Bryan Fowler
Bleed The Same lyrics © Meaux Mercy Publishing, Meaux Hits, Achtober Songs, Capitol Cmg Amplifier, Heavenly Melodisa Music, Moody Producer Music, Musical Moodswing
Playlist to date:
Week 1 - Casting Crowns - “Start Right Here”
Week 2 - Kirk Franklin - “Revolution”
Week 3 - for King & Country - “Relate”
Week 4 - Pharrell Williams - “Happy”
Week 5 - Amy Grant - “Don’t Ever Want to Lose It”
Week 6 - Mandisa - “Bleed the Same” (below)