Making New Music

Men’s Life Change participant Daniel Merrell was in the Lane County Jail and faced being released with nowhere to go. His public defender connected him with the Men’s Life Change program. After Daniel spoke with program Director Denver Harris, he knew it would be a good fit.

Daniel is in Phase 2 of the program, or the “endurance” phase, where guests find the stamina and fortitude to continue without succumbing to their addictions and other challenges. Daniel has found a pragmatic perspective that is helping him move through a phase that leads guests to a place of surrender.

“I’ve had a lot worse experiences than this,” Daniel said. “I feel like this is a blessed place to be. I don’t have to worry about food or housing and I have fellowship with people.”

He says it was “event after event” that landed him here, but he is finding peace and stability. He is discovering his passions again, such as a love of music, and putting them to use. He began playing bass guitar for a new Eugene Mission band and the members have been practicing for gigs at churches and other venues.

Daniel has been playing music since his hands were big enough to fit an instrument, and he says the connections he has made through music are some of the longest lasting he has formed.

For him, getting through hard times is about acceptance. “The more we resist, the more we struggle,” Daniel said. “Birds sing; it’s so much a part of their nature. Humans do too.”

It’s in our nature to thank and praise, if we can let go of the struggle, see the possibilities, and accept help. A bird with a broken wing still has a song to sing.