Walking in the Wind by One Direction

Secular Music Related to Gospel Topics

From their fifth and final album (so far) of the world-famous boy band One Direction, “Walking in the Wind” falls at number 15 on the tracklist. This song was written by Harry Styles, John Ryan, Jamie Scott, and Julian Bunetta. In the writing process, Harry Styles says he was inspired by Paul Simon's music, specifically Graceland. Julian Bunetta says that the “idea of the song can apply to more than just [one instance].” That means that this could be about relationships with family, a friend, a lost one, or a relationship.

Now let's take a look into the lyrics of the song and relate it to the Gospel Topic of leaving the presence of our Heavenly Father and finding Him here on Earth.

A week ago, you said to me

"Do you believe I'll never be too far?"

If you're lost, just look for me

You'll find me in the region of the summer stars

The fact that we can sit right here and say goodbye

Means we've already won

A necessity for apologies between you and me

Baby, there is none

Yesterday I went out to celebrate the birthday of a friend

But as we raised our glasses up to make a toast

I realized you were missing

And I know we'll be alright, child

Just close your eyes and see

And I'll be by your side

Any time you're needing me

Oh, yeah

In the premortal life, we were presented with a plan to become like our Heavenly Father, which requires us to depart from the presence of our Father in Heaven and come live an earthly, mortal life. Elder Dieter F. Uchtdorf talks closely about what we felt and feel having to leave our Heavenly Father. In the April 2013 General Conference, he said,

“Back in that first estate, you knew with absolute certainty that God existed because you saw and heard Him. You knew Jesus Christ, who would become the Lamb of God. You had faith in Him. And you knew that your destiny was not to stay in the security of your premortal home. As much as you loved that eternal sphere, you knew you wanted and needed to embark on a journey. You would depart from the arms of your Father, pass through a veil of forgetfulness, receive a mortal body, and learn and experience things that hopefully would help you grow to become more like Father in Heaven and return to His presence.” 

As these verses highlight so beautifully, that if we feel lost or anytime we are needing Him, he will be there for us. “The fact that we can sit right here and say goodbye, means we've already won” is so true. We know that our goodbye isnt forever, because we will all be able to see our Heavenly Father again.

We had some good times, didn't we?

We wore our hearts out on our sleeve

Goodbyes are bittersweet

But it's not the end

I'll see your face again

And you will find me

Yeah, you will find me

In places that we've never been

For reasons we don't understand

Walking in the wind

Walking in the wind

Time and time again, we are reminded of how Our Heavenly Father is with us. Whether that be Him, through Jesus Christ, or the Holy Ghost, it is the same peace and love that is being extended towards us. We see in the scriptures of the constant reassurance that our Heavenly Father is with us.

It says in Doctrine and Covenants 100:12 “Therefore, continue your journey and let your hearts rejoice; for behold, and lo, I am with you even unto the end.” Isaiah 41:10 “Fear thou not; for I am with thee: be not dismayed; for I am thy God: I will strengthen thee; yea, I will help thee; yea, I will uphold thee with the right hand of my righteousness.”

 We are reminded also in the Hymns we sing each Sunday, as well as the talks that are given by the Apostles and Servants of the Lord Jesus Christ. “Yeah, you will find me, But it's not the end I'll see your face again,” This Is a great reminder to us that as we are faithful and seek to return to the Presence of our Heavenly Father, we will find Him, Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost with us wherever we go.

In my own life, when I think of leaving my Heavenly Father for a time to live a mortal life, I think of when my Dad leaves on the Road for work. My Dad will be gone for weeks at a time, and I miss being with him and in his presence, but I know he has to go and work. When my Dad comes home, it is always so fun and I always feel such joy. I think that is similar to us leaving the premortal life. We left something of comfort and safety with all of our loved ones. And yes, our spirits do miss being with our Heavenly Father, however, when we will finally return home to him, it will be a great, joyful reunion, but for now, we can seek him out in many places.

I hope that through this post, you were able to see God’s hand in even the smallest and simple everyday things. Heavenly Father loves you, and is talking to you, in more ways than you know!

Have a safe and blessed week!