I was ecstatic when my boyfriend bought us tickets to Ben Harper’s concert in Oakland because he’s a bad-ass performer and he loves the Lord like me. But I had no idea it would be one of the most inspirational nights of my life. Ben’s calm voice and unpretentious guitar strumming made me want to pause time and never leave the concert hall.

Rarely does a musician captivate me on several levels, but he does it all -- teaching me something, comforting me, pointing out blessings, and encouraging me to be a more truthful and loving human being. I cry, I smile, I sing along, I squeeze my boyfriend’s hand, and I dream of a better world.

Some musicians make us want to fall in love. Ben makes us realize we already are.

I hope you’ll check out his songs “Not Fire, Not Ice” and “Beloved One.” I also love his new “Lifeline,” for both its soulful lyrics and melody...

LIFELINE (Lyrics by Ben Harper, Music by Ben Harper)

life is much too short

to sit and wonder

who’s gonna make the next move

and will slowly pull you under

when you’ve always got

something to prove

i don’t want to wait a lifetime

yours or mine

can’t you see me reaching

for the lifeline

you say that i misheard you

but i think you misspoke

i hear you laugh so loudly

while i patiently await the joke

i don’t want to wait a lifetime

not yours

not mine

can’t you see me reaching

for the lifeline

it’s a crime with only victims

we’re all laid out in a row

and it’s hardest to listen

to what we already should know

i could hold out for a lifetime

yours or mine

yours and mine

can’t you see me reaching for

your lifeline