Song of Arolis

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Song of Arolis", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

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Welcome to the Dennis Jernigan podcast, a platform designed to offer you a fresh perspective on life. Life, undeniably, presents us with a myriad of challenges - be it physical, emotional, mental, or relational pain. Let's be real, life can be tough and unfair at times. But here's the thing - amidst the struggles, there is room for healing, hope, intimacy, and solace. This podcast aims to guide you towards a deeper connection with Jesus by helping you navigate through life's twists and turns with grace and faith.

I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and today, I'm thrilled yet slightly nervous to dive into the story behind a unique song. While I usually share songs of worship and ministry, today's song was born from a trilogy of fantasy novels I penned for my loved ones in 2015. You might wonder, "Why would a worship leader venture into the realm of fantasy storytelling?”

I won't rehash what was discussed in the previous episode, so if you want the backstory, check out the two previous podcasts titled “Riding the Wind” and “Warrior." They shed light on why these songs hold significance for me. It's fascinating how the Lord used fantasy and myth to deepen my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ. Now, let's dive into the heart of this episode—the "Song of Arolis," a track I composed for the book "Captured," the first installment of The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. 

This book serves as an allegorical recounting of my life, intended as a legacy for my descendants. While crafting the novels, I couldn't help but imagine how these stories would translate into a Disney movie soundtrack. I managed to complete the songs for the first two books, but the third remains unwritten, reflecting my vision for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding. They will have to pen their own melodies. 

Here's a piece of exciting news: you can now enjoy the entire album inspired by book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," available on www.thechroniclesofbren.com. I urge you to delve into the book "Captured" first, then savor the songs intricately linked to each main character. Interestingly, the song list is in reverse order, prompting you to listen from bottom to top and sync each track with its corresponding chapter. Simply hit play and let the music speak to your soul. This album is a beacon of encouragement, inspiring young men to rise above their flaws, failures, and the enemy's deceit, embracing their true identity as defined by God.

Introducing today's featured song, the captivating "Song of Arolis," a melody that found its way to me around 2015 or 2016. Let's delve into the world of Arolis—a name intertwined with my lifelong equine companions. From my early days, horses have been a significant part of my life. Picture this: Spot, my first pony, tragically met his end in a car accident, leaving me heartbroken. Then there was Big Red, my father's sturdy, red-coated horse whose name was as straightforward as his appearance. And who could forget Silver, the mischievous pony intent on testing my riding skills by attempting to dislodge me near fences and trees? But it was Robin, our spirited Welsh pony, that sparked endless adventures. Tethered to a red wagon, Robin would gleefully pull my siblings and me at breakneck speed across our farm, pushing the wagon to its limits, requiring regular repairs from my dad's welding skills. 

Amidst these tales of equine antics, one horse stood out—Sugar. This noble gelding, my faithful companion from boyhood to my senior year in high school, was more than just a horse; he was a trusted friend. Together, Sugar and I roamed the countryside, forging unforgettable memories. We swam, fished, raced, and herded cattle, all while building an unbreakable bond of trust and camaraderie. Every Saturday, I'd ride Sugar into town, collecting and selling pop bottles along the way to earn enough for a well-deserved burger. With Sugar, I could perform daring feats, including mounting him mid-run from behind, a display of mutual trust and companionship. As I crafted the character of Arolis, the beloved horse of Prince Leonolis, all these cherished moments flooded back, inspiring a tale where a boy on horseback can embody a warrior, an explorer, a hero, and soar with the wind—all at once.

Let's unravel the multifaceted essence of Arolis, a name that carries profound meanings of commitment, promise, truth-seeking, and wisdom. In a deeply personal context, Arolis, among other characters in the narrative, embodies the Holy Spirit and the embodiment of authentic friendship. 

Reflecting on my own journey, I yearned for a steadfast companion, someone with whom I could share my deepest thoughts and who would stand by me through life's trials. This longing persisted through my school years and into college until a transformative moment when I encountered Jesus, who became that unwavering friend I had always sought. Through Him, I discovered the presence of the Holy Spirit as a comforting guide, offering solace in times of turmoil and unwavering honesty, even in the depths of solitude that marked my early years. 

Within the pages of "Captured," the character Leonolis experiences the remarkable ability to engage in conversations of thought with Arolis, a revelation that initially surprises him but eventually becomes a wellspring of vitality and resilience as the plot unfolds. This song encapsulates the yearning of a boy to be truly understood, a desire to both seek and be seen in the rawness of his being. Let’s listen.

SONG

[Jhn 15:26-27 NKJV] 26 "But when the Helper comes, whom I shall send to you from the Father, the Spirit of truth who proceeds from the Father, He will testify of Me. 27 "And you also will bear witness, because you have been with Me from the beginning.

Arolis symbolizes a steadfast companion, a loyal helper, and an unwavering friend to Leonolis, mirroring the role that the Holy Spirit has played in my own life's journey. 

I wholeheartedly recommend delving into the pages of "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy, Book 1" and immersing yourself in each song as it intertwines with the characters within the storyline. I firmly believe that through imaginative storytelling, God can utilize these narratives to inspire us to anchor ourselves in the unshakeable truths of Jesus Christ and His word. 

The process of crafting these books proved to be a cathartic and liberating experience for my heart and mind, offering me fresh perspectives on the twists, turns, heartaches, and failures that have shaped my life. My aspiration is that these tales will similarly resonate with you, providing moments of reflection and insight. 
For a deeper exploration of the enchanting realm of Bren, to discover songs inspired by its tales, to uncover the origins of specific characters, and to view original character sketches handcrafted by yours truly, venture over to www.thechroniclesofbren.com. Yes, you heard it right, www.thechroniclesofbren.com. 

As an added treat, the lyrics of today's highlighted song can be found in the podcast notes below. I appreciate your presence on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. To learn more about my personal journey, my music, and the stories behind them, pay a visit to dennisjernigan.com. You can connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and enjoy my music on various streaming platforms. For those eager to join my team, consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support is truly valued! To acquire an mp3 of this week's enchanting melody, "Song of Arolis," featured in the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," simply direct your steps to www.thechroniclesofbren.com, as this exclusive track is not available on mainstream streaming services - yet.

Discover the captivating world of "Captured" available in paperback, ebook, and audiobook formats at https://www.amazon.com

Your presence on today's podcast is deeply appreciated. Always remember, you are cherished by God and by me. Embrace the challenge to step into the role of a valiant warrior for the kingdom you are destined to be a part of today. Embrace your identity as defined by your Heavenly Father, and go forth to embody the truth of who you are meant to be…an overcomer!

Dennis Jernigan

Song of Arolis
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
2015

Verse
Can you hear me?
I am but of man
Can someone like You ever understand?
Yet, I can hear You
When You think my name
Horse and boy
Two wild hearts never tamed

Chorus
Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul
I trust You, my Friend
Arolis, I trust You with my very life
Let us ride and conquer the wind

Verse
Will You go where
I go, come what my?
Will You carry me to the end of day?
The horizon far seems
To call out our name
Let us ride for the King
To break of day

Chorus
Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul
I trust You, my Friend
Arolis, I trust You with my very life
Let us ride and conquer the wind

Bridge
In the name of the King
And in the name of the realm
Let us fly! Let us fly! Let us fly!

Over mountain and stream
Through the dark forested veil
Let us ride! Let us ride! Let us ride!

Chorus
Arolis, I trust You with my heart and soul
I trust You, my Friend
Arolis, I trust You with my very life
Let us ride! Oh, let us conquer the wind