I Believe was written in the car on the way back from a Cursillo weekend Marci went on.  And it was Marci who provided the words.

I have mentioned in other stories about the Cursillo Movement which began with a four day retreat for men only and then women two weeks later.  I had made mine and then Marci made hers.  Part of the retreat process is to conclude with a “surprise” gathering of those who have previously made a Cursillo welcoming those who were just finishing their own.  I was a part of Marci’s closing process. It is an emotional time of stories of conversion, the feeling of having a calling to serve the Church, the feeling of belonging that for some had never experienced before at any time. 

The journey from the Cursillo to our home was two hours and on the way home Marci shared what the retreat meant to her.  “I remember, it wasn’t long ago when I tried to work things out all on my own. Now I believe.”  It was a very sacred time between us and I tried to remember all of the fragments of phrases she used to describe her experience.  After a couple of days of listening to Marci’s experience in my mind, I Believe was finished.

PS David Maddox produced the Please Be You album and his interpretation of the song was as a “in your face” rock proclamation.  All these years later; I wish I had been more assertive and kept fashioned it as a reflective piece with strings.  Maybe I’ll re-record it someday.