Writer Sophie Sanders reflects on Taylor Swift’s song Invisible String, showing how our longing for connection points to the unending love of God.
In the good old days – and between Covid lockdowns – I travelled to see a friend for lunch – and, because she’s a die-hard Swiftie, I downloaded Taylor’s album folklore for the drive. Its immersive, tranquil tunes gave me the tingles back then. And, much to my surprise, evoked the same reaction when the song Invisible String entered my Spotify Mix just a few weeks ago. But this time round, I actually listened to the lyrics and realised they were an autobiographical reflection on the cosmic tug between Taylor and her ex – very much in line with the 38.6k TikTok posts discussing #invisiblestringtheory.
READ MORE: Taylor Swift and Travis Kelce – why we love a love story
it’s the idea that there’s an unbreakable string that connects two people who are destined to be together – regardless of circumstance and throughout their lives.
If you’re not familiar with this ancient theory that’s entered contemporary conversations and consciousness, it’s the idea that there’s an unbreakable string that connects two people who are destined to be together – regardless of circumstance and throughout their lives. To be honest, it set me off into a spiral daydreaming about my very own rom com plot, racking my brains for guys who have popped up on more than one occasion and wondering if they might indeed be ‘the one’. At this point, I thought I better stop and think about what God would say to this rather romantic piece of folklore, because I had a horrible gut feeling that it wasn’t biblical. Here’s where I landed.
READ MORE: ‘I saw Taylor Swift live and as a Christian, this is what I thought’
Far from being a delusional fantasy or a dangerous theory, invisible string theory is a fascinating window into what our culture is yearning for
Far from being a delusional fantasy or a dangerous theory, invisible string theory is a fascinating window into what our culture is yearning for and an expression of humankind’s innate desire to be connected, loved, and chosen. And that means it’s an amazing opportunity to engage with those around us who identify as SBNR – spiritual but not religious – especially those in Gen Z, of whom 62 percent identify as being ‘very’ or ‘fairly spiritual’. Because, ultimately, the notion of a cosmic tug towards love is an inherently biblical concept; as St Augustine of Hippo said, ‘to fall in love with God is the greatest romance’.
READ MORE: A Romeo and Juliet love story
However, the impetus for this love isn’t the universe, but rather God ‘who is love’ and from whom love flows (1 John 4:7–8). In the greatest love story of all time between Christ and his bride, the Church, he will ‘draw everyone to himself’ (NIV, John 12:32). And because of Jesus’ death on the cross, there is nothing that can separate us from this love – ‘nothing living or dead, angelic or demonic, today or tomorrow, high or low, thinkable or unthinkable’. (MSG Romans 8:38–39) As we abide in God’s love, let’s be those who are committed to loving him more and sharing that love with others – because it’s the love that remains eternally.
And so, whilst my rom com plot was pretty good – perhaps one to pitch to Netflix – it’s nothing compared to the love story that God invites us into. There are guys who have popped up several times in my life, but none have loved me faithfully in every season and every circumstance. The only constant through times of sickness and health, joy and sorrow, has been the Lord God – all praise be to him for drawing me to himself and into relationship with him for evermore. Yes, an earthly romance would be wonderful, but this eternal love story is far better.
No comments yet