I had a couple songs I considered featuring today. Both from favorite artists, both getting radio play, and both actually feature guest vocalists on the track. The tie-breaker essentially came down to the mood I was in. This song fits my emotional space a little more, just given the last couple weeks at our church.
So here's Lecrae, with Tori Kelly:
Just fight a little longer my friend It's all worth it in the end But when you got nobody to turn to Just hold on and I'll find you
In no particular order, my family, sports, and Jesus are the three loves in my life. This week's selection combines two of those. With "DUNK CONTEST", Andy Mineo and Wordsplayed use two iconic basketball players to represent themselves (in obvious and less obvious ways). Sports figures and ideas are piled on top of each other to create this well-crafted mix tape that offers up some spiritual truth.
I can almost guarantee this song will stick in your head today. Sorry, not sorry.
The last week has been a rough one here in Milford. Last Thursday, one of our members was in a lawn mowing accident and lost her life when her riding mower flipped over on her. Based on the scene, it's possible she had a stroke or heart attack before it happened. The reality though is that she is gone and her friends and family are shocked and devastated. We just happened to be exploring the "One Another" command found in Galatians 6:1-2 that calls us to carry each other's burdens. The context of Galatians 6 is about helping those in sin, but there are several other related 'One Another's' that directly call us to help those who are suffering for other reasons.
It was an ideal reminder as we tried to deal with our grief and loss. And this was a perfect opportunity to be the Body of Christ and live out part of our calling as the family of God.
We are thankful for the promise of Heaven and for Kathy's faith in Christ. We will miss her deeply but know she is enjoying the presence of Jesus, having received her reward.
I've had a whirlwind summer filled with opportunities that have taken me out of my regular routine for the past 5 weeks. But we made it through and enjoyed almost all of it. Unfortunately, my blog and Music Mondays have suffered. In the midst of this busyness, we started a new sermon series on the "One Another" commands of Scripture. If we are going to be the kind of church God wants Milford First Brethren to be, then we should be sure to embody these commands.
At one point, I remember asking myself, "what song would reflect the theme of 'One Another'?" Well, one of my favorite songs of all time came to mind pretty quickly.
While the original is an all-time classic, who's to say this more recent version isn't better? The video is certainly superior and I think the addition Mary J. Blige is inspired.
I'm a cynic. I'm also fully aware that being overly critical can be a good thing but is often a negative character trait.
For instance, when I watch the following video, I see a number of things that feel cliche and Christian-y. But man, if this song doesn't override my cynicism and suck me in. That's a fun song lyrically, vocally, and musically. It's a song about joy that is infectiously joyous.
I had a youth pastor who once questioned why all the pictures and albums of Christian bands and artists seemed so serious and stoic. He'd complain, "Why can they be smiling? We Christians are supposed to be happy and joyful!" Now, I believe the best Christian artists will wrestle with the entire spectrum of human experience and shouldn't have to fake optimism. Plus, art directors for albums and photographers have their own creative approaches that govern those kinds of images. But a song like this does honestly bring us back to the joy that our salvation brings us. We have reasons to celebrate - really more than anyone else in the world. As airbrushed as some of those video scenes are, there's no denying that the joy of Christ ought to infect us wherever we are and whatever we're doing.
I can't explain why - but I'm a sucker for cover versions of popular songs. Maybe it's because some songs get so overplayed, it's nice to hear them reimagined. I don't know. But whatever the explanation involves, I got hooked by this recent viral video video I saw of The Fray's "How to Save a Life":
I think the song originally resonated with me because it was written from a place of frustration at being ill-equipped to help needy people in needy situations. I've been a camp counselor like Mr. Slade was, and even as a pastor I feel that way sometimes too.
It's clear enough to me The ugliness I see Is evidence of who I need
Give me the answer Give me the way out Give me the faith to believe in these hard times
Sometimes songs resonate with you more during particular seasons of life. As a pastor, I have seasons of excitement and joy. Other seasons are filled with struggle and helping people through the messiness of life. Currently I'm in the latter stage and this song has popped into my head as I see people yearning for answers and having to deal with the "ugliness" of this world. The wonderful truth is, it's all pointing us to Who we need.
There are other live videos that might be more visually interesting. But doesn't this simple lyric video delivers the goods?
