I wasn't going to post today. My song idea didn't fit with the reality that today is 9/11. And other ideas that could fit this anniversary of that dark day weren't coming to me. And then my denomination tweeted out the perfect choice.
This was the Super Bowl halftime performance that took place a mere 4 months after the attacks.
I can remember being at a Super Bowl party with our church's college group. I can remember this performance catching my attention while most of the rest of the party had began socializing with one another. I can remember wishing the sound had not been turned down because I could tell something special was going on. I can remember a lot of those who hadn't been paying attention turning their focus back on the tv by the time U2's set was finishing up.
I can remember connecting this performance to the one I'd seen them do on SNL and thinking that this band from the U.K. was emerging as the prominent musical voice for our nation's healing.
This band has caught its share of flack as time has gone on and their relevancy has waned (this article offers a fair perspective). And my memory may not be perfect on all of those points. But re-watching that video tells me confirms the power of that moment.
I will never forget 9/11 and I'll never forget these beautiful moments of hope and healing that helped us recover.
Since I'm a big NEEDTOBREATHE fan, I'm morally obligated to share their latest single. But beyond obligation, this one's a cool song, featuring an accompanying "that's who that is" artist.
Andra Day was featured in the Apple Christmas ad from 2015 with Stevie Wonder that made everyone get all the feels. She's cut out a nice career for herself and the collaboration here is excellent. This is a song for those battling and persevering, for those who are realizing "change don't come without a fallout."
A year or so ago, my wife and I rented "Love and Mercy" for our traditional Friday movie night. It's a biopic of Brian Wilson of the Beach Boys.
It's a very compelling story that gave me new insight into a musician and a band that I always enjoyed. It is story that emphasizes the haunted genius.
Part of that genius can be heard in their classic hit songs. The interesting truth is, if you pull away the actual music and only feature the vocals, the genius comes through even more.
Acapella music has become all the rage in the last decade. I think it's safe to say that one of the artists (#StraightNoChaser), tv shows (#Glee), or movies (#PitchPerfect) hold a candle to this.
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.
