Sing A New Song

I heard this week's pick after a brief interview with Matt Maher, the singer/songwriter of "As It Is In Heaven". The apostles Matthew and Luke might protest that most of the lyrics are taken directly from their earlier works (Matthew 6: 9-12) ... Maher said he was inspired to write a contemporary version of The Lord's Prayer since it played a central role in Christian worship, yet there were very few modern vocal renditions.

This song always makes me think about road trips I took in college and the first years after. My car, a 1979 Ford Fiesta, among its many "unique" features, didn't have a radio. When I drove alone, I'd pass the time by singing songs I knew by heart. If it was a trip of any distance, I would invariably work my way to The Lord's Prayer - screeching out the High notes. (Click to hear a YouTube solo that sounds exactly as I did - in my mind at least...)

I like Matt's updated version. It takes a prayer that we've known forever, usually recited from rote repetition- and gives it a new twist. It helps us remember Jesus' instructions on how we, as followers, ought to pray. Yikes, Don't tell my 22 year old self that I spent hours in my car praying !!

Just As I Am

Everybody seems to be struggling these days. Health care needs, job stability, college costs, foreclosures, gas prices and lost businesses - just for starters - are forcing many of us to re-write our version of the American Dream. All is not dark and grim, however.

"What if your life, exactly as it is, is the perfect environment for God to shape you into the peson He wants you to be?" is a great question asked by Dallas Willard, USC Philosophy professor. No matter how underdeveloped or over-burdened we may think we are, God could be asking us to follow His plan. Its up to us to listen to the call.

I heard this week's SOTW at a time when I was feeling like a failure and that my world was being shaken. Not only did the song make me smile at the memories of my own youthful indiscretions, but it got me thinking about the changes I've made in recent years and how God is working ON and in my life.

"Wait and See" by Brandon Heath, from his 2008 CD called What If We, gave me hope. I'm thinking it may give you some too.

Sense of Humor

Ok everybody... How 'bout we lighten things up a bit this week? After all, I did promise that my SOTW would occassionally include humor and novelty.

My choice is "If I Was Jesus" from Paul Colman's 2009 CD, History. Paul may be best known as a guitarist and singer for the Newsboys, which he left last December. The song was originally written and recorded by Toby Keith. It literally made me think about what it would be like to be Jesus - a novel perspective. The words made me smile, even chuckle, with their blend of whimsical images and His well known qualities.

The song begs the question: Did Jesus have a sense of humor? In my mind, there's no doubt. Of course he did. As a man loved by children, he must have been playful and just plain fun to be around. Think of any inspiring religious leader you've come accross, they knew how to use jokes and stories to help make their point. Jesus did, too. His phrases like "a camel fitting through the eye of a needle" and "cleaning the ouside of your cup, but leaving the mess on the inside" are pretty good examples.

What struck me most about this song, however, was its ability to do exactly what Jesus did. It uses clever imagry to point us toward a better life. His forgiveness , miracles, love and acceptance are taught while I'm laughing about walking on water just to mess with your head...

It Tolls for Thee

The news came as a complete shock. On Monday night, a childhood friend of mine lost her teenage son. As a parent, I couldn't imagine the grief and pain that she was going through. The troubling details unfolded later in the day: shortly after midnight yesterday morning, a 16 year old boy jumped in front of a train. A note found in his car left little doubt that Danny ended his own life. How does a parent handle that tragic reality?

I felt compelled to reach out to her and to her family, but what could I say ? I'm so sorry for your loss and I'll keep all of you in my prayers, seemed woefully inadequate. I knew that the Bible would offer comforting words, but I was too angry and too numb to look them up. How could this happen?! How could a person with so much to look forward to take his own life? How could this be part of God's plan?!!!

A group of us from school exchanged e-mails throughout the day and evening, offering our support and words of comfort. It became clear that beyond the devastating impact on his parents and sisters - this teen's death had impacted each of us, too. I was struck by each person's caring supportive sentiments and sensed their feeling of personal loss, but mostly I felt the brokeness that we all felt in trying to comprehend and ease our friend's pain.

This week I selected "Every Man" by Casting Crowns from their 2007 CD The Altar and The Door. It reminded me that we are connected, as a community, the body of Christ - we're every man. All around us, everyday regular people - just like us - struggle to make sense of their pain or fear or troubles. Its our responsibility to offer them comfort and hope and peace.

Their questions will linger, their pain will not simply go away and their hope will battle with darkness. Its up to us, with God's help, to carry our friend through the tough days and weeks ahead. In time, as the community, we can help her understand that there is peace and undying love. That Jesus is hope for every man - shown by us, his Body in the world. God Bless and watch over Chrissy and Dan, Lauren, Erin..... and especially Danny.