New digs, new posts, and hopefully some new beginnings - I'm not going to pretend like a vast amount of people follow, read, and cling to my every post, but to those of you in the internet community who have casually ventured over at times, other than the layout being new, you will also notice I have recently decided upon a title: Enduring the American Dream. This blog was created some time ago in order to satisfy my not so frequent but still possibly just as pathetic need to rant about something publicly. Although this "new" blog will most likely still be heavily padded and encumbered by rants and tired references to the human condition, I want to do more with this great social medium this time around, whether that be simply blogging about my day to day or taking some time to reflect on books I'm reading, films I'm interested in, future plans, business ideas and theories, places I've been, people I've met, experiences I've had, and general thoughts about life, love, and the "American Dream".
In regards to the title, "Enduring the American Dream", it's a somewhat ironic outlook on life, especially life as an entrepreneur; an outlook that is derived from my current frustrations with society, the business world, and following one's dreams (Cliche? Yes). It seems in these modern times it's almost impossible to follow and turn one's "dreams" into reality. In a simpler time, in a relatively more ethical society, Americans were raised to believe that they could follow their dreams and literally watch their hard work come into fruition; achieving one's "dreams", goals, and aspirations. Presently, this belief, this old path, this tired model, has all but disappeared. It's becoming very clear to people of all creeds that the one sure way into the heart of the business world in any industry, whether that be music or canned food, is to place ethics on the back burner. Today one can literally buy one's way into any field or industry. A college degree does not guarantee a job anymore. It's about who you know, who knows you, and how far you're willing to bend in order to reach your desired goal. In essence, it's prostitution. In the same way the hollywood screenplay portrays a scandalous red lipped, short skirted secretary engaging in sexual relations with her superior in order to gain a promotion, the business world is willing to grant you a sleazy entry for the simple price of "sexual favors".
When speaking of "sexual favors" in the business world, although they could very well pertain to favors in the non metaphorical sense, more often than not said "favors" exist in the form of money, bribery, dirty business, and a general loss of ethical behavior. That being said and almost concluding my rant, the American Dream is kaput. One can no longer take the ethical and honest approach. One can no longer achieve one's dreams simply through hard work alone. The solution is to either conform, learn to fake it, or get out of the business. It is for that reason that I have chose to title this blog, "Enduring the American Dream". Because, aren't we all? Most of us took the route that was prescribed to us by parents, teachers, elders, and even religious leaders only to find ourselves graduated, in our mid twenties, sometimes jobless, most of the time clueless, and in disbelief. If this isn't you then congratulations. You're either one of the lucky few, you knew someone, or you learned to lie, cheat, steal, and use people and piers as stepping stones. The ethical dilemma we are faced with today as a society is, are these ethics (lack of) in fact wrong or are they simply the norm unaccompanied by career related or social consequences of any kind? Touchy subject.
So here I am, in my mid twenties with a college degree, without a career, and asking these types of questions; Enduring the American Dream.
**Please head on over to the right hand side bar and vote in my latest poll. Do you think the American Dream is dead?
My mind has been "alive" for the past few weeks. I've spent a great deal of energy and time post first quarter numbing myself out; playing part and surrounding myself with a consistent battery of distractions. In my own experience, distractions are very dangerous. Distractions can bring about a false sense of security, a false sense of placidity, and a false sense of reality. It's only when temporarily deprived of said distractions does one find his or herself left alone to dwell in actuality. Deprivation can be forced by many different hands; in my case a lack of funding can reflect my current forced state. Intoxication is the greatest of all distractions.
So what exactly does one do when forced to stand up and face the demons that have not disappeared or dissipated but only been masked and hidden by fleeting feelings and temporary resplendency? This is a question I have wrestled with for a few weeks now; how best to move forward. Although I'm still not clear, I've sought out counsel from a few very wise friends who have all given me great advice of which I've weighed over and again against what my own heart and mind bid me do. Although friendly advice is always welcomed and appreciated, more times than not, I find myself acting on my own impulses rather than the advice of others. It's a glorious downfall.
My heart and mind often lead me darker places that only delay from coming out of the state of suspension I've long been accustomed to. But here's the real kicker - Am I weak for taking the easy way out, taking the advice of friends, starting a new life, placing the proverbial old me into a blender and forcing the very basic makeup of that bloody amalgamation into a new shape and form? On the other end of the spectrum I find myself wondering if perseverance really does pay off. We hold traits like tireless devotion, being steadfast, being true to ourselves and others, and unconditional and unwavering love to such a high standard, but do we actually believe in the payoff? Do others actually recognize these traits as precious and hard to come by?
My point being that to possess these traits often leads to a life lived however long in longing, a life lived in pain, and a life lived in suspension. Is there a light at the end of the long and dark tunnel that these traits seem to create? Is the goal unreachable? There's no real way to know. I grew up being taught that those who persevere, although they may face many trials and become accustomed and defined by pain, ultimately are rewarded with that in which they long have strived for. Do I really believe that? Because on the contrary, if I don't, then I could end up living a pained life of longing only to die an old man bitter and unsatisfied. It's very dangerous thinking and a far greater risk.
In closing, I'm dreading what my now sober mind is causing me to consider. I'm dreading these next few months as I feel I'll begin to see my next year of life take shape; where I'll be and what I'll be doing. As a fool constantly driven by my own dreams and a heavily burdened heart, I suspect the answers in which I seek will not bring me any peace. A man driven by a seemingly unquenchable fire is doomed to live a faded life of longing.
There is a fire in me; a fire that burns - hungry, impatient, greedy, and lean.
There is a restlessness that entrances, ensnares, and incapacitates my thought processes'.
What can I do?
Where can I go?
I feel like I need something to do.
I FEEL like I need somewhere to go.
Doing. Doing. Always Doing. NEED to be doing something.
Going. Going. Always Going. NEED to be going somewhere!
I can't bear to pass through Hell again.
I can't bear that emptiness EVER again.
I WILL NOT come out of that abyss alive should I ever sink back into it's depths.
The ONLY way to avoid that crushing blackness is to abstain; to bury myself; to hide away from everything and everyone.
I couldn't DO anything. I couldn't GO anywhere. I would need to be still.
I don't do "still".
There is a fire in me; a passion that rages - ravenous, caring, devoted, and tired.
There is a lover lying dormant just beneath the surface fueled by the oil in my skin.
… ARE A "DELICIOUS TORMENT!"
… ARE A "WICKED TEASE!"
If I was smart I would ignore. If I was learned I would shut my eyes. If I was……
What's the point, for I am none of these!
I am not smart. I am not learned.
I am AWAKE!
… brought this upon me!
… have awoken a passion I put to death long ago!
Now, what else can I do?
I tire of foolish games.
I tire of round about ways.
Give me that which is real.
Give me that which is substance.
Give me that which is quality
and sure as Hell, I will honor my own vows.
I will stand firm.
I always was firm.
I never ran.
I never hid.
I never lied.
Of these things I still am.
I am no cretin!
I am no liar!
I am no prefabricator!
I am no LIAR!
Could you ever believe such claims?
If you are smart you won't, BUT the ONLY way to test my word is to place your faith in me, however small at first, and, oh, see how I will make it grow; see how I will make it bloom; see how I will make it truth.
I'm tired of lying dormant.
Release me from suspension, and see how the fire will spread.
But only if you dare to dream of truth; only if you dare to dream of something real.
I don't know where to close. I don't know where to end. I know that as soon as the pen lies still, my mind will once again begin to heave.
If you follow my blog then you are bound to have noticed my recent absence from the blogging circuit. This is due to my recent writing for CtheDs.com.
What's CtheDs?
CtheDs is a Texas based website and weblog created to fuel the Southeast Texas music and art scene, report/review great Texas based as well as many national acts, and keep YOU, the reader, up to date and in the loop concerning many of Southeast Texas' goings on. I've been writing for CtheDs for just over a month now and have enjoyed every bit of it.
I'll still try to write and post on this blog frequently but if you find yourself sufficiently deprived, head on over to CtheDs.com and check out what's been happening the Southeast Texas area.
I'll close with a post I did for CtheDs earlier this month on the great DFW based band Air Review. Hope you guys enjoy!
- Dragan Alexander
"Hey Man. Check these guys out" - AIR REVIEW
"Hey man. Check these guys out."
It seems like every other day friends, musicians, promoters, and critics alike are shoving album after album, act after act, into our hands proclaiming "this band" to be the greatest thing the world has ever had the pleasure of hearing on a purple backed CD-R smeared with sharpie marker. I would venture to say that on any given day, I'm presented with a minimum of 5 bands or artists to "check out". While most of these artists are "checked off" my list of worthwhile and innovative tunes (See what I did there? - Made a clever pun while also making myself out to be a complete know-it-all hipster jackass), ever so often a band stands out and really catches my attention. I want to make it my own personal initiative to take some time each month to review a great Texas based unsigned act, and respectfully play the role of the know-it-all hipster jackass who heads your way at a local show with a bottle of Lone Star in one hand and a "purple backed CD-R" in the other and say, "Hey man. Check these guys out."
Today I want to introduce you to or draw your attention to a truly innovative Dallas based 5 piece Indie Rock outfit - AIR REVIEW. AIR REVIEW has received a lot of positive press this past year after releasing their debut full length album,LANDMARKS in August of 2009. Kami Fuller of The Examiner called their debut performance "immaculately polished". Pete Freedman of the Dallas Observer said of their sold out House of Blues - Cambridge Room performance - “they've managed to develop a little bit of a buzz around their show--enough, at least, so that they're on our radar pretty early in the game.” I say,
"One of most energetic and intriguing live shows I've seen from an unsigned artist in years that truly bared a strong resemblance to that of the Brit greats. (ex. Radiohead, Coldplay) - after seeing them play to a packed house at Trees in Dallas.
While the energy behind an AIR REVIEW performance may be comparable to Coldplay, the composition of AIR REVIEW'S progressive, colorful, and carefully crafted tunes displace the band within the ever growing sea of "Experimental Indie" swimmers and divers thus enabling them to avoid being pigeon-holed into any set genre or be cast to the side as just another short lived imitation. Doug Hale - Lead Vocals, Piano, Guitar, and Programming, Hank Bentley - Guitars, Piano, and Vocals, Jeff Taylor - Bass, Vocals, and Programming, Justin Robinson - Drums and Vocals set out more than 3 years ago to piece together a truly diversified and creative sound that not only commands the attention of the day-to-day radio scanner, but that also appeals to the more selective ear of the critical music enthusiast.
The band literally spent years tirelessly rehearsing, writing, re-writing, and recording an album before they ever took the stage, an approach not too commonplace in today's major musical cities - over saturated with gun-jumping amateur acts. After listening to Landmarks in it's entirety, it becomes quite clear that each of it's 11 songs were carefully selected and placed with intent in order to form an unmitigated fusion of diverse stylistic complements.
"Chasing Corporate" is undoubtably the band's catchy and playful single consisting of plenty of cleverly woven moments of deliberate calls for crowd participation whether that be with claps, snaps, or singing - a song that is as engaging as it is intriguing.
This writer's favorite track "All Because You're Mine" resounds with ambient emotion with hauntingly smooth vocals accompanied by beautifully intensity of an eerily charged piano, velvety strings, cohesive group vocals, and topped off with a screaming guitar solo that soars through the listener's newly effervescent musical acuity.
The folky "Can't See The Sun" is an acoustically driven break from the previous four tunes, complete with layered group vocals, snaps, electric piano, oooooo's, and even a banjo - proof that even AIR REVIEW'S more laid back compositions are wrought with serious intention and creativity.
The album's closing track, "Jura" is clad with a smooth and ambient sweetness made quickly evident by the lullaby-esque lead vocals of Hale accompanied by acoustic picking, sleigh bells, and staggered Christmas-like layered backing vocals - a demonstration that voice can often serve as a far more beautiful complement than a traditional pad or organ.
Of the album as a whole - each song is substantially different from the previous as far as arrangement, instrumentation, and sound. The critical ear can tell that multiple instruments of the same type were used in the production of this album in order to achieve that perfect snare sound or fitting guitar tone giving each song it's own individuality. It is clear that a lot of TLC went into the production of Landmarks.
I could spend more time raving about this band that some of you have never heard of or you could head on over to iTunes and purchase their debut full length. Those of you who know me, know I love to rant and rave. But, seriously, go buy this album. You will not be disappointed and if you are, then simply steer clear from my later posts.
It would be comical, the way we choose to behave, if only it weren't so distressfully tragic. It seems (to me) that human nature in itself has become unrecognizably altered as well as substantially wrought with role reversal in recent years. Is it purely human nature? Is it commonplace to exist as a fickle minded individual in an erratic world where the vast majority of well-wishers and hold-steadies now seek after a life of temporary resplendency? I, for one, am utterly appalled and, for lack of better words, mournful of the situation as of late.
I am a seeker.
I have said before that I consider myself a romantic. I believe myself to be emotionally mature in such a way that I can recognize value when I am presented with it. Though my notable exterior and jokingly, proverbial demeanor suggest an intrinsic soul of well being and collective felicity, I am continually seeking after that in which I can grasp firmly and hold tight to. But, to make this statement in today's society of fearful adolescent hearts and minds seems almost, and most likely, a mistake on my part as the aforementioned seeker, for too many are frightened by the forward and of those who speak of such things as love, truth, and real desire in earnest conversation.
The music and films of our time, which I believe define our generation to some extent, suggest that we are all "looking for love"; that we are ALL in search of something "real". I hear these words sung. I see these scenes portrayed. I read our generation's worded responses and attempt to extract some truth from these claims. However, I have come to find that words, a medium of great value that I hold most true and meaningful, have become empty. Do we say what we mean and mean what we say? If my name is all that I have, should I not guard my speech and further expression?
I'm taken back and by surprise by the purposelessness behind our words. Don't say that you are longing and looking and striving toward meaning and significance when you deny their very presence when you are presented with value: love, friendship, well being, concern, and other matters of the "heart". Don't lie to the world with your false limericks of desire and heartfelt woe and anguish when you are too scared or adolescent in such matters to recognize and be receptive to the very things you lead others to believe are of importance in your own life.
I write earnestly as an advocate for truth, love, and for the very risk of making yourself vulnerable to someone other than yourself. I write as a beggar rather than a preacher. I plead for a change in the hearts and minds of the false lovers, the false romantics, and the false writers. Say what you mean. Mean what you say. Be honest. Be veracious. Be of substance. Guard your words, because our words, my friends, are the very extensions of our names. One's name was once of great importance. Don't sully your name with shallow untruthful words that hold little to no meaning to you. Speak the truth, and, mark my own words, you will be the better for it. If you aren't ready for such statements of love, truth, and desire, which are (in this opinion) the greatest and most substantial of emotions and life fuel in this fickle word, then don't speak of them. Live in your adolescence a while longer, of which there is no shame in, for our years of emotional childhood were a learning experience as well as a glorious lack of responsibility. Don't speak of such things of value until you are assuredly mature in your own hearts and minds in such a way that you can and will willfully and enthusiastically welcome said value into your life when you are presented with it.
I am a seeker. I will seek after these things of value. I hope to find said value sooner rather than later for my impatience is my greatest weakness. I will say-write-use my words (an extension of my name) that I am ready for the day I am presented with value. I will welcome love, truth, and real desire with a guarded yet enthusiastic heart. I seek because, honestly, I'm tired of waiting. I am impatient. But I believe my intentions to be honorable.
Speak the words you hold true. Write the words you hold sincere.
This life regarding the search for true love and real desire is an uphill battle. Let's hope for all our sakes that road levels out a bit sooner rather than later.
And now the song that partially inspired my own words.
I'm being constantly reminded of the frailty and imperfection of the human mold. I can forever "strive" to be a "good" person, and yet I will never achieve "goodness". I will never be "Christlike". My revelation, however, has been that, though I will never achieve perfection, I must still give my all in and to those things and people I care about most, and I must always "strive" to be like Him. This battle will never be won. This battle will be ongoing. This battle will be all consuming. But I must persevere.
I want to share with you guys the lyrics to an unreleased Dewinter song in which I feel addresses this subject somewhat. I do know that when I wrote them, I was feeling inadequate and questioning a lot of things about what I believed. There is a freedom in questioning. The important thing to remember is to be extremely guarded while you are doing so. . I wish we could have had the chance to play it live but I'll settle for the release of the lyrics in this blog.
Dewinter - The Same Conditions
Can we truly know Where do we all go? And is our self control out of our control?
The questions burning deep inside our souls Are the same conditions of the human mold.
I want to know precisely what occurred. Are love and fate and God all different words? I want to know the answers arn't all blurred. I want to speak the truth and to be heard.
The questions burning deep within our souls Are the same conditions of the human mold. All the pieces of the lives you used to know Are the symptoms of a search for something more.
I want to know the secrets of our past. I want to make new friendships that will last. I want to work to heal this broken world. I want to cross the bridge from man to love.
The questions burning deep within our souls Are the same conditions of the human mold. All the pieces of the lives you used to know Are the symptoms of a search for something more.
My revelation of said imperfection and the "human condition" has been a source of I guess you could say understanding. In being able to better understand the reality of our imperfection I have been better able to sympathize with and forgive others, even those who have truly hurt and wronged me. My greatest, I guess you could say, tool in this type of thinking is to do everything I can to view others through "His" eyes rather than my own. This is an extremely difficult task BECAUSE of our imperfections. It is human nature to hold grudges, to lash out, to be cruel, to be unforgiving, and to avoid resolution. These are imperfections as well. With that stated revelation I am able to sympathize not only with those who have done harm but also those who have been wronged and feel too wounded to offer up forgiveness just yet.
Our imperfections are, however, NOT an excuse to our "less than perfect" behavior if that makes any sense at all. There are too many people who live in a state of mind that, simply stated, is, "Oh, well because I'm imperfect I don't have to or need to strive to do the things I know are right. I don't have to strive for perfection because I know I will never be perfect.". This type of thinking in nothing more than an age old human excuse placed in our minds by the enemy.
Though we may never be perfect, it is important to strive for perfection. It is important to view others in a loving manner rather than in a "human" manner.
Though imperfection is a real revelation, it is NEVER an excuse and should NEVER be a comfort designed to excuse us from guilt or consequence. It is simply a revelation that can be given that can aid us in making better decisions in regards to our human relationships. Make no mistake my friends, forgiveness and love are things of God. In our quest and struggle to be the best kind of people, we must realize these truths an act upon our beliefs. These are the things I believe.
I want to strive to show love to all. I hope that when I'm not around anymore that it can be said about me that I was steadfast and that I never ceased to show or give love.
On the topic of love. huh I came across a wonderful piece of poetry this morning in a book I've been reading. I would like to share it with you all.
i have found what you are like the rain,
(Who feathers frightened fields with the superior dust-of-sleep. wields
easily the pale club of the wind and swirled justly souls of flower strike
the air in utterable coolness
deeds of green thrilling light with thinned
newfragile yellows
lurch and.press
-in the woods which stutter and
sing
And the coolness of your smile is stirringofbirds between my arms;but i should rather than anything have(almost when hugeness will shut quietly)almost, your kiss
1 I said, “I will watch my ways and keep my tongue from sin; I will put a muzzle on my mouth as long as the wicked are in my presence.”
2 But when I was silent and still, not even saying anything good, my anguish increased.
3 My heart grew hot within me, and as I meditated, the fire burned; then I spoke with my tongue:
4 “Show me, O LORD, my life’s end and the number of my days; let me know how fleeting is my life.
5 You have made my days a mere handbreadth; the span of my years is as nothing before you. Each man’s life is but a breath. Selah
6 Man is a mere phantom as he goes to and fro: He bustles about, but only in vain; he heaps up wealth, not knowing who will get it.
7 “But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you.
8 Save me from all my transgressions; do not make me the scorn of fools.
9 I was silent; I would not open my mouth, for you are the one who has done this.
10 Remove your scourge from me; I am overcome by the blow of your hand.
11 You rebuke and discipline men for their sin; you consume their wealth like a moth— each man is but a breath. Selah
12 “Hear my prayer, O LORD, listen to my cry for help; be not deaf to my weeping. For I dwell with you as an alien, a stranger, as all my fathers were.
13 Look away from me, that I may rejoice again before I depart and am no more.”
This may very well be a very poorly written blog. I just woke up and haven't had coffee in a few days so please bear with me.
I grew up in church. I grew up singing hymns each sunday morning. I have to be honest, I really hated hymns. In fact, I still detest singing worship songs in a monotone droll simply because everyone else around me is doing so. I have a video that best describes my feelings toward this.
Tangent - Worship should be joyous or intimate; meaningful and purposeful. Wouldn't you agree?
Anyway….I detested church hymns. I detested songs like "The Old Rugged Cross" and "Stand up for Jesus". In fact, I still really don't like most of them due to their evident lack of cacoethes whilst being sung. But to say today that I don't like hymns would be a statement infinitesimal in passionate comparison to my making the same statement a year ago. I now attribute my then disposition towards hymns to 1. The said lack of passion behind their being sung and 2. My never grasping the full message conveyed in the lyrics.
That being said…..I've been visiting a new church on Tuesday's for the past couple weeks.
I must say, I haven't felt so impacted by any one church in a very long time. Each message that I've heard has really hit home with respect to my own life and situations. This week however, I was pretty blown away by the truth of the message so……. I feel that I must blog about it.
The last few messages have revolved around a study about the Abundant Life that only Christ has to offer. It's been really, I guess you could say, eye/ear opening hearing a message that I've often heard but in a new and more relative fashion which caters to my own age group and current situation. This week JP talked about sources of temptation - that is distractions from the abundant life we have been given. It seems so often that we trade in a life of complete abundance in Him for the temporary pleasures of this world. JP specifically related the message to the city of Dallas. Dallas is a big city filled with many more temptations than that of a small town. Big cities are simply stated, the Devil's playground. Dallas is a hard city to live in and not be negatively impacted by the "lures" of the world. These revelations, though I really already knew them, really broke me. I can look back on my life a few years ago and see the evident differences in my spiritual walk, personal life, and relationships. I attribute the "goodness" of those years to the fact that I was continually striving, while making mistakes, towards the abundant life that I KNEW He had to offer.
I KNOW now that I steadily allowed the city and a lack of spiritual involvement to draw me further away from the abundant life rather than continuing to seek after it. I KNOW now because I've been forced to see. I KNOW now because I've been forced to really reflect. I've felt so ashamed lately about the way I've allowed my life to unfold these last few years. I will say that I have grown substantially in my understanding and interpretation of those things spiritual. I attribute this learning to my being forced to delve deeper into the meaning of scripture by my school and my absence from a very dogmatic area. It detest dogma. I believe Paul did as well.
Anyway, JP drew a particular analogy this past Tuesday that I wanted to share. Let's see if I can get it right.
A pastor was walking down the street and noticed a young boy carrying a birdcage. The boy casually skipped along swinging the cage from side to side with a rather devious smile apparent. Inside the cage were three small birds, frightened and shaking.
The concerned pastor approached the young boy and questioned, "Son, what are you going to do with those birds?"
With a sinister grin the boy replied, "I'm gonna have so much fun with these birds. First I'm gonna pluck out all their feathers. Then I'm gonna tie them together and watch them try to fly away. Then I'm gonna make them fight. It's gonna be so much fun."
The pastor questioned, "Well, then what are you going to do with them?"
The boy replied. "Well, I've got a cat. I'm gonna feed them to my cat. It's going to be soooo much fun."
The pastor looked at the boy and then to the cage and pulled out his wallet. He said, "How much?"
"How much for what?", replied the boy.
"How much for those birds?"
The boy, confused and taken aback, replied, "Sir, why would you ever want these birds. Look. They're just stupid field birds. There's a whole field of them right around the corner. All you need to catch them is a net. You could head on over there right now and get as many as you want."
The pastor replied, "No. How much for THOSE birds?"
The boy still very much so confused replied, "Ten dollars?"
The pastor: "Done" and he handed the boy the money and set out to release the birds.
In the same way…..
Unbeknownst to us, Satan has many of us locked away in a cage. He meets Jesus on the road. Jesus asks Satan, "What are you going to do with those Dallas 20-somethings?"
Satan replied, "Oh, it's going to be so much fun. I'm going to get them drunk. I'm going to make them sleep with each other. I'm doing to get some of them pregnant. I'm going to give some of them diseases. I'm going to make them fight. I'm going to make them do things they regret. I'm going to tear their lives apart. I'm going to make them think that there is no point of return"
Jesus: "Well, then what are you going to do with them?"
Satan: "I'm gonna throw them away. I'm gonna empty my cage and get some new ones after these have been all used up."
Jesus says, "How much for those?"
Satan taken aback and confused says. "Why would you ever want these? There's a whole city filled with kids and young adults for you to pick from. These don't even love you. Just look at how they live their lives. They constantly party and drink and do drugs and lie. They don't go to church. They take your name in vain. They don't care about you."
Jesus says, "No. How much for THOSE?"
Satan says, "Your pain. Your tears. Your blood and Your LIFE"
Jesus: "Done."
I've got to tell you, that analogy really hit me hard. Even now as I'm typing it, I'm feeling the impact that it still has on my own life.
Back to hymns.
Immediately after JP got done speaking, the band began to play "Jesus Paid It All" - such an old hymn that I never really took the time to fully comprehend it's meaning. I don't feel like there's much of anything I can say that could ever fully convey the true meaning of the analogy I just gave or the meaning behind this song, so I'd just like to post a video with the lyrics and hope you guys are impacted by it's message in the same way that I have been - still am being. Please take some time from your busy day to really watch and comprehend the great and true meaning behind these lyrics and this song. Turn it up and free yourself from any distractions. Put down your cell phones. Turn off the television. Only then, will you be able to feel the full impact of this song and this message.
Jesus Paid It All
Sorry I got so "spiritual" there. It's just something that's really been on my heart for the past few days. I felt I needed to share it with you guys. I hope that you can too be impacted by the power of words and song in the same way that I have been.
On a separate note:
I finished recording a new song a few days ago. If you didn't know, my band, Dewinter, recently broke up and soooo I've been seeking new ways of writing and expressing myself through song. Hopefully I've have a new project up and running soon. This is the first of many songs I'll be releasing. I hope you guys like it. Don't judge too harshly because it's in no way finished, but I wanted to go ahead and give everyone a sneak peak into my new direction. Enjoy.
Christian, Existentialist, Carpediemist, Musician. I long to live an extraordinary life filled w/ adventures, travels, and new experiences.I believe in music the way that some people believe in fairy tales. Supporter of www.lovepiclove.com
