October 1, 2010 is a milestone day for me. While my debut novel, PIOUS, has enjoyed some advance success for a couple of weeks online, the official release date is today.
music
for once, unafraid
Some people have perfect lives. I’m not one of those anomalies or people.
There are those rare days where discouragement sneaks up on me and the hope that has been coursing through my veins has mysteriously bled out. It’s hard during that time to be positive or feel thankful without some clouded film of negativity blocking my view. As I said, I’m imperfect.
Somewhere in there, just as mysterious, a reflection, a stray word from a stranger or a friend, a prayer, or a conversation can yank me from my dismal spiral. When brought back into consciousness, I am inclined to listen to a song to mark my new found direction and lease on life. That song has often been “For Once in my Life” by Stevie Wonder.
“For once, unafraid, I can go where life leads me and somehow I know I’ll be strong.”
maybe I’ve been the problem
If you know me, you know I love Switchfoot – their lyrics, their music, and their heart for a relationship with their Creator. Well this song, Stars, punched me in the gut this morning while I was listening to it.
My perception shapes everything. If I live a meaningless life, it’s my choice. I (and you) was created for a purpose. Look to the heaven’s and the expanse of the oceans, beyond the easy-to-see negatives in this existence. The world and my reason for being born is so much bigger than me. The heavens and God’s handiwork remind me of that.
Gomer’s Theme
I’ve begun delving into the guts of my second novel and this song keeps echoing in the back of my memory so I played it. And I played it again. And Again.
The song is called Gomer’s Theme by Third Day from their album, “Conspiracy No. 5.” Listen here. The song is a retelling from the book of Hosea (chapter’s 1-3) of Hosea’s marriage to Gomer, an unfaithful wife that he ceaselessly forgave of adultery while loving her unconditionally. This was to be a parallel to God’s undying faithfulness to Israel (or us). You can read a summary here or delve into the scriptures for yourself here.
Not to make this into some awkward and impromptu Bible study, but my point for posting this is to demonstrate that true love involves forgiveness. Again and again. And while we may feel like fools when we are the ones doing the forgiving, we’ll (with maturity and God’s leading) find that we a more receptive to receive love when we aren’t hindered by bitterness or the past.
PIOUS, which will be released on October1, is thematically about forgiveness on many levels and illustrates how even forgiving ourselves is necessary to move forward and truly live the life that we are meant to live.
strong will continue
Nas and Damian Marley released a new collaboration, Distant Relatives, today and I haven’t enjoyed an album this much in quite a while. Production, lyrics, heart, and all around positive vibes – I ‘m loving this one enough to urge you to buy it for yourself. Click here to sample some of the songs. Check out these lyrics of Damian’s from the track entitled, “Strong Will Continue.” This stuff is amazing.
“No man live for ever
but never say never
every goody want better
just be a go getter
and always be clever
in every endeavor
now trust in thy god
for drastic measure
your birthright to pleasure
from your naval swing severed
the land and the treasure
work for whatever
just say don’ be a beggar
the alpha omega
well bless every soul
no matter which you name prefer
the immortal stepper
we live in every skin
no matter which color, letter
we never let way don’t no care which kinda weather
your destined to rise like the son of Rebecca
don’t stop for a second
every man reckon
it sure would be good to be there
whether Zion or Mecca
when the gates are finally closed
and the saints go marching in.”