Friday, September 18, 2009

gonna take it all and set me free.

Music is a very special thing; something not unlike a miracle, rich with history and the potential to move people and change lives.

The stage is sacred. It's above the ground so that people can see the magic when it happens; so that people can see something bigger than the sum of its parts; something louder than the same dumb joke, brighter than the latest neon trend. Tell us your story. Show us your heart. Remind us of our own. Point to something. In the silence between songs, point to something that matters, some question or problem that steals your sleep at night. Invite us to be part of the solution.

Maybe the lessons are not just for the guys with microphones. Maybe this stuff applies to all of us. It's been said that all the world's a stage and that maybe we all have some kind of influence and opportunities to say real things and move people. The stage in front of the crowd is this obvious place where it happens, but maybe it's true that we each have our songs to sing and venues to play. We each get a few people who listen and a few people to listen to. We each have our jobs and our schools and all the places where life happens. We live in a world filled with needs and opportunities. Every person has a story. There's plenty of room for meaning, depth and change. Don't buy the lie that says there's only room for jokes and it's cooler not to care about anything. The bar has been set way too low. There's room for magic and inspiration. There's room to live a better story.

The show starts now.

Sunday, September 13, 2009

this is the sound of settling.

Every day is a new day to live without the obsession of self. Freedom is found in truth alone and in truth, love abounds. The only thing in this world that makes life worth living is love. It is love that gives hope. Without hope, all perseverance is lost - and without perseverance, the chance of growing our character is non-existent.
Press on. Be strong. You were created for greatness.