I can't believe it's been nearly 3 months since I last posted something on here. I was amazed at some of the comments I read on my last post. HAHA to be honest some made me laugh. I wonder what could make someone think so ill about God. That reminds me of a concert I went to last Friday; Scream the Prayer. The headliner was Haste the Day but a bunch of Christian metalcore bands were there. Anyway, what I wanted to get at was the instance where Sleeping Giant's Thommy Green started to pray and sing "Oh Praise Him" while in the back, some non-Christian kids were yelling "Satan, Satan!" The awesome thing was that no one got mad or hurt. We just ignored it and the kids just stopped. It was then that Thommy shared his struggles and told the kids about God. Believe it or not, some of those same kids went to them after the show to learn about God all because we reacted to their ignorance with love.
So basically what I'm trying to say is, go ahead. Write weird comments in reply to my posts, believe what you want to believe. I'm not going to argue or counter what you think. You have free will. Do as you please with it. However, know that you are just wasting time expressing hatreed cause I'm not reacting to it. Honestly, I find it awesome how a lot of people find my love for God weird and retarted. Why should I be ashamed for something I feel so strongly about?
With that said, I want to talk about my last post. I read someone's comment that said something like, "I once used to be religous but now I'm not and I'm happier." I'd like to say that I don't buy any of it. Of course, being far away from God is easier. That's what Satan wants. Yea, I know some of you will "rofl" at that but who do you think is responsible for all the sick and just plain evil stuff going on around us? You really think its God? Or maybe you think it's just the corrupt government? Yeah right. Satan wants everyone to hate God, make fun of him, curse him, etc. But honestly, he would rather have all of us dead and in hell than to have us hear about God or even consider thinking about Him.
I'll give you a real life example of this. I have a close friend who had been an Atheist her entire life. Her motto was simply, "F*** God." Everytime I told her about God, she would tell me, "Lets not talk about religion." Until one day she called me crying and asked me, "Why is everything in my life f***ed up and your life so f***ing perfect?" My life perfect?! Far from it. But she saw how passionate my love for God is, she saw how I treated the people around me, she saw how close I am with my family, she saw how music inspired me, she saw all these things and knew that I had something that she didn't. This is coming from a girl who lives in freaking mansion, gets everything she wants, is beautiful, and is engaged to the man of her dreams and she was asking me why her life was so messed up. From my end, she had everything, everything but one thing. God. I started to tell her about everything that I could about how much God cared fpr her; how he sent his son to die for her; how he shed his blood to pay for everything she has and will do and above all how much he loved her. And she told me, "the only reason I don't believe like you do is because I've never felt like he actually cared." Her life changed that day, as she sarted getting to know more about God but one day she just stopped. She turn to her old habits and now she finds herself "as happy as ever," when in reality, she is broken on the inside. Giving herself to drugs, sex, and alcohol to forget all the crap around her. But I refuse to sit back and watch her waste her life away. How do I show her that? I stand by her through it all. If she needs someone, she knows she can count on me. Isn't that what a real Christian should do?
See, most of the world has this notion that Christians are a bunch of religious, Jesus loving pricks who hate homosexuals, don't have lives, and are a waste of air. It's true that a lot of Christians are close-minded and are ignorant when it comes to other points of view. But I'll tell you something. Being a Christian is not about going to church 2 to 3 times a week, wearing WWJD? bracelets, and caring a Bible in your pocket, although all those things are good. Being a real Christian is about showing anyone and everyone God's love through your actions and words. It's giving to the needy, it's helping those who are hurt, it's pouring out your life for others, it's about being the best you can be and knowing that you can't live this life according to your own will. Believe me, you'll fail and if you don't think you will, it will still leave you empty and completely dissatisfied.
Brian "Head" Welch, ex lead guitarist of Korn became a Christian not too long ago and in his book "Washed by Blood" he says he had everything. Music, sex, drugs, alcohol, money and still he wanted to kill himself because nothing satisfied him. He found God and his life changed.
I know it's hard to believe any of this but take it from someone who has been through hell and made it through by finding the real face of God. It's not religion. It's not bs. It's truth.
In reference to my suicidal thoughts and depression, those times have ended. I hit rock bottom but God lifted me and gave me a new life, a new meaning, and a new purpose. I thought I could fix it on my own but he was the one who showed me that life isn't about us and our problems, our whims, and our desires but about His love.
L.O.V.E By Brian "Head" Welch This is a little taste of what God really thinks
I gave you everything all the pain life brings just to get you to come back to Me
I want to give you light I don't want to ever fight, Stop resisting and come home to me...
You're so afraid of love there's not much time.. All the pain inside just makes you want to die..
Love Me, Don't hate Me, You're angry it's ok, trust Me come this way live in eternity...
I'm the real drug to take to numb your heartache stop running and come back to Me I've had it up to here I cried way too many tears you'll keep suffering until you come to Me outside you act so tough but inside you cry all the pain inside just makes you want to die
Love Me don't hate Me you're angry it's ok trust Me come this way live in eternity your soul is mine I don't want to fight your soul is mine don't be unkind your soul is mine I don't want to lie I swear you'll never die stay alive when I restore all mankind
Love Me don't hate Me you're angry it's ok trust Me come this way live in eternity come see you'll soon won't feel guilty and be set free
God Bless you guys and know that God really does care about what you are going through. Just give Him a chance. You have nothing to lose.
Thursday, August 6, 2009
Thursday, May 21, 2009
These have been...my darkest nights
It seems ironic...I read through my previous posts and I wonder to myself, "Geez, I should take my own advice." It's hard to put a smile on your face and say, "God, I completely trust you. Do your will in my life." Sometimes, you have to be careful of what you ask for. Not too long ago I asked God to brake me, mold me, and transform me into something greater, someone bigger, something that my mind wouldn't be able to fathom. In a way, I'm getting what I asked for. All those things that held me back from getting close to Him are falling apart, more specifically, relationships that mean the world to me, to my heart. Seeing these things fade...it hurts. Deep down I know that they are only obstructions in my path, sinful desires...don't you ever wonder if there is really someone out there who cares about you? I'm not talking about God, I'm taking about someone of the oppossite sex. Sometimes I wonder if I'm meant to be alone for the rest of my life but I'm only nineteen, why should I worry? No, you see, it's not marrriage I'm concerned with, it's someone who will physically be there when I need to cry and they'll tell me everything will be alright, someone who will care and love me unconditionally no matter what happens between us. But God is making me wait and I have been waiting for so long and I feel so alone. Each day goes by, not a call from a friend, not a simple text message asking how I'm doing, nothing.
People say cutting anf suicide are so over-rated but these emotions run deep and the can destroy the hope of life. I think about ending my life everyday. I find myself failing God in everything. Sometimes, I want to call it quits but at the end of the day, regardless of the fact that no one has shown any concern over me, at night, when I'm in the dark, at night when I cry until I can't any longer, I know that although my God is not physical, although I can't see him, I know that he knows my pain. I know that he wants me to hold on tight and not let go. I know he loves. I know and so, I fall asleep, in peace but awake with the burden the next morning.
I can say my life is not meaningless. I know I have a purpose and I know that it does not include a death by my own hands.
Please keep me in your prayers, as well as my fellow brothers and sisters around the world who struggle with these things.
God Bless You.
People say cutting anf suicide are so over-rated but these emotions run deep and the can destroy the hope of life. I think about ending my life everyday. I find myself failing God in everything. Sometimes, I want to call it quits but at the end of the day, regardless of the fact that no one has shown any concern over me, at night, when I'm in the dark, at night when I cry until I can't any longer, I know that although my God is not physical, although I can't see him, I know that he knows my pain. I know that he wants me to hold on tight and not let go. I know he loves. I know and so, I fall asleep, in peace but awake with the burden the next morning.
I can say my life is not meaningless. I know I have a purpose and I know that it does not include a death by my own hands.
Please keep me in your prayers, as well as my fellow brothers and sisters around the world who struggle with these things.
God Bless You.
Monday, April 13, 2009
Faith Through Dark Times
My apologies for not blogging gor the past month or so. Classes have kep me quite busy this semester ><. Either way, through it all, I have come to realize that without the help of God, I don't know where I would be right now. It's awesome how this fits in with the time, being that today is the day after Easter, not the celebration of some bunnie who apparently lays eggs with candy in them o_o, BUT of the awesome promise Jesus fulfilled; his ressurection on the third day after his people crucified him. Yes, I have questioned myself the validity of this event. There are soooooooo many people who disagree and deny that he was the Son of God but with all honesty, the Bible is as real as any other historical work you will ever set your eyes on. Is hard to explain it...it's almost as if the Bible comes to life when you go through something difficult and painful because the words of comfort penetrate deeper than just your heart, mind, and emotions; they penetrate your soul, the most inner and secret part of you, the real you, if you want to look at it that way. If you are reading this and you are going through some stages are moments where you just want to give up on life, you think no one understands how much pain you are in, when you feel like everyone has let you down, when you are trying so hard to get something and you can't seem to get it, or just when everything seems to be falling apart and you ask yourself, "When is this going to end? When is it going to be my turn? Why is everyone around me so happy and I so miserable?" That's when you can try, just try to trust God and let go of your problems, issues, pain, tears, and hurt and just lay them at his feet. Do you really think he wants you to carry those burdens? Do you really think his desire is to leave you? NOT AT ALL!!! He has promised us that He will NEVER leave us or forsake us (Hebrews 13:5). And if it does seem that way, I can assure you that it is because we have left him. I just want to encourage you and tell you that no matter what you are going through, there is nothing (and I mean NOTHING) that will be too difficult for God to handle. That doesn't mean that you won't suffer the consequences or pain that the situation might bring but the reward will come at the end, trust me. I hope that in some way, this has touched your heart. If I was able to encourage at least one person in this world, it would have been worth it. God Bless you and take care and remember, when all else fails, God will always be the unfailing.
Here are some songs that might encourage you:
"Everything"- Lifehouse
"Came to My Rescue"- Hillsong United
"Unfailing God"- New Life Worship
"Healer"- Hillsong United
"Surrender"- Planetshakers
"Savior"- Skillet
"There for You"- Flyleaf
"Redemption"- August Burns Red (you might have to look up the lyrics if you can't understand screamo)
Here are some songs that might encourage you:
"Everything"- Lifehouse
"Came to My Rescue"- Hillsong United
"Unfailing God"- New Life Worship
"Healer"- Hillsong United
"Surrender"- Planetshakers
"Savior"- Skillet
"There for You"- Flyleaf
"Redemption"- August Burns Red (you might have to look up the lyrics if you can't understand screamo)
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Bow Before The Scene Day and some other epicly amazing stuff
So, I was surfing through the net, as we do when we are bored, and I was listening to a band that I just discovered last night, Pistis for Him Alone. I just found out today that they actually don't even exist anymore, as a band, together, at all, *tear*. BUT, they have formed their own bands seperately. I was also listening to Unashamed, whom have also broken up. They were one of the first Praisecore bands ever established that started in the mid-90s. I definetly encourage you to check them out.
Either way, on Unashamed's site, I found an ad for Bow Before the Scene Day. I thought it was interesting, so I clicked on it. After reading about it, I found out that it is a day, more specifically the first Saturday of every month, were people around the world pray for God to rise up spirit-filled hardcore and praisecore bands. I was like, "THIS IS THE AWESOMEST THING IN THE WORLD!!" So, I decided to write about it on here. The movement asks to "Pray that the bands stay strong in the spirit. Pray that they aquire the resources needed to spread the love of God throughout the world. Pray that more bands rise up to give glory to God. Pray that more people will come to know Jesus through spirit-filled music." Simply awesome. I'm joining the movement and if you feel moved to follow it as well, GOD BLESS YOU!!!
A few days ago, I also joined the Of The Son PraiseCorps, dedicated to tell people about the awesome praisecore band Of The Son and their ministry. If you want to read a bit more about them, visit their site: http://www.oftheson.com/
So, yea, there are awesome things happening in the hardcore Christian scene and I know that even greater things will come in the future.
With that I'll leave you. Have a super awesome blessed day and remember, God loves you no matter what you've done or how much you hate him for not getting things your way. He is the only one that will be there for you. He'll never turn his back on you and he'll always hear your cries, even though his answer may not be immediate.
Either way, on Unashamed's site, I found an ad for Bow Before the Scene Day. I thought it was interesting, so I clicked on it. After reading about it, I found out that it is a day, more specifically the first Saturday of every month, were people around the world pray for God to rise up spirit-filled hardcore and praisecore bands. I was like, "THIS IS THE AWESOMEST THING IN THE WORLD!!" So, I decided to write about it on here. The movement asks to "Pray that the bands stay strong in the spirit. Pray that they aquire the resources needed to spread the love of God throughout the world. Pray that more bands rise up to give glory to God. Pray that more people will come to know Jesus through spirit-filled music." Simply awesome. I'm joining the movement and if you feel moved to follow it as well, GOD BLESS YOU!!!
A few days ago, I also joined the Of The Son PraiseCorps, dedicated to tell people about the awesome praisecore band Of The Son and their ministry. If you want to read a bit more about them, visit their site: http://www.oftheson.com/
So, yea, there are awesome things happening in the hardcore Christian scene and I know that even greater things will come in the future.
With that I'll leave you. Have a super awesome blessed day and remember, God loves you no matter what you've done or how much you hate him for not getting things your way. He is the only one that will be there for you. He'll never turn his back on you and he'll always hear your cries, even though his answer may not be immediate.
Saturday, February 28, 2009
What I long to live for
I just had an epic revelation. I want to bring people to know what Praisecore is. It is exactly what I have been searching for the past few days because it is a mesh of worship and hardcore music. It's awesome. Watch this vid; it will explain everything.
God Bless You!!
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Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Tattoos and Piercings: The Christian Taboo
It's been about three years now since I have decided that I want to get a tattoo. Of course, people say that you can't just get whatever you want, because it's permanent (well, thst's almost a lie since people DO get whatever they want). But what I'm referring to a meaning. I actually want several tattoos to evangelize. Seems off huh? But I'll tell you why.
The traditional view of tattoos and piercings in the Christian community is simple: it's wordly and perhaps demonic, aka: you're going to hell. ButI don't think this is the case at all. I understand that in the Bible it says: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Yes, the body is the temple of God and we should glorify him in all we do but when it comes to the flesh, it isn't the temple of God. I believe that the temple of God in our bodies is our hearts and our minds.
Jesus said: "Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you." Matthew 15:16-17 This is why I wholeheartedly believe that what matters most to God is your heart, not what you look like.
I mean, when we die, these bodies will rot and they will be of no importance. Why would God care about such a meaningless thing? What God cares about is the heart and the soul because those are the two things that define you and your actions.
I have met plenty of people who are covered in tattoos and piercings and guess what? They are on fire for God. They love him with their life. What more could God ask?
And now, for piercings. Everything I previously mentioned applies. I do think though that certain piercings are creepy, like nipple piercings and barbells on the back, but although they are weird, I don't think God wouuld stop loving or blessing anyone because of it. And no, you would never lose your salvation because of it.
The Bible does says to keep ourselves seperated from the world. Jesus said: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 But even then, Jesus was speaking of pride, lust, and adultery. Throughout his life, Jesus was criticized and harrassed for being friends with thiefs, prostitutes, the handicapped, and the outcasts but he always shared his love and made a difference in their lives, shining the light of God in their darkness. That's what I want to do.
Many kids and even adults are oppressed, especially in the hardcore scene, and maybe, with God's help, I can be a light unto them and show them that there is a God who cares and loves them and wants to help them with their struggles. A simple tattoo or piercing could be the conversation starter that could lead them to know Christ.
Currently, I'm gauging (stretching) my ear piercings and I also want to get the snakebite piercings on my lower lip.
Why? I ask you, why not?
I plan to get several tattoos, eventually, and I'm really thinking about what they will say and look like (Thank God for you Anthony!!). I want them to glorify God.
God Bless You and have an awesome day!!! ^_^
The traditional view of tattoos and piercings in the Christian community is simple: it's wordly and perhaps demonic, aka: you're going to hell. ButI don't think this is the case at all. I understand that in the Bible it says: "Do you not know that your body is a temple of the Holy Spirit, who is in you, whom you have received from God? You are not your own; you were bought at a price. Therefore honor God with your body." 1 Corinthians 6:19-20 Yes, the body is the temple of God and we should glorify him in all we do but when it comes to the flesh, it isn't the temple of God. I believe that the temple of God in our bodies is our hearts and our minds.
Jesus said: "Don’t you see that whatever enters the mouth goes into the stomach and then out of the body? But the things that come out of the mouth come from the heart, and these defile you." Matthew 15:16-17 This is why I wholeheartedly believe that what matters most to God is your heart, not what you look like.
I mean, when we die, these bodies will rot and they will be of no importance. Why would God care about such a meaningless thing? What God cares about is the heart and the soul because those are the two things that define you and your actions.
I have met plenty of people who are covered in tattoos and piercings and guess what? They are on fire for God. They love him with their life. What more could God ask?
And now, for piercings. Everything I previously mentioned applies. I do think though that certain piercings are creepy, like nipple piercings and barbells on the back, but although they are weird, I don't think God wouuld stop loving or blessing anyone because of it. And no, you would never lose your salvation because of it.
The Bible does says to keep ourselves seperated from the world. Jesus said: "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world. If any man love the world, the love of the Father is not in him." 1 John 2:15 But even then, Jesus was speaking of pride, lust, and adultery. Throughout his life, Jesus was criticized and harrassed for being friends with thiefs, prostitutes, the handicapped, and the outcasts but he always shared his love and made a difference in their lives, shining the light of God in their darkness. That's what I want to do.
Many kids and even adults are oppressed, especially in the hardcore scene, and maybe, with God's help, I can be a light unto them and show them that there is a God who cares and loves them and wants to help them with their struggles. A simple tattoo or piercing could be the conversation starter that could lead them to know Christ.
Currently, I'm gauging (stretching) my ear piercings and I also want to get the snakebite piercings on my lower lip.
Why? I ask you, why not?
I plan to get several tattoos, eventually, and I'm really thinking about what they will say and look like (Thank God for you Anthony!!). I want them to glorify God.
God Bless You and have an awesome day!!! ^_^
Monday, February 23, 2009
How music affects our lives
So, today, I've decided to talk a bit about the music I listen to, Christian Metalcore/Screamo and what it influences. For some reason, people think its ironic but really, I don't understand why. The biggest difference between Christian metalcore and secular (non-Christian) metalcore is in the lyrics and the message they give out. Let's compare the lyrics of the Christian metalcore band As I Lay Dying with a secular one, Converge.
As I Lay Dying- The Sound of Truth
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
truth that sounds right to our ears
but what wisdom is there within us
to live based on the feeling of our hearts
how many times has instinct let us down
never to be thought through
never to be questioned
say what you really mean when your ambition calls you
for what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear?
we have all heard what we wanted to hear truth that sounds right to our ears
we speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?
if we have chosen to live against the grain then why are we all facing the same way?
there is no difference between us and them if we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
we have all heard what we wanted to heartruth that sounds right to our ears
Converge- The Great Devastator
No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
To the dead, I wrote you countless lettersdear only some I sent
How easy it was for silence to saysome of the loudest of things
To speak so effortlessly the words and syllables that can crush in an instant
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
For the rope is getting shorter and these days
they are getting longer with every ghosts I find
They leave no heart unbroken, my great devestator
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
My great devestator
Alright, I hope you read both lyrics. Which one seemed darker to you? As I Lay Dying or Converge? Well, if you chose Converge, you are quite right. There is almost a feeling of oppression when you read the lyrics, even greater when you hear the song. On the other hand, when you read As I Lay Dying's lyrics, you don't feel that. Maybe you think I'm crazy, and say "I didn't fell anything" or something like that. But, it's easy for a Christian to decern these things because of the light of Jesus Christ in us. Yea, it might sound preachy, but it's true. When we ask Jesus in our hearts, it's not to be taken literally; it's not like some spirit is possessing us. No, it's more like we are asking God to forgive us of the way we have lived our lives and ask him to open up our eyes and set us free from things that weigh us down, aka: sin. That sin can easily affect how we talk, react, and behave. It's a powerful thing.
When reading the lyrics of As I Lay Dying, you can sense truth. "We speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?" That phrase is so powerful. Even at college I hear people taking about fighting to save the people of Darfur, bringing the troops back from Iraq, saving the children in Africa from AIDS, and finding a cure for cancer but what good is that when we fight with our brothers and sisters, disrespect our parents, lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, get drunk, sleep around, and backstab the people closest to us? In the end, it proves nothing. Even if we do find a cure for cancer, would that empower change in your life? No. It's probably going to feel great when they do but by the next day, you'll forget about it.
"No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end, I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again." What do these lyrics say to you? When you feel half empty, half finished...it's like you have no life left in you and you just want to die. How is that suppossed to make anyone feel good?I'm not going to say that Converge is a bad band. In fact, they are very musically talented but all I'm trying to show you is how strong lyrics can be.
I'll share my depression testimony with you. I first began listening to heavy music last summer. I was mostly listening to Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Converge. By the time I was listening to their music everyday, there was oppression in my life. I started isolating myself from my family and friends, hating everything around me, contemplating on suicide, and cutting myself (and remember, I was a "Christian" then also). I eventually attempted suicide twice and cutting got bad, to the point where the school wanted me to leave until I seeked help. But no one could help me. It was a battle withing me, something that only God and myself could fight for. It was then when I gave God an ultimatum and I told him: either you kill me now and end my misery or you change my life ina way that the only thing I'll be able to do is live my life for you. The later choice was his will. I decided to give up all my music and everything that I thought was ok and let God direct me and not too long after did I find Christian Metalcore and it really changed my life, aside from the fact that God help me out first.
Now, I have realized that music is a big factor in how our generation lives. Look at the people around you? Aren't they influenced by what they listen to in the way they dress, speak, and act?
That's pretty much it for my "how music affects our lives" rant. I thought it was something I needed to get out of my chest. I don't think there's anything wrong with heavy music (actually, I love it). But to seperate myself from music that I know won't make me think positively, I try my best to only listen to Christian metalcore. There is a HUGE variety out there of Christian artists who are not ashamed of being what they believe in and it filters through their music.
So, if you take anything from my little rant is, God loves music and it doesn't matter if it's metalcore, the message is what matters. I love God with my life and listen to harcore music and that hasn't changed my walk on the Christian path.
Take Care and God Bless You!!
For more info on this topic, visit the following links:
Secular Perspective
http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-And-Its-Influence-On-Behavior&id=733185
Christian Perspective
http://www.touchet1611.org/MusicPersonalTestimony.html
(when he says KJB churches, it's just a denomination, but we all serve the same God so it can apply to any church, person, and denomination)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXnHvSWz1M
This guy sums up everything I said perfectly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjgXPxyIF0&feature=related
This dude talks about how music and dancing is from God, no matter what type, of course, as long as the message glorifies God, it's worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgVFc1JSWw
Interview with Demon Hunter, amazing, what it's like being in a Christian metal band
And, finally, here is a list of super awesome Christian metalcore/screamo heavy bands:
***= my favorites but really, all these bands are awesome
Advent
As I Lay Dying***
A Plea for Purging
August Burns Red***
Becoming the Archetype
Blindside
Chasing Victory***
The Chariot
The Devil Wears Prada***
Demon Hunter***
Flyleaf
Haste the Day
JesusWept
Norma Jean
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
Oh Sleeper
Showbread
Sleeping Giant***
Soul Embraced
This Runs Through
With Blood Comes Cleansing
xDEATHSTARx***
As I Lay Dying- The Sound of Truth
We have all heard what we wanted to hear
truth that sounds right to our ears
but what wisdom is there within us
to live based on the feeling of our hearts
how many times has instinct let us down
never to be thought through
never to be questioned
say what you really mean when your ambition calls you
for what use is there in praying if you will only hear what you want to hear?
we have all heard what we wanted to hear truth that sounds right to our ears
we speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?
if we have chosen to live against the grain then why are we all facing the same way?
there is no difference between us and them if we all blindly seek truth from sentiments
we have all heard what we wanted to heartruth that sounds right to our ears
Converge- The Great Devastator
No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
To the dead, I wrote you countless lettersdear only some I sent
How easy it was for silence to saysome of the loudest of things
To speak so effortlessly the words and syllables that can crush in an instant
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
For the rope is getting shorter and these days
they are getting longer with every ghosts I find
They leave no heart unbroken, my great devestator
To our end, to the dear departed
are you my last chance or the first chapter in the greatest fable ever told
I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again
My great devestator
Alright, I hope you read both lyrics. Which one seemed darker to you? As I Lay Dying or Converge? Well, if you chose Converge, you are quite right. There is almost a feeling of oppression when you read the lyrics, even greater when you hear the song. On the other hand, when you read As I Lay Dying's lyrics, you don't feel that. Maybe you think I'm crazy, and say "I didn't fell anything" or something like that. But, it's easy for a Christian to decern these things because of the light of Jesus Christ in us. Yea, it might sound preachy, but it's true. When we ask Jesus in our hearts, it's not to be taken literally; it's not like some spirit is possessing us. No, it's more like we are asking God to forgive us of the way we have lived our lives and ask him to open up our eyes and set us free from things that weigh us down, aka: sin. That sin can easily affect how we talk, react, and behave. It's a powerful thing.
When reading the lyrics of As I Lay Dying, you can sense truth. "We speak of fighting to resist this world but what about the battle within us?" That phrase is so powerful. Even at college I hear people taking about fighting to save the people of Darfur, bringing the troops back from Iraq, saving the children in Africa from AIDS, and finding a cure for cancer but what good is that when we fight with our brothers and sisters, disrespect our parents, lie, cheat, steal, do drugs, get drunk, sleep around, and backstab the people closest to us? In the end, it proves nothing. Even if we do find a cure for cancer, would that empower change in your life? No. It's probably going to feel great when they do but by the next day, you'll forget about it.
"No, I'll lay half empty half finished, half written, until my end, I'll leave the lights on just in case you want to be found again." What do these lyrics say to you? When you feel half empty, half finished...it's like you have no life left in you and you just want to die. How is that suppossed to make anyone feel good?I'm not going to say that Converge is a bad band. In fact, they are very musically talented but all I'm trying to show you is how strong lyrics can be.
I'll share my depression testimony with you. I first began listening to heavy music last summer. I was mostly listening to Slipknot, Killswitch Engage, Atreyu, Lamb of God, and Converge. By the time I was listening to their music everyday, there was oppression in my life. I started isolating myself from my family and friends, hating everything around me, contemplating on suicide, and cutting myself (and remember, I was a "Christian" then also). I eventually attempted suicide twice and cutting got bad, to the point where the school wanted me to leave until I seeked help. But no one could help me. It was a battle withing me, something that only God and myself could fight for. It was then when I gave God an ultimatum and I told him: either you kill me now and end my misery or you change my life ina way that the only thing I'll be able to do is live my life for you. The later choice was his will. I decided to give up all my music and everything that I thought was ok and let God direct me and not too long after did I find Christian Metalcore and it really changed my life, aside from the fact that God help me out first.
Now, I have realized that music is a big factor in how our generation lives. Look at the people around you? Aren't they influenced by what they listen to in the way they dress, speak, and act?
That's pretty much it for my "how music affects our lives" rant. I thought it was something I needed to get out of my chest. I don't think there's anything wrong with heavy music (actually, I love it). But to seperate myself from music that I know won't make me think positively, I try my best to only listen to Christian metalcore. There is a HUGE variety out there of Christian artists who are not ashamed of being what they believe in and it filters through their music.
So, if you take anything from my little rant is, God loves music and it doesn't matter if it's metalcore, the message is what matters. I love God with my life and listen to harcore music and that hasn't changed my walk on the Christian path.
Take Care and God Bless You!!
For more info on this topic, visit the following links:
Secular Perspective
http://ezinearticles.com/?Music-And-Its-Influence-On-Behavior&id=733185
Christian Perspective
http://www.touchet1611.org/MusicPersonalTestimony.html
(when he says KJB churches, it's just a denomination, but we all serve the same God so it can apply to any church, person, and denomination)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=PKXnHvSWz1M
This guy sums up everything I said perfectly
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RmjgXPxyIF0&feature=related
This dude talks about how music and dancing is from God, no matter what type, of course, as long as the message glorifies God, it's worship
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eGgVFc1JSWw
Interview with Demon Hunter, amazing, what it's like being in a Christian metal band
And, finally, here is a list of super awesome Christian metalcore/screamo heavy bands:
***= my favorites but really, all these bands are awesome
Advent
As I Lay Dying***
A Plea for Purging
August Burns Red***
Becoming the Archetype
Blindside
Chasing Victory***
The Chariot
The Devil Wears Prada***
Demon Hunter***
Flyleaf
Haste the Day
JesusWept
Norma Jean
MYCHILDREN MYBRIDE
Oh Sleeper
Showbread
Sleeping Giant***
Soul Embraced
This Runs Through
With Blood Comes Cleansing
xDEATHSTARx***
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