I think that it is safe to say that, at times, we all have the ability to see what we want to see. With that said, the song that was brought to my attention is still thought provoking.
The song, by Regina Spektor, seems to be taking a look at our flippant attitude toward God that we, as a culture, tend to carry with us through life. The main phrase heard throughout “No one laughs at God…” used in reference with serious situations and circumstances sets a stoic tone to the song. Follow this with “God can be funny…” connected to the different caricatures that have permeated our culture and you begin to get the sense that, although a secular song, it is hinting at something spiritually critical.
To see the Music video and Read the lyrics head over to Josh Hariss’ Blog.
Update: As I mention at the beginning of this post, we all have the ability to see what we want to see. So, I still don’t feel completely comfortable saying this song is exactly what it would seem. I still flinch every time the phrase “God can be Funny…” is sung.
Hopefully at some point there will be a statement as to why this song was written. Maybe all the “Christian” assumption will be vindicated.
Things are Changing… Not only around me as we are getting ready to have a Baby… But inside as I look around and see situations over which I have no control.
To say that I have been unaffected would be far from the truth. To say that I have responded correctly throughout would be far fetched. There has been tears, frustration, impatience, questions. There has been countless hours spent wondering “why” and “how.”
And throughout all of this - God knows. He is not removed from trials and struggles, but He is there with me throughout. He has Compassion, Sympathy… Empathy as He, in the form of Jesus, has experienced similar and far more. He, as my Creator, remembers my frame and knows that I am dust.
The issue, that has become perfectly clear, is not that God has forgotten or does not understand, but that I do not remember God. Those Characteristics listed… they often slip from my memory. His promises for His Children are so easily forgotten by my frail mind. The grace He gives each day and the Mercy He shows each morning remains neglected.
God is still God. It is “I” that change and forget.
Filed under: Song...
I used to wish that I could rewrite history
I used to dream that each mistake could be erased
Then I could just pretend
I never knew me back then
I used to pray that You would take this shame away
Hide all the evidence of who I’ve been
But it’s the memory of
The place You brought me from
That keeps me on my knees
And even though I’m free
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
I have not lived a life that boasts of anything
I don’t take pride in what I bring
But I’ll build an altar with
The rubble that You’ve found me in
And every stone will sing
Of what You can redeem
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
Don’t let me forget
Everything You’ve done for me
Don’t let me forget
The beauty in the suffering
Heal the wound but leave the scar
A reminder of how merciful You are
I am broken, torn apart
Take the pieces of this heart
And heal the wound but leave the scar
(Song by Point of Grace)
Filed under: Song...
This song, in its present arrangement by Casting Crowns, was brought to my attention by my Borther In-law… and now I cannot shake it. It seems to echo the cry of so many today.
And… if you do a simple search for the orgin and lyrics of the song you are struck even more with the what the song is saying.
This might have just jumped to the top of the list of my favorite Christmas Songs…
Over the past few days my mind has been set on Christmas. It seems to be something that I can’t get a way from.
A few days ago I heard a song by Downhere entitled “How many Kings?” (I realize that this post can cause a few questions depending on who you are… and how you know me. Either way, it doesn’t really matter… I will post on it later.)
Add the song to the movie my Sister and Brother In-law watched last night (The Nativity ) and this post arrives.
You don’t have to agree with me. I don’t ask you to even like it. All I ask is that you listen to the words…
Filed under: Song...
Come to Calvary’s holy mountain,
Sinners, ruined by the Fall;
Here a pure and healing fountain
Flows to you, to me, to all,
In a full, perpetual tide,
Opened when our Savior died.
Come in poverty and meanness,
Come defiled, without, within;
From infection and uncleanness,
From the leprosy of sin,
Wash your robes and make them white;
Ye shall walk with God in light.
Come in sorrow and contrition,
Wounded, impotent, and blind;
Here the guilty free remission,
Here the troubled peace, may find.
Health this fountain will restore;
He that drinks shall thirst no more.
He that drinks shall live forever;
‘Tis a soul renewing flood.
God is faithful; God will never
Break His covenant of blood,
Signed when our Redeemer died,
Sealed when He was glorified.
by James Montgomery
Glory be to God on high
Let peace on earth descend
God comes down before our eyes
To Bethlehem
God invisible appears
Endless ages wrapped in years
He has come who cannot change
And Jesus is His name
Emptied of His majesty
He comes in human form
Being’s source begins to be
And God is born
All our griefs He’ll gladly share
All our sins He’ll fully bear
He will cover our disgrace
And suffer in our place
Let the joyful news ring out
The Prince of Peace proclaim
Lift your heart and voice to shout
Immanuel’s name
God has kept His promises
What a work of grace this is
Son of Mary, chosen One
The Lamb of God has come
Hosanna, hosanna
The Lamb of God has come
Hosanna, hosanna
He is the promised One
Glory be to God on high
Let peace on earth descend
God comes down before our eyes
To Bethlehem
by Bob Kauflin
O to be like Thee! blessed Redeemer;
This is my constant longing and prayer;
Gladly I’ll forfeit all of earth’s treasures,
Jesus, Thy perfect likeness to wear.
O to be like Thee! O to be like Thee!
Blessed Redeemer, pure as Thou art;
Come in Thy sweetness, come in Thy fullness;
Stamp Thine own image deep on my heart.
O to be like Thee! full of compassion,
Loving, forgiving, tender and kind,
Helping the helpless, cheering the fainting,
Seeking the wand’ring sinners to find.
O to be like Thee! lowly in spirit,
Holy and harmless, patient and brave;
Meekly enduring cruel reproaches,
Willing to suffer, others to save.
O to be like Thee! Lord, I am coming,
Now to receive th’ anointing divine;
All that I am and have I am bringing;
Lord, from this moment all shall be Thine.
O to be like Thee! While I am pleading
Pour out Thy Spirit, fill with Thy love.
Make me a temple meet for Thy dwelling,
Fit for a life which Thou wouldst approve.
by Thomas O. Chisholm
Filed under: Song...
When love came down to earth
And made His home with men,
The hopeless found a hope,
The sinner found a friend.
Not to the powerful
But to the poor He came,
And humble, hungry hearts
Were satisfied again.
What joy, what peace has come to us!
What hope, what help, what love!
When every unclean thought,
And every sinful deed
Was scourged upon His back
And hammered through His feet.
The Innocent is cursed,
The guilty are released;
The punishment of God
On God has brought me peace.
Come lay your heavy load
Down at the Master’s feet;
Your shame will be removed,
Your joy will be complete.
Come crucify your pride,
And enter as a child;
For those who bow down low
He’ll lift up to His side.
Stuart Townend
Copyright © 2001 Thankyou Music
