Body Modification.
It's something that's been on my mind a bit recently, partially because it has come up in conversation a lot. A lot of my thinking about it is because I decided that I would like a tattoo.
I've never been anti-tattoo, but I've always been anti-stupid-tattoo. To me, tattoos should only ever be gotten with plenty of preceding thought. Definitely not on a whim, because then you end up with tattoos you regret, like an ex's name, or a misspelled proverb, or something like that. (Or a horrifying portrait of someone you love. I've seen it. *shudders*)
To me, a tattoo should be significant. I've designed, in my mind, what I want. Working on getting it down on paper somehow.
A phrase I try to live by is "Heart to God, hand to man." Don't ask me where it comes from, because I honestly couldn't tell you. It's just something I've been hearing all my life.
The tattoo I want is four words, two each in two places. "To God" just above my heart, and "To Man" on the palm of my hand. Nothing fancy, nothing spectacular, but significant for me. Of course, it's not a huge concern to me whether or not I ever do it, but I would like to.
However, it's set me thinking on body mods. My opinion on the matter is go ahead, it's your body. However, THINK FIRST. Especially with tattoos. They are forever. So plan it, think about whether or not you would want it 10, 20, 50 years down the road. Piercings aren't my thing, but they grow over, and in most cases are easily gotten rid of.
Just think about it. That's all I can ask.
So.
Tomorrow is Good Friday, which means my musical tastes have shifted back toward the hymnals. I love hymns, I really do, but this time of year just brings it out more.
The songs on my mind:
The Old Rugged Cross (Bart Millard version is my fave.)
The Wonderful Cross (seems a theme?)
In Christ Alone
It Is Well With My Soul
(Stained Glass Masquerade by Casting Crowns, may not be a hymn, but it's also on my mind.)
This is Easter weekend, so I'm hoping that somewhere along my way, I come across someone who needs a good word or two.
Coming soon: more rambling, with a little bit of a point mixed in!
Crusader
PS, I want some feedback. What do you guys all want me to talk about? Send suggestions, requests, etc, to gunningrick@gmail.com. Remember to mention Crusader in the subject line, or I may not open it. Take care, everyone. Enjoy your Good Friday, even if only for the day off.
Thursday, April 1, 2010
Monday, March 29, 2010
My Testimony
Alright, it's time.
I've been putting this off all weekend, because it's honestly terrifying. However, I feel like someone is going to get something out of this, even if it's only a better look at who I am.
"You're not worth it."
Those words plagued my life when I was a kid. I heard them from many people. I wasn't worth time, effort, affection. Even when they weren't said, I heard them.
I spent a great deal of time with my back turned on God. I never felt like I was loved. I knew, in my heart, that my parents loved me, that my sisters loved me, that my friends, the few I had, loved me. But my head said otherwise. I didn't know my parents very well, my sister and I fought all the time, and most of my friends turned their backs on me once image became important. From that, I learned that I was a loser. I was never going to achieve anything. I had nothing to give. Everything good in my life seemed to turn to crap quickly.
I grew up in a family divided in faith. My mother was a strong Christian, my father very agnostic, with a "prove-it-to-me" attitude. Mom brought my sister and I to church when we were both young, and that was the first place I experienced the kind of unconditional love that only God can provide. Everyone there cared about me, I had a huge extended family. It was wonderful.
And then it was gone. Being the church on the Air Base, it was run by the military. Which meant they had full control of who was the Padre. One man was deemed to be no good for any other position, and the military placed him at the head of the church. This man did not believe in God. He did not believe that Christ died. He did not pray.
Naturally, problems arose. People began fighting, and the fiery passion left the church. Many congregation members left, my mother included. Being young, somewhere around the age of ten or eleven, this made a huge impression on me. I found myself disappointed with God.
Not long after, my Nana developed cancer. Mom left us to live with her for a year in Vancouver, what felt like a million miles away. It was just me, my sister (whom I fought with constantly), and my father, who was always working. When he wasn't, we didn't do anything. I felt like I didn't even know him. He was just a presence there to keep us in line.
Then, Nana, one of the most wonderful women I've ever known, died. I'd lost one of the most influential people in my life. That, combined with everything that had happened in the church, made me turn away from God. I wanted nothing to do with Him. I'd be fine on my own, thank you very much.
How wrong I was.
From age twelve to sixteen, I was lonely. Not just "I haven't hung out with anyone in a few days" lonely, but "I want to die" lonely. I had nobody. The one trusted friend I had ever had had drifted away, my Nana was gone, my family never had much time for me, and the time they did was full of fighting and bitterness. Once I hit high school, things got better, for a short time. I found affection from my first girlfriend, only to discover that she dated me out of pity, and to get close to someone else I hung out with. It felt like nobody was reaching out to me. I reconnected with my oldest friend, though it seemed that he was always busy.
Something I've only recently begun sharing is that I considered suicide.
Thank God, I never got to the breaking point. But I knew exactly how I was going to do it, and had notes written. Nobody would have ever seen it coming. I'd made sure of that. On the outside, I was a well-adjusted young man. I seemed happy, I was friendly, and I participated in anything I could.
On the inside, however, every good thing was marked with cynicism. I questioned when my friends would leave, and how every compliment was being negated in other peoples' minds. I hated everything about myself, and I wanted to be dead. If I was so worthless, why exist, right?
I never once thought that someone might be concerned for me.
My sister, in her last year of high school, had become involved with Spirit Borne, a performing arts ministry. They led her to a small church in Trenton, Ontario, called At The Crossroads.
This is when she started badgering me. She mentioned God all the time. Having already felt let down in the most major of ways, I wanted none of it. I was horrible to her. I said some of the worst things to her, about how God had no place in my life. I dismissed it all as stupidity, and faith as only for the ignorant and uneducated.
Then one day, in December of 2005, Nikita was heading out to youth group, as usual, and asked if I wanted to go. I snorted and said "Hell no."
As she was putting her shoes on, I heard a small voice in the back of my mind, which was not my thinking voice.
"Go."
And I did. I went, got my shoes on, and hopped into the car, while Nikita gave me the most confused look I'd ever seen on her face. "Shut up." Was all I could say.
I learned a lot that night. I met some of the coolest people (though I would never have admitted it at the time) that I've known. I discovered that Christians could be smart too. I resisted the urge to pray, however. Still wasn't ready for that. I got invited to return Sunday morning, to meet a lot more people, and go for lunch after, that kind of thing. Well, free lunch and a day out of the house? I was totally game. Secretly, inside, though I wouldn't have acknowledged it then, I knew that I was going to find that same love I experienced as a child, and I was eager.
That Sunday was everything I expected. I met Pastor Jacques Blais, and his wife Sharon, who instantly poured love onto me. It was so foreign to me. I shook Jacques' hand, and Sharon gave me an embrace that was motherly and loving, though I'd known her for mere seconds. And it turned out the entire congregation was like that! For my lonely heart, that was incredible to know.
But how? How, could people be this loving? People sucked! There was nothing good about humanity. How could they be like this, accepting and loving, without knowing anything about me?
Jesus Christ.
I learned that over a few months while attending regularly. Christ was the one who provided this strange, foreign, unconditional love. And He loved me too! But why? I was useless. Worthless. I had nothing to give. Why would He love me? To this day, I still can't come up with a logical answer. He just does.
March
There was a guest pastor at the church, by the name of Justin Free. As he started to preach, I felt a pull, like every word he said was directed at me. I saw a passion deep within him, and I wanted it. All I could think of while he preached was "How can he speak so directly to me, without even knowing me?" Well, turns out it wasn't really him talking to me. It was God. It was time.
He gave an altar call, saying that if I wanted Christ in my life, all I had to do was ask Him in.
There was no way I could just sit there. I had to MOVE! I came close to leaping over seats to get up there. I didn't see anyone else. It was just me and him, in my mind.
I confessed my sin, I acknowledged my guilt. I accepted His love, and I pledged my life to serve Him. And then I broke. I let go of the hatred I had for me, and let my heart fill with love instead. I did a complete 180. I went from being apathetic to empathetic. I didn't know what my life would entail, but I knew it was all about helping people now. I suppose that's when I accepted my call into ministry, into counseling.
That day, I learned the most important fact I have ever known.
I AM worth it.
Christ died for my sins, so that I would never have to. He loved me enough to take death on a cross.
So don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not worth it, when the Creator of the universe says that you are.
I hope this has given you a little bit better look at who I am, and where I've come from. My story doesn't end here, however my time for the night does. I will post the next part of my testimony at another time.
I love you all, and I'm praying for you.
Crusader.
I've been putting this off all weekend, because it's honestly terrifying. However, I feel like someone is going to get something out of this, even if it's only a better look at who I am.
"You're not worth it."
Those words plagued my life when I was a kid. I heard them from many people. I wasn't worth time, effort, affection. Even when they weren't said, I heard them.
I spent a great deal of time with my back turned on God. I never felt like I was loved. I knew, in my heart, that my parents loved me, that my sisters loved me, that my friends, the few I had, loved me. But my head said otherwise. I didn't know my parents very well, my sister and I fought all the time, and most of my friends turned their backs on me once image became important. From that, I learned that I was a loser. I was never going to achieve anything. I had nothing to give. Everything good in my life seemed to turn to crap quickly.
I grew up in a family divided in faith. My mother was a strong Christian, my father very agnostic, with a "prove-it-to-me" attitude. Mom brought my sister and I to church when we were both young, and that was the first place I experienced the kind of unconditional love that only God can provide. Everyone there cared about me, I had a huge extended family. It was wonderful.
And then it was gone. Being the church on the Air Base, it was run by the military. Which meant they had full control of who was the Padre. One man was deemed to be no good for any other position, and the military placed him at the head of the church. This man did not believe in God. He did not believe that Christ died. He did not pray.
Naturally, problems arose. People began fighting, and the fiery passion left the church. Many congregation members left, my mother included. Being young, somewhere around the age of ten or eleven, this made a huge impression on me. I found myself disappointed with God.
Not long after, my Nana developed cancer. Mom left us to live with her for a year in Vancouver, what felt like a million miles away. It was just me, my sister (whom I fought with constantly), and my father, who was always working. When he wasn't, we didn't do anything. I felt like I didn't even know him. He was just a presence there to keep us in line.
Then, Nana, one of the most wonderful women I've ever known, died. I'd lost one of the most influential people in my life. That, combined with everything that had happened in the church, made me turn away from God. I wanted nothing to do with Him. I'd be fine on my own, thank you very much.
How wrong I was.
From age twelve to sixteen, I was lonely. Not just "I haven't hung out with anyone in a few days" lonely, but "I want to die" lonely. I had nobody. The one trusted friend I had ever had had drifted away, my Nana was gone, my family never had much time for me, and the time they did was full of fighting and bitterness. Once I hit high school, things got better, for a short time. I found affection from my first girlfriend, only to discover that she dated me out of pity, and to get close to someone else I hung out with. It felt like nobody was reaching out to me. I reconnected with my oldest friend, though it seemed that he was always busy.
Something I've only recently begun sharing is that I considered suicide.
Thank God, I never got to the breaking point. But I knew exactly how I was going to do it, and had notes written. Nobody would have ever seen it coming. I'd made sure of that. On the outside, I was a well-adjusted young man. I seemed happy, I was friendly, and I participated in anything I could.
On the inside, however, every good thing was marked with cynicism. I questioned when my friends would leave, and how every compliment was being negated in other peoples' minds. I hated everything about myself, and I wanted to be dead. If I was so worthless, why exist, right?
I never once thought that someone might be concerned for me.
My sister, in her last year of high school, had become involved with Spirit Borne, a performing arts ministry. They led her to a small church in Trenton, Ontario, called At The Crossroads.
This is when she started badgering me. She mentioned God all the time. Having already felt let down in the most major of ways, I wanted none of it. I was horrible to her. I said some of the worst things to her, about how God had no place in my life. I dismissed it all as stupidity, and faith as only for the ignorant and uneducated.
Then one day, in December of 2005, Nikita was heading out to youth group, as usual, and asked if I wanted to go. I snorted and said "Hell no."
As she was putting her shoes on, I heard a small voice in the back of my mind, which was not my thinking voice.
"Go."
And I did. I went, got my shoes on, and hopped into the car, while Nikita gave me the most confused look I'd ever seen on her face. "Shut up." Was all I could say.
I learned a lot that night. I met some of the coolest people (though I would never have admitted it at the time) that I've known. I discovered that Christians could be smart too. I resisted the urge to pray, however. Still wasn't ready for that. I got invited to return Sunday morning, to meet a lot more people, and go for lunch after, that kind of thing. Well, free lunch and a day out of the house? I was totally game. Secretly, inside, though I wouldn't have acknowledged it then, I knew that I was going to find that same love I experienced as a child, and I was eager.
That Sunday was everything I expected. I met Pastor Jacques Blais, and his wife Sharon, who instantly poured love onto me. It was so foreign to me. I shook Jacques' hand, and Sharon gave me an embrace that was motherly and loving, though I'd known her for mere seconds. And it turned out the entire congregation was like that! For my lonely heart, that was incredible to know.
But how? How, could people be this loving? People sucked! There was nothing good about humanity. How could they be like this, accepting and loving, without knowing anything about me?
Jesus Christ.
I learned that over a few months while attending regularly. Christ was the one who provided this strange, foreign, unconditional love. And He loved me too! But why? I was useless. Worthless. I had nothing to give. Why would He love me? To this day, I still can't come up with a logical answer. He just does.
March
There was a guest pastor at the church, by the name of Justin Free. As he started to preach, I felt a pull, like every word he said was directed at me. I saw a passion deep within him, and I wanted it. All I could think of while he preached was "How can he speak so directly to me, without even knowing me?" Well, turns out it wasn't really him talking to me. It was God. It was time.
He gave an altar call, saying that if I wanted Christ in my life, all I had to do was ask Him in.
There was no way I could just sit there. I had to MOVE! I came close to leaping over seats to get up there. I didn't see anyone else. It was just me and him, in my mind.
I confessed my sin, I acknowledged my guilt. I accepted His love, and I pledged my life to serve Him. And then I broke. I let go of the hatred I had for me, and let my heart fill with love instead. I did a complete 180. I went from being apathetic to empathetic. I didn't know what my life would entail, but I knew it was all about helping people now. I suppose that's when I accepted my call into ministry, into counseling.
That day, I learned the most important fact I have ever known.
I AM worth it.
Christ died for my sins, so that I would never have to. He loved me enough to take death on a cross.
So don't ever let anyone tell you that you're not worth it, when the Creator of the universe says that you are.
I hope this has given you a little bit better look at who I am, and where I've come from. My story doesn't end here, however my time for the night does. I will post the next part of my testimony at another time.
I love you all, and I'm praying for you.
Crusader.
Friday, March 26, 2010
Well, that was encouraging!
Hey everyone!
Hope your last few days have been what you needed.
Today was pretty good for me. The blog has started to take off, garnering lots of hits lately, hopefully soon to be more! I don't know about you, but that excites me!
Also, I mentioned the other day that I'd been leaving little notes of encouragement. I saw today, someone had written at work, on the whiteboard in the staff area, a little thank-you. Thank YOU, whoever-it-was, because that really made my day. It's nice to know that I've made some kind of impact.
Also, I left a note on a pillar on my way home, more than a week ago. It's still there. The one I left in a bus-stop-hut-thingy(technical term) is long gone, though. Sadface.
So. This brings me back to my thought for the day.
Why is it that we all seem so intent on leaving a mark on society? I can't say for anyone else, but I know that I wouldn't want to leave this world behind me knowing that I could have made a difference, somehow, but didn't. That's where Never Alone comes in. I wanted to do something to help youth. Well, anyone who's feeling alone. But my focus is on today's youth. I've long felt that there's pain that needs to be addressed. I'm just trying to do that.
Now, how will you leave your mark? Well, start with the people you know. (At this point, I'm pretty sure most of the people who are reading this are people I know somehow. Unless you're diving into archives, just stumbled across my blog. In that case, I started with reaching out to the people I know.) Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel about them. Don't be afraid to say what they need to hear. Don't be afraid to just love them.
Did you catch that?
Just. Love. Them.
If you're trying to leave a mark on people, the best way to start is to just love them. Don't be afraid of it. Yes, people can, and will, hurt you. It's a part of life. I have never been afraid to love people, and be there for them. I pray to God that I never lose that. Even though I've been cut deeply by many people, been used, been stepped on, been hated, I'm blessed in even greater measure by the ones who love me back.
Song Of The Day: Jesus Loves You, by Stellar Kart. It's a very simple song, with a simple message, but I can listen to it time and again, and never get tired of it. In fact, the entire time I've been writing this, I've had it on repeat.
Alright, that's all I've got for now. Soon, however, I think I'm gonna give you guys the full introduction to me. The best look I could give you at who I am as a man.
My testimony.
Take care, and know that you're loved!
Crusader.
Hope your last few days have been what you needed.
Today was pretty good for me. The blog has started to take off, garnering lots of hits lately, hopefully soon to be more! I don't know about you, but that excites me!
Also, I mentioned the other day that I'd been leaving little notes of encouragement. I saw today, someone had written at work, on the whiteboard in the staff area, a little thank-you. Thank YOU, whoever-it-was, because that really made my day. It's nice to know that I've made some kind of impact.
Also, I left a note on a pillar on my way home, more than a week ago. It's still there. The one I left in a bus-stop-hut-thingy(technical term) is long gone, though. Sadface.
So. This brings me back to my thought for the day.
Why is it that we all seem so intent on leaving a mark on society? I can't say for anyone else, but I know that I wouldn't want to leave this world behind me knowing that I could have made a difference, somehow, but didn't. That's where Never Alone comes in. I wanted to do something to help youth. Well, anyone who's feeling alone. But my focus is on today's youth. I've long felt that there's pain that needs to be addressed. I'm just trying to do that.
Now, how will you leave your mark? Well, start with the people you know. (At this point, I'm pretty sure most of the people who are reading this are people I know somehow. Unless you're diving into archives, just stumbled across my blog. In that case, I started with reaching out to the people I know.) Don't be afraid to tell them how you feel about them. Don't be afraid to say what they need to hear. Don't be afraid to just love them.
Did you catch that?
Just. Love. Them.
If you're trying to leave a mark on people, the best way to start is to just love them. Don't be afraid of it. Yes, people can, and will, hurt you. It's a part of life. I have never been afraid to love people, and be there for them. I pray to God that I never lose that. Even though I've been cut deeply by many people, been used, been stepped on, been hated, I'm blessed in even greater measure by the ones who love me back.
Song Of The Day: Jesus Loves You, by Stellar Kart. It's a very simple song, with a simple message, but I can listen to it time and again, and never get tired of it. In fact, the entire time I've been writing this, I've had it on repeat.
Alright, that's all I've got for now. Soon, however, I think I'm gonna give you guys the full introduction to me. The best look I could give you at who I am as a man.
My testimony.
Take care, and know that you're loved!
Crusader.
Wednesday, March 24, 2010
More Beautiful You (and news!)
Today is another music post. I've been keeping up my music study idea this past year, listening primarily to music that makes a point, gives a message.
Recently, I became addicted to a song called More Beautiful You, by Johnny Diaz. It's truly a song that meshes with my ideals. It is entirely focused on the idea that girls don't need to listen to society, don't need to strive to look gorgeous, because they already are! How cool is that? I love it.
"There could never be a more beautiful you. Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through."
One simple message, one wonderful work. If you don't know the song, I strongly recommend a listen. It is directed towards girls, in the way it's written, but I know for a fact that guys struggle with their self-image too, so it's worth it.
Alright, news. I now have an active Formspring account. For those of you who don't know, Formspring is a social interview. For short question and answer type stuff, things that wouldn't require an entire blog post.
www.formspring.me/youthcrusader
More to come! (Maybe something a little more insightful next time)
Crusader
Recently, I became addicted to a song called More Beautiful You, by Johnny Diaz. It's truly a song that meshes with my ideals. It is entirely focused on the idea that girls don't need to listen to society, don't need to strive to look gorgeous, because they already are! How cool is that? I love it.
"There could never be a more beautiful you. Don't buy the lies, disguises, and hoops they make you jump through."
One simple message, one wonderful work. If you don't know the song, I strongly recommend a listen. It is directed towards girls, in the way it's written, but I know for a fact that guys struggle with their self-image too, so it's worth it.
Alright, news. I now have an active Formspring account. For those of you who don't know, Formspring is a social interview. For short question and answer type stuff, things that wouldn't require an entire blog post.
www.formspring.me/youthcrusader
More to come! (Maybe something a little more insightful next time)
Crusader
Tuesday, March 23, 2010
Hm. Been A While.
Okay. Clearly, I have had a minor failing. By which I mean "Wow has it really almost been a year since I posted?"
Yes. Yes it has.
Dear readers, there have been some shake-ups in my life this year.
I had to drop out of Bible college (financial junk), and moved to Ottawa to find work, which I did in retail. Canadian Tire, to be exact. Not that that matters much.
So my life's been twisty, upside down. I've had a hard time finding a church I connect with. And of course, work finds it's way in between. But I've been keeping myself faithful, and I've been doing what i can to reach out. If you're in Ottawa, and have found a handwritten note signed "Crusader," that's me.
Anyway, the point of this little post is just a reminder that I've been thinking of you all, even without writing. I just need some help. I need to know what you need to hear.
Send any topics you want me to discuss to gunningrick@gmail.com, referencing Crusader in your subject (otherwise I won't open it), or leave them in the comments.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Crusader
Yes. Yes it has.
Dear readers, there have been some shake-ups in my life this year.
I had to drop out of Bible college (financial junk), and moved to Ottawa to find work, which I did in retail. Canadian Tire, to be exact. Not that that matters much.
So my life's been twisty, upside down. I've had a hard time finding a church I connect with. And of course, work finds it's way in between. But I've been keeping myself faithful, and I've been doing what i can to reach out. If you're in Ottawa, and have found a handwritten note signed "Crusader," that's me.
Anyway, the point of this little post is just a reminder that I've been thinking of you all, even without writing. I just need some help. I need to know what you need to hear.
Send any topics you want me to discuss to gunningrick@gmail.com, referencing Crusader in your subject (otherwise I won't open it), or leave them in the comments.
You're in my thoughts and prayers.
Crusader
Tuesday, May 12, 2009
Music
Music is something that is a major part of my life. I love music. I love to sing, and I love to listen to songs. Nothing unusual there, right? Well, I do have one thing about music that's a little unusual. I like to study songs. I don't just mean listening to a song repeatedly and remembering the words. I like to actually get ahold of the lyrics, and study them in context.
Why? To know exactly what I'm putting into my mind. I know, I know, it sounds cheesy, and kinda uptight. Well, that's me, I guess. At least when it comes to my music. I pretty much reject anything that is offensive to me when I read it. I read the lyrics because they don't have the music with them. That's part of the key. Music initiates an emotional response. So if someone were to take an offensive song, but put music to it that initiates a happy response, or a mellow, soothing response, well, that limits our ability to judge it as wrong. Take, for example, the song Animals by Nickleback. That song has an awesome beat to it. I used to love to listen to the drums, with the double-kick, and the overall epicness of the music to it. But the words to the song are so far from my moral standards. The entire song is about a couple who sneak out to have sex, and how it's ok because they're just being animals. Anyone who knows me knows that that is not what I stand for. But I liked the song because of the beat. I feel sick when I just read the words.
I'll be honest, my fascination with the words of songs are a big part of why I don't listen to screamo. I like music where I can understand the lyrics. Sure, I think it sounds cool, but for all I know, they could be screaming about anything. Drug addiction, murder, rape, bunnies, anything. Bunnies I would be okay with. Admit it, you'd love a screamo bunny song!
I encourage you to do the same. You don't have to go crazy on it and tear through your entire music collection, looking at all the words to every song, but be cautious of what you listen to. What you put into your minds is what you will think about. Simple fact. Just be considerate of what you listen to.
I'm also not saying that every song has to be poignant, and make some big social point. Those songs are good, but only if it suits the artist, and comes at the right time. Songs can be just for entertainment. And that's cool, as long as they don't offend your moral code. If it's singing about something that you would cringe hearing about in conversation, then it's probably not what you should be listening to.
Crusader
Why? To know exactly what I'm putting into my mind. I know, I know, it sounds cheesy, and kinda uptight. Well, that's me, I guess. At least when it comes to my music. I pretty much reject anything that is offensive to me when I read it. I read the lyrics because they don't have the music with them. That's part of the key. Music initiates an emotional response. So if someone were to take an offensive song, but put music to it that initiates a happy response, or a mellow, soothing response, well, that limits our ability to judge it as wrong. Take, for example, the song Animals by Nickleback. That song has an awesome beat to it. I used to love to listen to the drums, with the double-kick, and the overall epicness of the music to it. But the words to the song are so far from my moral standards. The entire song is about a couple who sneak out to have sex, and how it's ok because they're just being animals. Anyone who knows me knows that that is not what I stand for. But I liked the song because of the beat. I feel sick when I just read the words.
I'll be honest, my fascination with the words of songs are a big part of why I don't listen to screamo. I like music where I can understand the lyrics. Sure, I think it sounds cool, but for all I know, they could be screaming about anything. Drug addiction, murder, rape, bunnies, anything. Bunnies I would be okay with. Admit it, you'd love a screamo bunny song!
I encourage you to do the same. You don't have to go crazy on it and tear through your entire music collection, looking at all the words to every song, but be cautious of what you listen to. What you put into your minds is what you will think about. Simple fact. Just be considerate of what you listen to.
I'm also not saying that every song has to be poignant, and make some big social point. Those songs are good, but only if it suits the artist, and comes at the right time. Songs can be just for entertainment. And that's cool, as long as they don't offend your moral code. If it's singing about something that you would cringe hearing about in conversation, then it's probably not what you should be listening to.
Crusader
Tuesday, May 5, 2009
Society Says
I was thinking earlier, not something too out of the ordinary for me, and I started to have some all-too-familiar doubts. Doubts about myself. Doubts about my looks. Doubts about my likelihood of finding a wife. That's one of my biggest desires in life, to have a family, and a loving wife. But sometimes I doubt that this is ever going to happen. I doubt that anyone would choose me when they know other guys, guys I think are better than me. (which happens to be most). I was once told that there were quite a few who thought my personality would be perfect in a boyfried/husband. Well, my personality in Tom Wellington's body. (For those of you who, like me, didn't know, that's Clark Kent from Smallville.) This simple thought, which should have been an amazing compliment, said to me that I am not good-looking enough to be that perfect guy for someone. I wondered to myself, "Why would I feel like this?" Why does anyone feel like this?
Well, a lot of it has to do with what society tells us. Society says we have to be in a relationship to be happy. Look at any tv show, any movie, anything. It all implies that happiness is found in a relationship.
Society also says that in order to be desirable, you must be "perfect." If there is anything in you that doesn't fit into this cookie-cutter image society wants us to have, then it's something wrong. This view in and of itself is wrong. So what if you don't have flawless skin? So what if you don't have what society calls the perfect figure? Let me tell you, you could spend years, and thousands of dollars on your image, and still not be "perfect."
It's a paradox. If you spend the money on surgeries, dieting, etc, society will look on you as 'fake.' If you don't, you won't be 'perfect.' How messed up is that?
Well, I'd like to tell you that you don't need to worry about it. You are beautiful. You know what? Go find a mirror. Look at yourself, and tell yourself ten times that you're beautiful, or handsome, or whatever. Do it! Now! I'll still be here when you get back. GO!
Do you believe me? Do you believe yourself? You should.
God made you who you are. Your looks are yours. So the only person whose opinion should truly matter is yours. It's not about what society thinks, it's about what you and God think. God knows you're beautiful.
It's this simple: Society says we need to fit into some mold that the world has for us, some ridiculous standards that we really can't even keep. God says we should be ourselves. We should actually be the wonderful people He made us to be.
In short, society says too much! It doesn't matter what society thinks of you. You are who God made you. So just go ahead and BE that person. That's who I'm going to be.
Crusader
Well, a lot of it has to do with what society tells us. Society says we have to be in a relationship to be happy. Look at any tv show, any movie, anything. It all implies that happiness is found in a relationship.
Society also says that in order to be desirable, you must be "perfect." If there is anything in you that doesn't fit into this cookie-cutter image society wants us to have, then it's something wrong. This view in and of itself is wrong. So what if you don't have flawless skin? So what if you don't have what society calls the perfect figure? Let me tell you, you could spend years, and thousands of dollars on your image, and still not be "perfect."
It's a paradox. If you spend the money on surgeries, dieting, etc, society will look on you as 'fake.' If you don't, you won't be 'perfect.' How messed up is that?
Well, I'd like to tell you that you don't need to worry about it. You are beautiful. You know what? Go find a mirror. Look at yourself, and tell yourself ten times that you're beautiful, or handsome, or whatever. Do it! Now! I'll still be here when you get back. GO!
Do you believe me? Do you believe yourself? You should.
God made you who you are. Your looks are yours. So the only person whose opinion should truly matter is yours. It's not about what society thinks, it's about what you and God think. God knows you're beautiful.
It's this simple: Society says we need to fit into some mold that the world has for us, some ridiculous standards that we really can't even keep. God says we should be ourselves. We should actually be the wonderful people He made us to be.
In short, society says too much! It doesn't matter what society thinks of you. You are who God made you. So just go ahead and BE that person. That's who I'm going to be.
Crusader
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