Uplifting (part 2)

   I said most of what I intended to say in my last post.  But I still want to touch on the subject of beauty.
   Most of the music that we hear on the radio is easy listening, or pleasing to our ears.  Most of the time, it's catchy.  All the hit songs have melodies or phrases that stick in our minds and are easy to remember.  It's designed to reach out and grab your attention, and it nearly always does just that.  Everything about it is right there on the surface. 

   Now songs have lots of ways of doing that, so let me choose one.  Bridgit Mendler's "Ready Or Not." 

   When I heard this song, I immediately liked it.  I love the peppy sound of it.  It has a pleasing, interesting melody that is written well enough that it sounds good if you sing it by yourself.  I always like those things in a song.  And the girl can sing fairly well.  She does kind of support her voice and sing properly. 
   But the trouble is, when I starting singing it to myself once it was firmly stuck in my head, I listened to what I was singing.  What is the message of the words?  "You see a boy you like, then don't be shy, go find him!  Pursue him!" 
   Huh.  You know, actually I don't believe that girls should do that.  Not that I think girls should be shy and never introduce themselves or be friendly.  Girls should, but is that what the song is about?  No, it's all about getting things started so that a relationship can form ASAP.  Why does she want it so fast?  She's never seen him before, evidently, but she's wanting to swoop right in and make him her boyfriend.  She doesn't know anything about his character, or even if he's friendly.  The only thing that makes him eligible is that she likes his outward appearance.  She "likes his face."  Dang, he's cute, I want him! 
   Really?  How shallow.  How pathetic.  And yet how easily I took the whole thing in with its peppy, happy sound and catchy little melody.  If I'm singing it, I'm repeating, "ready or not, boy, I'm coming after you!"  Is that what I want people to hear me singing?  I don't believe that's right, but people will think that I do if I'm singing that song around them.  What's more, if I get too used to hearing/singing a song with that message, it's making me more likely to act on that.  That's not who I want to be!
   I know, it sounds cute and fun and innocent.  Guess what; that's how they made it to sound.  The messages of the world are always packaged in an appealing way.  As a girl, it tickles my ears.  Yeah, I'm confident, I can have anybody I want!"  It just tickles my pride and my vanity, and it makes me feel like it's okay to be forward and flirtatious.  But that doesn't make it right. 
   Question.  Is the music to that song beautiful?  Not really.  Fun, yes, but beautiful?  No. 
   Now don't crack down on me.  I like fun music as much as anyone.  The reason I'm concerned is that we Westerners are losing our taste for beauty.  We prefer our catchy hip-hop or pop or whatever.  Take a listen to this.

  
   Totally different, isn't it?  It's beautiful.  It's not in your face demanding your attention.  It's almost as if it's offering to take you on a journey, and it's your choice to accept or decline.  It's peaceful, quiet, lovely.  It's reverent, and yet it doesn't sound unhappy or too serious.  I like to be taken where this song takes me.
   Now again, please don't misunderstand me.  I'm not trying to tell you that one is "right," and the other is "wrong."  I'm asking you to consider the contrast between beauty and what we usually listen to.  
   How did each song make you feel?  You experienced two very different kinds of music.  Try to pin down the experience with some words.  Could you not make it through one of them?  Did it make you happy, thoughtful, aggravated, maybe? 
  
   What I'm driving at is a truth that is universal and cannot be argued or explained away.  During all my years of struggling to understand if certain kinds of music was "right," or "wrong," or whether it was a "gray," issue, there was always one truth that I kept coming back to, and that is this:  Music is its own message.

   Music is inextricably linked to our feelings.  Our minds, our emotions, even our bodies.  Music always expresses a feeling, sometimes many feelings.  Music has a power that breaks through all communication barriers.  It is more poignant than words, and it slips into our minds and hearts with its message that often cannot be put into words.  Yet we all understand.  We all respond in some way.  Music is subtle and can be used for infinite good and healing.  But it is also evasive and is used by the evil one, too.  It can increase or decrease mental, emotional, or spiritual sensitivity.  We take care that the message of the words and the music go together, or the song doesn't fit.  We couldn't plug some great theological truths into Bridgit Mendler's song.  It wouldn't fit.  That bouncy, mischievous, carefree feeling would be out of place.  And to put a worldly message or a breakup story into John Rutter's tranquil Requiem would be laughable.  The music gives its own message. 

   So I challenge you to ask yourselves, "What does the music I listen to say about me?  What messages am I constantly feeding into my mind?" 

   Is it helping you walk down the middle of the two extremes, or is it dragging you toward one of them?  Does the music you listen to cause you to think about God and meditate on His character?  Or does it absorb you in your own cares in this life?  In a nutshell, does my music uplift me and my soul closer to the Great King in all His majesty and goodness, or does it weigh you down in the messages of the world? 

   Is it uplifting? 

~Cadenza     

Uplifting (part 1)

   This is some summer that I have planned ahead of me!  June I'm going on a local mission trip.  July my brother and I are off to Oxford, England for two weeks!  Yeah, this is looking like a really good summer.  Most of my summers end up being boring, but I'm thinking this year is gonna be an incredible exception! 

   We had our first big missions meeting on Sunday.  Many things about it challenged me, but the one that I've been thinking about in particular is what I want to share with you.  Our pastor proposed that in preparation we choose very carefully what we put into our minds, namely our music.  He proposed we listen to "uplifting" music.  Uplifting?

   That's actually a very helpful word.  These days in Christian circles, you're not allowed to refer to different kinds of music as "good," or "bad."  Let's face it.  Music is the civil war in our American churches.  If we're honest, we all admit it's a tricky subject, and no one wants to wade through all its mental, spiritual, and emotional levels.  So what do we do?  We don't speak about it.  It's a taboo subject.  We label it a "gray," issue and just say, "Aw, let 'em do what they want.  We're free in Christ.  Do what you like, and don't judge anybody else!" 

   Believe me, I understand why people react that way.  There's wisdom in that decision.  I certainly hate mean nitpicking among brothers and sisters in Christ.  The devil must laugh at us.  But, I know.  Sometimes it seems like there can't be peace any other way. 

   The truth is, there is no easy answer.  It's a wisdom issue.  I like to call it that rather than a "gray" issue.  Gray is what happens when black and white flow into each other with no discernible line between them.  To me that corresponds with the well-meaning people who just say, "We're free in Christ, so just listen to whatever you want."  It's true we're free in Christ.  Paul had a lot to say about that freedom in his letters.  But he also had a lot to say about "strong," Christians deferring to more sensitive Christians.  He said things like, "Do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh."  (Gal. 5:13b emphasis mine)  I'm concerned that Christians are so on their guard against the dangers of legalism that we are leaning to the other extreme: spiritual liberalism and relativity.

   That's why I prefer to say it's a wisdom issue.  C.S. Lewis once said that every issue has two extremes, and get this, that both are equally wrong!  The Christian's job is to walk down the middle, resisting the pull of each.  Wisdom means you listen to your conscience and draw the line somewhere.  Maybe I'm unique in this, but the term "gray issue," sort of implies that there is no line needed.  It all just fades together, and as long as you're in the gray, you're good.  The trouble with thinking there are no lines needed is that when you set no lines, you'll slide further and further toward one of the two extremes.    

   1 Corinthians 6:12 says, " 'All things are lawful for me,' but not all things are helpful.  'All things are lawful for me,' but I will not be enslaved to anything. " 

   You may be thinking, "Wait a minute.  I'm not enslaved to the music I listen to.  That's ridiculous." 

   Are you sure?  In America, we have changed from music producers to music consumers.  When I came back from India, I saw things here like I've never seen them before.  Everybody listens to music.  Many people listen to it continually.  Radios constantly on in cars.  Music played in stores.  All kinds of apps for music, countless artists and albums.  Everyone is being bombarded with music and the messages it contains.  Earbuds in everyone's ears, as if they're permanently attached.  All the people I see in public with their eyes glued to a screen.  Their phone, their ipod, their ipad.  What perhaps grieves me most is seeing all the children not even in their teens, toddlers, even infants, mesmerized by colors on a screen.  I see all the glazed eyes.  I drive through the streets and look at all the faces.  In India I was distressed to see so much despair and hopelessness in every face.  Here I'm horrified to find that everyone looks half-asleep; lulled, seduced by Media, the goddess of the West.  In India I saw idols and shrines in every crooked street.  I can't help but see a connection with all the gadgets and gizmos we Americans carry on our persons all the time. 

   I know it may be hard to grasp, but music can be extremely enslaving.  I'm not putting on "holier than thou," airs here; I'll give you an example.  A few years ago, I started listening to country music in my car.  I'd grown up in a household where that genre was unknown.  It was summertime when a friend introduced me to it, and I found myself liking it for its rustic charm.  It seemed to fit with the feel of summer.  I liked it, and soon that was all I was listening to in my car driving to and from work.  Now country music ranges anywhere between a sweet "family man," song to, "my-boyfriend-cheated-on-me,-I'm-going-to-kill-him."  But as I listened to it more and more, songs like the latter stopped bothering me because I was used to the song.  Sometimes I found myself singing along without even thinking about what I was saying.  The worldly, or even horrible message of the words slipped right in with a charming drawl and a well-tuned fiddle.  

   Even after the first craze was over, I found myself wanting to listen to country more and more.  My appetite for all the other genres I like began to dwindle.  I just wanted that tang, that summertime, feel-good feeling.  I didn't know it, but I was enslaved. 

   These last few days, I've been more careful about what I listen to.  I've chosen classical music, or Christian music, or soundtracks instead.  You would not believe how much happier and more free I've felt!  I feel like I've gotten rid of emotional baggage.  It's bizarre because I never knew I was carrying it until it was gone!  To be reminded of the Truth and God's promises to me in a song is so refreshing!  It turns my thoughts toward my Heavenly Father, and---would you believe it?---it makes me feel like I'm actually awake.  As if I've been sleeping, trapped in dull or frightening dreams; but now I'm wide awake, and I realize that those things are just dreams.  My Creator and King loves me and is taking care of me.  He's going to take me home, so why should I be afraid?          

   Again, this is ground where no one wants to tread because no one these days wants to be accused of "meddling."  I'm not trying to meddle; I'm challenging you to meddle with yourself.  Think about the music you listen to.  Listen to the words that you jam to.  What are they really saying?  What's the message behind the song?  If an unbeliever were to see/hear you jamming to that, would it hinder your witness to him or her?   Ask yourself, "Is this helpful?"  "Is this uplifting?" 

   To be continued, folks.  But for now, just take time to think about it. 

~Cadenza   

The Deadly Strands

   Hi, peoples!  Sorry it's taken me over a week to post.  Sunday night is not a good time to write a post, so I thought I'd wait until later.  It's later.

   Oh, and while I'm thinking about it, the reason why there have been no pictures on here is simply because my camera died in India, and I haven't gotten a new one yet.  Maybe I should find pictures on the internet.  What, pictures on the internet?  Reeeally? 

   Springtime is such a wonderful time of year.  I say that kind of tongue-in-cheek because that's what everyone else says.  Again, don't get me wrong.  These last two weeks have been absolutely gorgeous.  The Bradford Pear trees have shed their snowy blossoms and are now clothed in a rich, shimmering emerald.  Some other trees are still blooming.  And all of them have new, tender leaves of a golden green.  It's a breathtaking sight in a golden afternoon.  I love seeing all the tulips planted in bunches by the business signs in town.  It's delicious to have green again. 

   The catch is, I can never be quite as part of spring as I can of the other three.  I wish I could, but it's just---the pollen.  Look, I know pollen kind of bothers everyone, and that it isn't Nice to look at, but it's so much worse than that.  For those of you who have really bad allergies, you'll understand.  For those of you who don't, let me describe it a little. 

   The moment those deadly strands appear on the trees, you know it's coming.  You feel the impending disaster, but there's nothing you can do.  The sweet breezes of spring blow and the yellow powder puffs out into the air and right into your nose and mouth.  Your lungs protest and somewhere inside you a red light starts flashing.  The sirens go off, and there's an announcement from High Command.  "MUCAS SWITCH ON.  NO, PUT IT IN HIGH GEAR." 

   Immediately your body goes, "Yes, sir, right away sir!"  Then your eyes and nose start running.  You feel a stinging, burning sensation in both.  Oh, and then comes my favorite part.  The pollen has gone down your throat and the mucas your body is making is trying to get rid of it.  Result: Stinging, burning sensation in throat!  So now you're coughing, sneezing, and stinging all at once! 

   Oh, yes, Spring is a lovely time of year.  I love it through a window.  Once the pollen takes its full strength, the minute you step outside you feel your body responding.  Sinuses are blocked, throat starts stinging from the pollen going into it, eyes watering, nose burning.  I wish I could enjoy and be part of springtime, but for the first weeks of it, I have to hide inside with the air-conditioning.  Once there are some good rains that wash the beastly stuff down the gutters, I'm all for spring.  That's the real reason I couldn't write as Nice a tribute to Spring at first.  I was thinking, "But the pollen---!!" 

   Yeah, so.  Not so nice post this time.  I'll post again soon with something nicer, but I need to leave now...Till next time then!

~Cadenza 

A Sky Sailing Waltz

   Okay, guys...so I have a new interest---dancing!  In one sense it's not new at all.  For as long as I can remember, dancing was my natural response when I felt delighted with music, or just when I was suddenly happy or excited.  Dancing has always been part of who I am, but having long outgrown the age of prancing joyously in public, I have had to suppress it for a long time.  Except in the privacy of my room with my earbuds in of course. 

   A friend of mine told me about this place right in town where they teach three kinds of dance every Friday:  Ballroom, Latin, and Swing.  Last Friday was my second time to go, and I had an absolute blast!  I know, vaguely, that there are lots of places around where people go to "dance" on weekend nights, but to me a public place to go dance is an absolute novelty.  I've always kind of envied the characters in stories like Pride and Prejudice where a ball was something of a normality.  Where people of all ages dressed up and went to dance and socialize.  Going to the place last night is something of a dream come true for me.  There's a lesson at the beginning, and then they play all kinds of songs, and men of all ages were asking me to dance!  They're really nice about teaching you the basic steps.  The important thing is to keep moving your feet in rhythm with the song, and since I'm a lady, to follow when the gentleman leads.  It takes concentration and practice, but it's also fun.  I love the whole aspect of making moves up together.  I've noticed in lots of modern music these days, "dancing," is when you stand with a group and just kind of wiggle around the best you can.  Ballroom dancing isn't choreographed, it's spontaneous; but you're making it up with someone else.  To me, that's just amazing. 

   So, I'm learning the basic steps to the foxtrot, rumba, bolero, cha-cha, salsa, swing, and of course the waltz.  So far the foxtrot and the waltz are my favorites, but that may change.  They play a few tangos, too, but I haven't worked up the nerve to try one of those yet.  But I'll get there. 

   I would be just fine if they only played classics and oldies, but actually they don't.  Dancing is about the rhythm of a song, and you might be surprised at how well a stuffy-sounding step fits in with a popular song.  For example, Adele's song, "Rumor Has It," is a perfect song for a cha-cha.  The cha-cha is basically "rock step, cha-cha-cha, rock step, cha-cha-cha..."  Now if you know that song, think of the driving beat in it:  Boom, boom, ba-ba-boom, boom, boom, ba-ba-boom.  Absolutely perfect for a cha-cha! 

   I've only gone twice, and it feels as if I've discovered a new world.  It's strange to be in such close contact with perfect strangers, but it's respectful.  Learning to follow where they lead requires trust, and yet as I trust them, I find myself feeling more confident.  It sounds crazy, but it's true.  When a gentleman asks me to dance, I feel like a lady.  Not an awkward, shy girl, a lady.  He escorts me to the dance floor and we meet as individuals and equals.  We dance together, and it's friendly and fun and respectful.  He escorts me to my seat, and I sit down to wait for the next song.  Courtesy.  Respect.  Ladies and gentlemen.  Polite, but not stuffy society.  Well-dressed, but unpretentious people, all doing something that they find enjoyment in: dancing. 

   What's more, as my feet begin to learn, my senses are freed to enjoy the excitement of moving my body in time to a song.  When I play an instrument, or sing a song, my mind and part of my body is lost inside it.  But dancing is your whole body lost in a song.  Last Friday night I had some really good dances...I cha-chaed better than I ever had before, but of course that was because my partner was extremely good at leading. 

   One really tall fellow asked me to dance the Viennese waltz, which is a fast waltz.  I'd never danced one before, but I was eager to try.  Especially because the first few words into the song I recognized Adam Young's voice from Owl City.  So my first Viennese waltz was to the song, "Brielle." 

   Now I'm going to do the unthinkable.  I'm going to quote my journal to describe it. 

   "...Next thing I knew, we were waltzing, then gliding effortlessly across the floor that had only a few couples on it...to a beautiful waltz by Adam Young that I think was called, 'Dear Brielle.'  It was a sweet song, but I couldn't listen to the words."

   "And then suddenly we were whirling round and round and round and round.  The walls, the crystal chandeliers, and the other people became a blur, and all I could focus on was his face and his arm.  And though I was concentrating hard so I could follow him, I almost felt as if the room was spinning around us.  I could enjoy how wonderful it was, and I tried to soak in the moment of that dance.  I felt graceful, as graceful as a bird, as lithe as a sylph, and as joyful as a dolphin." 

   "I love to dance.  During that waltz, I felt somehow really me, yet I wasn't thinking of myself at all.  I felt joyful, at peace, and beautiful.  I was in harmony with the music and my partner.  I felt gloriously free.  Free from my past mistakes, my bitterness, my anger, my pride.  It was just gone, and joy was flowing through me.  I've always known the ability was in me just waiting to be wakened and called to life.  And here I was!  Dancing!" 

   That pretty much sums it up.  Sorry I'm late for a new post, but thanks for the views, people!  You made my day. 

   Here's the song, "Brielle," from Adam Young's "Sky Sailing."  Enjoy!

  
~Cadenza