Friday, June 20, 2008

Yes, I listen to (some) Christian music

I was raised Catholic. My mother was raised Catholic. My father was raised a Presbyterian, but converted shortly after my parents were married. He did it in secret, to surprise my mom. It was an amazing gesture of love and commitment. I no longer attend Catholic mass regularly, but I do attend church with my husband. I never really listened to Christian music before I met him, but he's introduced me to some really cool bands, and these really cool bands have gotten me through some of the toughest times in my life.



Not too far from my house, there is a festival every year called Alive. It is a 4 day festival of Christian music geared toward families, teenagers, and young adults. I've never made it there, until yesterday. I gotta say, though, that it was REALLY amazing. There was one point where, during the last band of the night(Casting Crowns), the lead singer asked all the girls/women in the audience to sing a song, and then asked all the boys/men in the audience to sing. If you've never heard hundreds (yes, hundreds) of men sing in unison before, you're missing something amazing.

********************************************


At the concert, one of my FAVORITE new artists, Brandon Heath, played for a really small crowd. It was way cool. Of course, I was completely smitten (I have a tendency to develop crushes on men with amazing singing voices-i.e. http://www.jarsofclay.com/)and I wanted to meet him. I didn't want to go up alone-because I'm a dork like that- so I made my sisters go up with me. My sister, Em-who had never heard of him until right before he started to sing, decided to buy a frisby for him to sign, because it would be cool. We get up there and I am AMPED to meet this guy.... apparently he's more amped me meet my sister than me. The conversation goes something like this



Brandon Heath (turning towards Em): Hi! nice to meet you! Can I sign your frisby? What's your name?



Em (being her stupid adorable self): Em---



Me: I just have to let you know that your songs are amazing and got me through some pretty tough times (goes on to tell him a super cool story. Meanwhile, he signs my cell phone- I wanted to try to be memorable)



BH: Really? That's nice. It was really great to meet you, Em (he hugs her.) You girls enjoy the rest of your day.


Ummmmmmm really? Yeah. That kind of crap happens a lot. Stupid Em. (I love you, my sister!)

*********************************************


I'm going to end this on a really sad, but thought provoking, note. I don't know if any of you have heard of the singer Steven Curtis Chapman
but he's really popular in the Christian music sect. He has a bunch of kids... some of them adopted from China, I think. Recently, at a graduation party for his son, his youngest daughter, Maria, was hit by a car, driven by one of his sons, in their own driveway and killed. I can't imagine the emotions that are going through these people right now. Not only did they lose a daughter, but they have their son to blame for it. It was an accident, but there still has to be some resentment there, I would think. At the same time, it's their SON. He's no less of a part of them than their little girl. Can you IMAGINE?! My heart breaks every time I think of this.



It's so easy, during the day to day, to forget how important family relationships are. Even for those of us desperately trying to start a family of our own sometimes forget exactly what we're working towards. It gets lost in every heartache, and every negative pregnancy test, and every bitter thought that we experience on the journey. Please, in honor of this lost life, hold close and cherish every moment that you have with every single person in your family. You never know when it could be your last.



Not too long ago, Steven Curtis Chapman released a song called Cinderella that he wrote for and dedicated to Maria. The lyrics are SO ironic and heartbreaking that it brings me to tears to hear them.



Cinderella

Steven Curtis Chapman



She spins and she sways
To whatever song plays
Without a care in the world
And I'm sitting here wearing
The weight of the world on my shoulders



It's been a long day
And there's still work to do
She's pulling at me
Saying "Dad, I need you



There's a ball at the castle
And I've been invited
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"



So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Oh, I will dance with Cinderella
I don't wanna miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone...



She says he's a nice guy and I'd be impressed
She wants to know if I approve of her dress
She says, "Dad, the prom is just one week away
And I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"



So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ooh-oh ooh-oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone



She will be gone



Well, she came home today with a ring on her hand
Just glowing and telling us all they had planned
She says, "Dad, the wedding's still six months away
But I need to practice my dancing
Oh, please, Daddy, please?"



So I will dance with Cinderella
While she is here in my arms
'Cause I know something the prince never knew
Ooh-oh ooh-oh I will dance with Cinderella
I don't want to miss even one song
'Cause all too soon the clock will strike midnight
And she'll be gone

52 comments:

Shereen said...

how sucky that he hugged your sister and not you! But pretty cool that you got your cell phone signed.

andrea said...

i got chills when i read those lyrics...

Fifty K said...

I heard about the artist that lost the little girl. Very sad.

Staci said...

too sad isnt it?? If you like christian music i can lead u towards some cool artists, first of all PLUMB is my fav ive seen her in concert and she rocks ive been listening to her since 95' check her songs out on my page, she is not so contemporary or worshipy....not that that is bad....hey thanks for the comments, ill be back for sure!!

Anonymous said...

I didn't get to go to the Alive Festival this year...and Brady Quinn was there Thurdsay!!! So, did you sister get Brandon's number??

Putting the FUN in DysFUNctional said...

The Steven Curtis Chapman situation upsets me so badly, I can barely stand to think about it. It's just heartbreaking!
(visiting from SITS)

Heather said...

Your blog is so cute; don't you love the "cutest blog on the block" (I have one, too).

I bawled my eyes out when I heard about the Chapmans' tragedy. He is coming to Cincinnati in concert next month, and although I love him, I just don't think I could make it without crying, listening to him sing.

There are so many great Christian artists out there...Jars of Clay's version of "I'll Fly Away" was such a comfort to me when my dad passed away.

Sorry for the long comment. Hope you have a great SITS day filled with lots of comment love!

Laurel said...

The Chapman's story was so so tragic. As always these things put life in perspective.

My view on Christian music is that it is like any other genre. THere is some great stuff out there and there is some terrible stuff out there! I'm a Caedmon's Call fan.

Kimmie said...

I used to be really big into Christian music... Jars of Clay were my all time FAVORITE!

Melanie Dickens said...

Christian music rocks-literally!! I have 2 of those sisters so don't feel bad. I think they send off some kind of vibes. Did you see the Chapman family on GMA? It was so heartbreaking but so encouraging at the same time.

Heather said...

I cannot imagine how the Chapman family must be grieving. There was a similar tragedy that happened here in my area this summer with an uncle backing into his 3 or 4 year old niece in the family's driveway, killing her. It is just so, so sad.

Going to hug my kiddo a little bit extra right now, even though she's grumpy from being woken up for school...

Anonymous said...

That is such a sad situation. But they have so much faith, it is truly inspiring.

Shanda said...

I really like Brandon Heath...and the stuff like what happened with your sister happens to me all the time too.

I saw the Chapmans on Larry King and sobbed through the whole thing. It's so sad.

S Club Mama said...

I love Steven Curtis Chapman and especially the Cinderella song. I heard about his daughter; I can't imagine. I only am thankful he has such a faith to help him and his family through such a rough time.

Casting Crowns is one of my FAVORITE bands! I can't get enough of them.

Creative Junkie said...

I cannot imagine the devastation the Chapman family must feel. :(

Unknown said...

I can't even imagine. Thanks for sharing, makes me even more grateful for all of my blessings.

CanCan said...

I heard about the accident but I never knew about that song. So unimaginably sad.

Rhea said...

That Cinderella song sounds nice. I haven't really listened to Christian music much.

Tabitha Blue said...

Funny story about Alive...

I remember hearing about that accident with the Chapman's, soo sad and even to read it now makes me cry. I just can't imagine. I definitely keep that family in my prayers.

katylinvw said...

the Chapman's story is really sad, but did you see the interview they did on Larry King? it was amazing, and they had all of the older kids on, too! if you can, youtube it bc it's definitely worth watching! :)

katylinvw said...

you can get to part 1 (of 6) of that interview by clicking here :)

Kelly Deneen Raymond said...

That is so sad. :(

It definitely makes me want to go hug my daughter right now.

Melissa Lester said...

I love that song! It brought tears to my eyes before their tragedy, but it is even more poignant now. I am sure it is comforting to him to know that he treasured every moment with her before she was gone. Going to hug my babies now!

Tiffany said...

How cool that you live close enough to go to Alive. Most of the artists you mentioned are some of my favorites, too. I listen to our local Christian radio station most every morning and they always hit it dead on with something I'm dealing with. Music is healing and a good friend - and this music is awesome!

Michelle said...

Jeremy Camp is my secret boyfriend. We would live in a world where he sings all day, and I just stare at him and drool.

Peggy said...

Christian music does improve the mood and lift the spirits. Enjoy! (and leave Em home next time.)

EmmaP said...

Ready to comment, but first gotta wipe the tears and blow my nose...[blowing]...[sniffle, sniffle]. Ok, I'm good.

first of all - I get what you mean about the music. Music can be healing for the soul.

second of all - i have a crush on EVERY male artist that has a sexy awesome voice. I even make my BF go to John Mayer with me.

Thirdly - as a sister that always [unintentionally] stole the spotlight, here is some comfort. He probably thought you were the hotter of the two - and definitely memorbale with the signing of the cell phone. He was just too shy to let on - so he pretended to be more interested in her. hahaha.

congrats on being today's FB!

cricketphx said...

I really like some Christian artists as well. Check out Third Day and Skillet!

Tiffany said...

Ohhh - Third Day is my favorite and Skillet is my hubby and son's fave! They love to head bang!

Ali said...

I love that song, and many of the bands you mentioned. Thanks for the reminder to love my punks a little more. That sounds bad, you know know what I mean - of course I love them, but some days I don't really like them, and that's when you need a little nudge like this - thanks. However, if Ohio were within reaching distance, I would have to reach over and give you a NOOGIE for making me cry so early in the morning. ;)

Rela Pantaleon said...

I watched Larry King's interview with the Chapmans in GodTube. Well, at least partially only...I was crying on the first clip that I could not bear to watch the rest of the 5 clips. I'm just so glad that they are a family of believers so that they have a God they have run to for comfort and grace.

Meanwhile, my favorite is Chris Rice. I love the way he uses ordinary circumstances to write his songs. Check him out if you haven't. Start with "When Did You Fall in Love", and then maybe "Cartoons". I think I have the first song in my playlist (at the bottom of my blog).

Anonymous said...

I have two sisters like that and I am the one usually ignored! Wish we could figure out why that is. Thanks for sharing, I really enjoyed reading your blog, I wish I could write like you do. Keep up the great work and I will be back.
Cheryl

Anonymous said...

I was the sister stealing the spotlight - it was never on purpose... :\ but now I'm happily married and have 3 kids and who cares about that silly old spotlight anyway? ;)

BTW, if you've never heard Jericho Road or Maren Ord, give them a listen, you might like them...

*MWAH!*
Tanya

♥ Becky ♥ said...

Isn't it amazing how music can soothe the soul. And sometimes Christian music is the best. They can go so much deeper than normal music. When I need to get myself centered again or back on track I will turn my car radio to our local Christian station and listen. It's so nice when I'm in the car by myself and can just sit and listen. It helps me to calm down and relax and get back into focus.

And yes, it is very sad about Steven Curtis Chapman and his family. But I believe that their strong faith in God will bring them through this and help them in the future.

Hope you had a great SITS day!!!

Danyele Easterhaus said...

i really love third day and toby mac and david crowder band...anyway, there's lots of out of the norm christian music out there that rocks my face off!

i had the pleasure of meeting and talking at length with SCC a few years ago. he is more real and humble than you would ever think. his passion for his family and his love of Jesus radiates from him. anyway, i have two adopted kiddos, two bio kiddos and i'm telling you, i can't say i would know how to handle that situation. i did a post similar when that tragic accident happened.

anyway, good meeting you!

Anonymous said...

I LOVE music and I always have the radio on Christian music.

Steven Curtis Chapman is one of my favorites so I have been following him and his family since the beginning. It was so hard to hear about Maria especially after he had just written Cinderella.

G. said...

I listen to Christian Music, too. I like Brandon Heath as well...and that song by Steven Curtis Chapman...bawlfest. Every time it comes on the radio...tissue time. Lovely post. :)

Melissa said...

Every time I hear that song by Steven Curtis Chapman, I break into tears. It's heartbreaking. I know a family that suffered a similar tragedy, even after many years, it's very hard for them to live with it.

Traci said...

Oh I love Steven Curtis chapman and Third Day too. SCS's song Cinderella is super sad to hear now. God bless his family.

Melodie said...

Those are some powerful lyrics.

-Bridget said...

That was such an incredibly tragic event. What beautifuly inspired lyrics.

Sunshine said...

Okay, gonna cry...very, very tragic.

Loving the Christian music too (can you get KLOVE there?)...

Have you heard Third Day? I loves me some Mac Powell's voice.

And my sister would've totally gotten the hug too...

Unknown said...

I know the story of Stephen Curtis Chapman's daughter, but not the song he wrote for her. Thanks for sharing it.

Debbie Y. said...

Contemporary Christian music is not the gospel of our parents time. It can be very moving.

Happy SITS day again.

Michelle said...

Oh that's such a bittersweet song. And yes, I had heard that story and can't imagine how the family would get through that. What unimaginable pain they have to be going through day after day....

wendy said...

I saw the story of that last guy on GMA or TODAY or something. It was neat. I was impressed because as he grabbed his daughter to rush her to the hospital, he yelled out to his son "XXXXX [no clue of the name], your father loves you!" and I know that meant a lot to the son.

Happy SITS day!

Anonymous said...

I heard that story...so sad. It just never makes sense when accidents like that happen, especially to a child. Now why did you have to go and make me all sad before I go to sleep tonight????

BTW.....I LOVE Jars of Clay!!!

Unknown said...

Thanks for the link to Brandon Heath...I'll have to buy a CD...

@TiffanyRom said...

I have been following the Chapman story since it happened.

What grace and class they have shown through this entire event.

Saw them on Larry King, amazing family. A true testament of faith.

Jenni said...

I was so sad when we heard about Steven Curtis Chapman and their daughter. I wonder if my faith would be as strong as his in the same situation. That song just breaks my heart every time I hear it now.

About Brandon Heath, have you heard his song, "I'm not who I was"? I love that song!

WheresMyAngels said...

Sure get me laughing and then throw in some crying.

I had never seen the words before, thanks for posting them.

FROGGITY! said...

Hi there SITSa!

Great post. I cannot even read those lyrics right now... I may save them for later, cause I know I'll cry. But I love Casting Crowns & Jars of Clay as well! My favorite Christian albums are the City On A Hill (there's 3 I think) albums. They have various artists! Good stuff! Cheers!