Now that I am finally graduated and a licensed Physical Therapist,
and we are settled in our new town (Reno), I figured I’d get back to blogging
about some of my ideas. I don’t know how much longer I’ll stick with my “Life
Lessons” series (I guess that means I’ll have to change my blog title soon)
because there are some other things I’ve been thinking about lately. But for now, I’m picking up where I left off over a year ago. Since today is the
Sabbath Day, here are some spiritual subjects to discuss from the genre of Christian Music.
First off, a little rant about Christian music and Mormons.
I am surprised more LDS members don’t listen to mainstream Christian and/or gospel music. I understand
there may be many that do, but I’ve seemed to rarely come across it in any
music conversations with members and have never heard it playing in cars of
members or at church events (And no, I am not counting Stephen Speaks when I say that). With a
lot of crap out there, it’s usually a safe bet to be uplifting and wholesome
(which is what we are encouraged to listen to). I realize that many members
listen to LDS artists, but let’s be honest, if music lovers restricted
ourselves to that, I think we would get a little sick of Cherie Call and Ryan
Shupe & the Rubberband. There are endless Christian artists out there. And
of course, like LDS artists or popular artists, there will be a lot of duds you
listen to, but also some gems. The access to Christian music is easy too, with what
seems like at least 5 to 10 Christian music stations on most local radio, not
to mention the ability to make our own radio stations now with tools like Pandora.
If you haven’t ever researched some good Christian music, I encourage you to do
so and see what you find. You don’t have to feel comfortable with it all (screamo
worship music still just doesn't seem right to me), but I promise, there will be some
artists you’ll probably add to your playlists. It’s good stuff, and no, you are
not going to feel like you are straying from the doctrines of the Restoration.
These are honest worshipers of Christ like you or me that just want to bring
people closer to Him through music. (This fact that we are similar reminds me of
one last thing for this rant – I’ve always wanted to see an LDS member with
talent make it big in the Christian Music scene instead of going the easy way
through Deseret Book. What a great way to show we are Christian and to bridge a
gap?! I know it would be difficult, but it
would be sweet if it happened.)
Anyway, here are two of my favorite artists in Christian Music and some lessons they've taught me
.
First off, Audrey Assad; she’s crept into my top 20 favorite artists
recently with the release of a new worship album funded by kickstarter, Fortunate Fall. She’s
of Catholic faith and takes a simple yet artistic approach to Christian music.
Her beautiful piano melodies and gentle voice combined with her honest and
thoughtful songwriting have touched my soul during many different songs. But
the one that gets me every time is the following song:
“O My Soul” – Album: Heart
I think people – outsiders, Christians, and LDS members –
sometimes feel that we express faith and belief in Christ on the outside and do
many things superficially to follow gospel principles and fit in with other
church members, but on the inside, we have doubts and questions and worries and
are hiding our true selves. I have felt this way before when pondering my use
of the words “I know” or when thinking about my true character and desires, but
this song teaches me it is the other way around. The doubts, the questions, the
worries, the evil thoughts, the distractions; they are the superficial
attributes of me. Deep down in my soul I know who I truly am and the hope that
is in me. We give in to the “Father of Lies” when we lie to ourselves by
belittling our belief in God and doubting our faith. I am not the best with
words, but I think Jeffrey R. Holland explained this recently way better than I can.
My other favorite Christian artist is Jimmy Needham – the Jason
Mraz of Christian music. Not that that is the perfect description of his music (or that I am still in love with Mraz's music),
but I’ve heard him called that before. He does have some similar sounds as he
mixes singer-songwriting with soul, pop, and hip-hop much like Mr A-Z. Though
occasionally playful, most of his songs are serious lessons and expressions of
Christian faith. The one that tops my list of his greats is the following:
In closing here are some other good songs by these artists
if you’re interested:
Jimmy Needham: In the Middle, Clear the Stage, Part the
Clouds, The Reason I Sing, Moving to Zion
Audrey Assad: Humble, Good to Me, Restless, Sparrow, Blessed
are the Ones
Until next time . . .
– Mitchell Jay
