Family Friday
Music…
Driving from our house to Waikiki today, the radio turns on to the mashup of 10,000 Reasons//What a Beautiful Name. Instantly, my kids (5 & 7) start singing along. It was so sweet to hear their little voices singing along word for word. I couldn’t help but smile as I watched them in the rearview mirror.
I think music has a way of grabbing a hold of our emotions. It’s like Apple. Whatever mood you’re in….”we’ve got a song for that.”
Music is so powerful in that it can help us express our inner most feelings.
It even has the power to change them.
Have you ever sat down and REALLY listened to the lyrics of some songs? I do that quite often.
The words of the song you are listening to will more than likely get stuck in your head.
To this day, I can still sing to you every line to the Sesame Street intro song. And, if you follow me on Facebook, you’ll KNOW that I can sing you EVERY Backstreet Boy song ever written.
I don’t say this to impress you (as if it really impresses you anyway! haha) But, rather, to point out to you the simple fact that, what we listen to sticks with us long after we finish listening to it so choose it wisely. It becomes us and can ultimately shape us.
It’s THAT powerful.
This brings me back to the music I choose to listen to with my kids around-especially while driving in the car. I want my kids to have a positive spin on each day. I try so hard to have that for myself and I want them to experience it as well.
Having songs in my head that say, “I’m a overcomer.” “And, if our God is for us then who can stand against us?” “Yes I will rise. Out of these ashes rise. From this trouble I have found. And this rubble on the ground. I will rise.” make me feel more confident and, without a doubt, keeps my attitude positive.
It is impossible to be in a bad mood when the music you are listening to is telling you how much you are loved and how special you are.
Because of this, I choose to listen to Christian music. It’s become who I am. My kids love it and I don’t ever have to worry about them hearing something inappropriate.
Before I lose you…did you know there are even different genres of Christian music?
There is everything from the obvious classic hymnals to the exact opposite….rap. So, yes! Even if you are a rap lover…there’s Christian music for you. And, no. It’s not lame. For example Lecrae. I read his autobiography this summer. What an incredible story. He grew up on the streets with the men he looked up to as role models being in gangs. To say it simply, he hasn’t had an easy life: childhood abuse, drugs and alcoholism, a stint in rehab, an abortion, and an unsuccessful suicide attempt. He has plenty of experiences to write/rap about and he does so without the bad language. He decided one day to make a change for the better…eventually, he became a #1 chart topping Rap Artist who actually beat out Nicki Minaj on the iTunes charts.
Don’t believe me? Check out some of his music:
I think Christian music gets a bad rep sometimes. Did you know, it’s not all scripture (although, I personally enjoy that as well). Some Christian music is just regular ole music but it doesn’t have the swearing and sexual innuendos that secular music has. I encourage you to check it out if it’s not something you already listen to. Give it a try. I’ve heard K-Love radio give out a challenge…listen to nothing but Christian music for 90 days (you could do less but make sure it’s long enough to tell the difference-long enough to where you start recognizing some songs). You’ll be surprised at how quickly it can change your life. Before you know it, you’ll be singing along even.
It’s amazing to me to witness first hand how kids can be a product of their environment. One way I control their environment and keep it positive is by the music that pours into our home.
I can’t control everything. But, this IS something I can control.
Instead of singing about how “bootylicious” we are, we are singing about how we can overcome anything life throws at us.
Which would you prefer hearing come out of your kids’ mouth?
Just something to think about…
And, for those of you who are curious…here is the song my kiddos were singing along to in the car this morning:
With Aloha,
Lacy
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Love this! Music really is so powerful!
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Thank you! It can lift your spirits or keep you feeling low. It is so powerful!
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“…what (music) we listen to sticks with us long after we finish listening to it so choose it wisely. It becomes us and can ultimately shape us.
It’s THAT powerful.”
Well said, my friend! As you know from my post on the Christian parody band “ApologetiX”, I grew up listening to both Christian and secular music, and you know how much I wholeheartedly agree with your points! Thanks for giving me yet further validation on how important the ministry of ApologetiX is! I can’t wait to go listen to a few of their songs on YouTube again after I listen to the worship medley you linked to!
Awesome post!
https://jamesclarkthenextiteration.wordpress.com/2017/09/15/apologetix-health-food-ear-candy/
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Thank you!
I’ve listened to so many different types of music. It hasn’t always been Christian music. I even had a Dr Dre and Eminem phase 😳 haha! I still love it. But, I never have been able to relate to the words so it was just the sound I was drawn to.
I’m glad I’ve found Christian music that can have that same sound but words that are…well…way more appropriate!
Thanks for the link to your post. I hope people will see it and check it out as well! It’s a great one! I know I commented on that post I had something similar on my mind. I didn’t get it all covered in this post. I had a “squirrel” moment and started talking about Christian music. But…maybe I’ll do a follow up post some day 🙂
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Looking forward to it… And I loved the way you used the word “squirrel”! 🙂
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Haha! That’s me!
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Oh… And by the way… That was a beautiful song!
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Thank you! Now, imagine little ladybug singing it 😍😍😍
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Oh how cute!
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I love the Backstreet Boys! I even got to see them in concert one time!
I love music I listen to it almost every day! And I agree with you about the lyrics. It is interesting listening to the song figuring out what the song is about!
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Backstreets Back alright! 🎤🎶 I made my dad drive me from Nebraska down to Kansas City to a Backstreet Boys concert once. It’s one of my favorite memories. He even wrote “I 🖤 BSB” on my cheeks for my sister and I! Ha
As I was telling James in the other comment, I’ve to listened so many different types of music in my life. Being a singer myself, I’ve always leaned towards music I can sing along with like the BSB ballads. Looking back at what lyrics I was singing back when I listened to this (at 15-18 yrs old) I have to laugh a little. What did I know about heart breaks at that age!) Although BSB lyrics aren’t that inappropriate (definitely nothing like what is on pop radio currently), I can’t help but wonder how my personality may have shaped differently if I had listened to songs with encouraging lyrics instead as a teen??? I was pretty shy…maybe I would’ve gained my confidence at an earlier age?
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That’s a great memory to have!
But also you have to consider that everyone loves listening to a man sing them a love song.
For me being a teenager in high school it was comforting and still. I still know every song.
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Oh yes! I used to look into Nick Carters eyes and dream he was singing to me 😂
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He was my favorite too! I had posters of him and all of the boys all over my walls growing up!
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I think we are kindred spirits! Ha! I can’t believe I’m admitting this on social media…but, I had a 3 ring binder I would put every single article I found about them and my favorite pictures in. It was crammed pack (bc they never took a bad picture, right?!?!?) as were my walls! As a mom now, it makes me imagine my daughter some day wanting to do this and it makes me chuckle! 😂🤣😂 #bsbforever
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I had so many Backstreet Boys things. My dad got me a t-shirt that I still have.
Everyone in my family knew that I loved them!
You never know she might!
#bsbforever
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😂 My concert T is long gone…but the CD’s are pretty much the only CD’s I still have in the digital age. I’ll never part with them!
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I don’t think my shirt was from the concert! I don’t remember where I got it!
Yeah I still have a bunch of their CD’s. I will always cherish them!
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When I became a Christian I was a bit concerned that I wouldn’t be able to relate to the music as I like rock/grunge. Then I discovered Flyleaf and their lead singer Lacey Sturm. Her lyrics and music are incredible. She has also written two books which are equally good. It showed me that you can have tattoos and like guitars but still do so in a way that worships and honours God.
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You said that perfectly!!!! My husband is more into that style of music too. Flyleaf was actually his Segway into Christian music! I love the song about Columbine! We actually saw them in concert at the House of Blues in Anaheim a few years back! https://youtu.be/UhA6bJ1SIHo
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I’m very very jealous. I’ve got a signed Lacey Sturm and she wrote Proverbs 8:1 in the corner it it. I’ve always viewed it as prophetic as wisdom is something I seriously lacked.
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That is so cool! Unfortunately, when we saw them, it was after she left the group 😦
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That’s a shame. Although their new vocalist, Kirsten Maye, is also a great singer.
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It was a great concert. I’ll never forget that guitarist. He was full of energy and literally jumping all around the stage! You could tell he was enjoying a he show too. Ha
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That song is ‘Cassie’.
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yes! The lyrics really make you stop and think how far you would step out in faith in that type of moment. Would I be brave enough to say I believe in God when I knew it meant it would take me life? Or, would I deny God just to save my life? Pretty great lyrics.
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It’s a tough one. I couldn’t pick a favourite as they change every week. At the moment it would be ‘Rot’ from her solo album ‘Life Screams’.
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I’ll have to look that one up!
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I enjoyed your post I believe music do shape our mind to a small degree,and it’sbest to get our kids when their young to listen to music that will empower them.Great read
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I’m glad you enjoyed this! After I wrote this post, I keep hearing different songs and catch myself thinking, “I should have mentioned this song! It’s so encouraging.” There are so many good songs out there to choose from!
My kids hold me accountable too. I will want to switch the radio over to some tropical beachy feeling music on our way to the beach. They will beg me to switch it back to KLOVE! ha It makes me so happy that they enjoy it too.
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Love this post! As soon as I saw Backstreet Boys, I instantly went to my iTunes and started playing, “Everybody (Backstreet’s Back)” lol. And I LOVE Lecrae! After reading his biography, I instantly became a fan. He just seemed so genuine and sincere with his love for God. Plus, he’s uber talented! My go to in music when I’m feeling down is CeCe Winans. I love her! That being said, I’m definitely gonna have to try this challenge out. I love various genres of music, but uplifting Christian music is definitely a must on every playlist.
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I’m so glad you loved this one! Listening to a Christian Museum c has changed my life! My daughter has an American Girl car and they were sooooo excited when they found out it had a real radio in it! She came running into my room saying, “mom! My babies can listen to K-love!” 😍
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