Last night I got an email from a publicist about INXS. The members from the original lineup were sharing their thoughts on former frontman Michael Hutchence, who would’ve turned 50 today had he not met his end nearly a decade ago. And for some reason the Keith Green song “He’ll Take Care Of The Rest” popped into my head this morning as I was getting ready. Thus, I had my 30-minute morning commute soundtrack planned for me. I brought along best-of collections of each artist and enjoyed some great tunes.
I still remember the moment that I finally “got” the band INXS. I sat down in front of my MTV and watched a “Rock Block” of four INXS videos in a row. One after another, songs like “New Sensation,” “Need You Tonight,” “Never Tear Us Apart” and “What You Need” all cascaded over my senses and I realized, ‘Every one of these songs is great. Oh my gosh! I’m in love!’
This band understood the raw and powerful rock ethos and they brought their own twisted dance spin to the mix. They truly put out several great songs. I have no idea what the new incarnation of the band sounds like live (with the new singer they chose with a reality show contest), but I’m kind of afraid to find out. I think I’ll be disappointed. However, if they play it loud and in the groove, all the volume might win me over. Those old hooks are mighty strong.
I came back to the Lord as a prodigal son in the summer of 1983. By this time the legendary Christian singer/songwriter had died in a tragic plane crash with members of his family the summer before. His imprint on the Christian music scene is huge. He had the excellent piano skills of Elton John and the witty lyricism and story-telling of a Cat Stevens or Jim Croce. Dude was awesome, intense and, apparently pretty fun to be around (some of the time, at least).
The line, “Just keep doing your best and pray that it’s blessed / and He’ll take care of the rest.” It’s an upbeat, happy song that reinforces God’s provision and care for His creation.
I decided to pop in the DVD that came with his 2-disc set, <i>The Ultimate Collection</i> on Sparrow Records. During the story about his early conversion and trying to express what happened at the Blah Blah Club in Hollywood. The tension was intense in some of these stories where Green’s newfound faith was just bursting out of his pores. Hearing these kinds of stories… Man, they just hit me right in the heart. There’s something about redemption that bowls me over.
I started writing a blog a couple of weeks ago, but I shelved it because it was too vulnerable. Some things just don’t “share” well. Share well or not, I’ll share it here:
<i>I know I’m still saved … because I still cry at syruppy Christian movies.
ha ha ha
I can laugh at myself, too, but I’m serious. The emotions I feel when I think about redemption — whether I’m reading a book, hearing someone speak, listening to a song, watching a movie or even re-living a memory — I get the incredible urge to weep. If this is only a fluctuating emotion, let it be known that it’s a powerful one. I’d caution myself, like the next guy, that emotions are nothing to put faith in. They can change like the metabolism in your body and be influenced by the Italian sauce in the pizza you had for dinner. But I’d be willing to be ridiculed for this emotion. I’m sensitive, but I’ll stand up and fight.
I know when I’m broken in this way that I’m prone to seek God’s will. I’m more open to helping others. At times like these I feel healed, comforted and empowered. I’d hate to say Christianity was a feel-good club, but danged if there isn’t something to this emotion thing. I don’t exactly have it all figured out by any means, but I’m pretty sure I’m on to something.</i>
That’s emotion. Not to be trusted, but still part of our being. Something causeses emotions to trigger and part of it is probably connected to our soul and partly a reaction to conviction, passion and intensity. Not our Lord or master, but not evil or to be despised, either. I would bet the farm that something deep is going on inside when we are broken and weeping before the Lord. That just can’t be an empty thing.
It’s hard not to appreciate the power of forgiveness and love. It’s always rad to see God get ahold of someone’s heart and watch it beat with abandon for its creator.
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