The Soundtrack of My Life

I am part of a men's group that is focusing on missional discipleship. Part of the process is listening to our own story. To engage this we each went back and created a CD of songs that helped tell the story of our lives. We could only choose 13 songs and each had to tell a story. The process was fascinating to say the least.

I first started with about 40 songs that really meant something to me, songs that I would listen to if I were stranded on an island. And then I began the strange process of really asking which songs were part of my journey. Which songs really meant something?

Here's the final list.

- Born On The Bayou (Creedance Clearwater Revival) This is the first song I can remember in my life. My parents used to take us on an long drive to Los Angeles to see my grandparents in the back of a VW station wagon. My parents had an 8 track of their music and we wore it out.

- Back In Black (AC/DC) This is the first real rock album I remember listening to. I can remember listening to it for the first time in my cousin Hugh's bedroom on an old album player. This was the best song on the album and has stuck with me over time.

- Don't Stop Believing (Journey) My sister and I used to travel 40 minutes to high school in her old Monza. She had a killer stereo and we used to sing this song at the top of our lungs. One of the most inspirational songs ever.

- Alive and Kicking (Simple Minds) This song got me through high school. I reminded me not to give up and that I was still here.

- Shout (Tears For Fears) Another anthem song that we used to shout at the top of our lungs on the way to ski trips to Tahoe. I can remember the road trips with Glenn and Tim and the constant need to rewind the song on the tape player.

- Been Caught Stealing (Jane's Addiction) This song represents the period in my life when I threw caution to the wind. Mostly in Los Angeles. The dark period. Lots of mind bending substances. But a killer sound.

- Let Love Rule (Lenny Kravitz) The beginning of my redemption period and journey back to wholeness. I've listened to this song at least a thousand times. It's the simplest way way to speak the Gospel.

- Brother (Alice In Chains) This was the song that marked my dark night of the soul. I was listening to this song when I overdosed on LSD. Not a fun night, but it became an important part of my journey.

- August 30th (Delirious) There are many songs that were an important part of my journey of redemption, but this one stands above the rest. It is my redemption song. It speaks to my soul in a way that few songs can reminding me that my Father will always love me.

- Alive (P.O.D.) When I first heard this song I realized that I had captured the very essence of what it meant to believe. This song is drenched in life and the recognition of what it means to be alive.

- One Love (Mary J. Blidge/U2) I heard this song (about 40 times) in Italy the week it came out. It was on heavy rotation on MTV Italy. The best cover of a U2 song ever. Pure Gospel. It spoke to me in way that
I cannot describe. Love is the only way.

- Holy Spirit (Nate Sallie) This song is one of the best worship songs EVER, from my perspective. It is gospel, epic, glorious and real, all at the same time.

Reading this list reminds me that I'm on a journey, and a great one.

So what's on your list?

The Need to Impress

I was sitting here doing some work and was listening to Sanctus Real, I'm Not Alright. Great song.

If weakness is a wound that no one wants to speak of,
Then cool is just how far we have to fall
I am not immune-I only wanna be loved
But I feel safe behind the firewall
Can I lose my need to impress?
If you want the truth, I need to confess

I'm not alright
I'm broken inside, broken inside
And all i go thru
It leads me to you, it leads me to you

The line, "Can I lose my need to impress" struck me. We're always looking for the validation of the self in those who can't handle that responsibility and typically not in our Heavenly Father who can.

The Dare

I was at a site recently that asked me to give my favorite quote. Well I have a new favorite quote. It's from Brennan Manning, who is quoting God.

"I dare you trust that I love you just as you are and not as you should be."