I can't sing to save my life, but I'm a great lover of music - all types of music.
Early in my radio career I was what we used to call a 'disc-jockey'. I've grown up with music, and I feed myself a heavy, steady diet of music to this day. There is no such thing as music differences to me that is - I love it all. Music is a major player in my life.
With that in mind, you may find me purchasing the latest Country album (we call those CD's now), maybe a selection from today's Pop/Rock Charts (anything Journey, dating myself here), and a very frequent purchase from the shelves of what we know to be Contemporary Christian Music. I love music, its a spiritual dietary supplement each day.
Last month I purchased Casting Crowns CD entitled "Lifesong".
It's a powerful album (there I go again) for the young, and the 'older', like me and most of you. The CD has it's radio hits, but it was an ignored song that grabbed my attention the most.
When I was a younger, I was all about the beat - good beat, easy to dance to. Now, I'm about the authentic, the relevant inside of the lyrical dialogue. I like music that centers itself on life's friction - I want my music to be raw.
Real, authentic, counter-cultural (relevant) tunes stir me to love others with great passion and purpose. I've found a nugget in this CD that I want to share with you today.
The song is called "The Stained Glass Masquerade", written by Mark Hall and Nichole Nordeman.
Is there anyone who fails...is there anyone who falls...am I the only one in church today feel'in so small. 'Cause when I take a look around...everybody seems so strong...I know they'll soon discover...that I don't belong.
So I tuck it all away, like everythings okay...if I make them all believe it, maybe I'll believe it too...so with a painted grin, I play the part again...so everyone will see me the way that I see them.
Are we happy plastic people...under shiny plastic steeples...with walls around our weakness...and smiles to hide our pain...but if the invitation's open...to every heart that has been broken...maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
Is there anyone who's been there...are there any hands to raise...am I the only one who's traded...in an altar for a stage? The performance is convincing...and we know every line by heart...only when no one is watching...can we really fall apart.
But would it set me free...if I dared to let you see...the truth behind the person...that you imagine me to be? Would your arms be open...or would you walk away...would the love of Jesus...be enough to make me stay?
Are we happy plastic people...under shiny plastic steeples...with walls around our weakness...and smiles to hide our pain...but if the invitation's open...to every heart that has been broken...maybe then we close the curtain on our stained glass masquerade.
There is so much opportunity for each and everyone of us, each day...to grab the neck of another person (not a church person, not a small group person) - a real, post-modern, culturally affiliated ragamuffin, and love them in a solid (no agenda, no formulas, no marketing) relationship.
Jesus didn't come to condemn the world, Jesus came to save it in a renewed relationship...and we're his players in Graceland.
Are we happy being plastic people?
Comments: talkback@erichogue.com
Web: www.erichogue.com
Allow me to credit some folks: (2005 Club Zoo Music (BMI) / SWECS Muisc (BMI) (adm. by EMICMG Publishing) / Birdwing Music / Birdboy Songs (ASCAP) (adm. by EMI CMG Publishing)
