I believe music can inspire, give hope, make you cry, make you think, and a million other things. I want to start posting some music that I really think speak to the times we are in. As you know, I listen to everything so tune in every day, never know what you will get.
It just takes a spark to change the world. Whether it is a negative or positive spark is up to you. Let us change the world by showing kindness, giving hope, sharing faith, respecting others opinions.
For our 5th song, I picked Little Fires Everywhere by The Browns.
I believe music can inspire, give hope, make you cry, make you think, and a million other things. I want to start posting some music that I really think speak to the times we are in. As you know, I listen to everything so tune in every day, never know what you will get.
For our third song, I picked Be A Light by Thomas Rhett. I picked this song because there is so much negativity and darkness out there right now, you can be the light that shines through all that darkness. Be kind, be helpful, be positive.
Lyrics:
In a time full of war, be peace In a time full of doubt, just believe Yeah, there ain’t that much difference between you and me In a time full of war, be peace
In a world full of hate, be a light When you do somebody wrong, make it right Don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine In a world full of hate, be a light (La-la-la, la, la, la, la)
In a place that needs a change, make a difference In a time full of noise, just listen ‘Cause life is but a breeze, better live it In a place that needs a change, make a difference
In a world full of hate, be a light When you do somebody wrong, make it right Oh, don’t hide in the dark, you were born to shine In a world full of hate, be a light La-la-la, la, la, la, la La-la-la, la, la, la, la La-la-la, la, la, la, la La-la-la, la, la, la, la
In a race that you can’t win, slow it down Yeah, you only get one go around ‘Cause the finish line is six feet in the ground In a race you can’t win, just slow it down
In a world full of hate, be a light (oh) When you do somebody wrong, make it right (make it right) Don’t hide in the dark (don’t hide in the dark), you were born to shine In a world full of hate, be a light
Yeah, it’s hard to live in color, when you just see black and white In a world full of hate, be a light
The teacher couldn’t wait for each day to start. Every morning at eight, he would welcome each of the new members personally. It never got old seeing the joy, shock, awe and excitement in each of their faces.
For the last few years, attendance has been steadily dwindling. But he knew there would always be some that believed in his teachings, no matter what the enemy threw at them.
“Good morning Michael, how are you today?” The teacher asked his top assistant.
“I am good sir, but I am concerned. Today’s class is our smallest yet,” answered Michael.
“I understand your concern, Michael. It seems like more and more of them are falling for his lies. But, do not fear, Michael. Faith, hope and love will always persevere. Also, you will not have to worry much longer Michael.”
“Why is that, teacher?” Michael asked.
The teacher responded, “I’m about to do something that will open all their eyes to the truth.”
I have been meaning to do this for awhile, but too many irons in the fire and I can’t seem to keep up.
I believe music can inspire, give hope, make you cry, make you think, and a million other things. I want to start posting some music that I really think speak to the times we are in. As you know, I listen to everything so tune in every day, never know what you will get.
The first song is by one of my favorites, Michael Franti & Spearhead. It is called This World Is So F***** Up (But I Ain’t Never Giving Up On It). I picked this one because of the truth in it, this world is so messed up right now, but I believe there is hope in the future, and I am not going to give up on it.
Lyrics:
Let me tell you ’bout the situation goin’ on Up inside my head today My mind is runnin’ round in circles Tryna make sense of the people Who are runnin’ everything today
All these politicians tweetin’ Got their message on repeat and Try dividin’ us with fear and the hate
Whey-ey-ey I wish I could find a better way to say this
This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up
Whey-ey-ey I wish I could find a better way to say this
We ain’t askin’ for money We just wanna make change We do it for all of the people who need it ‘Cause they got a voice and a name I can’t believe how we livin’ today I got this anger and sadness and pain They can build walls but we can build bridges And we can be part of the change
Whey-ey-ey I wish I could find a better way to say this Whey-ey-ey I wish I could find a better way to say this
This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ upLet me tell you ’bout the situation goin’ on All around the world today There’s a billion different people Doin’ a billion different things To make a billion places better today
And ey, ey-ey I know that we can make a better day
This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it This world is so fucked up But I ain’t never givin’ up on it Never givin’ up on it Never givin’ upAnd ey, ey-ey I know that we can make a better day
Before the last six months, I could’ve told my children been there, done that for everything they go through. I can not say that anymore. With the school closings, sports cancelled, not hanging out with large groups of friends, riots, protests, etc, I can not say I know what they are feeling deep inside. I can let them know they are loved and I am and always will be there for them which is where this poem comes from.
Lots of songs at the end, maybe you can find one or two to share with your children just to let them know you are there no matter what.
I’m Cheering For You
Standing on the sidelines, holding back the tears
Didn’t win it all, but at least you had next year
At least that’s what we all thought
But you didn’t know that was your last shot
There won’t be any more locker room celebration
I see your anger and your frustration
You were looking forward to a new season
The hits keep coming and you’re taking a beatin’
I want you to know even with no one cheering from the stands
I am here, cheering for you, and I am your biggest fan
It breaks my heart to see yours breaking
All the memories you should be making
But you sit in your room, staring out the window
Feeling like your entire life is in limbo
Please listen to what I have to say
Do not let these times take your joy away
Do not let them leave a permanent scar
These times do not define who you are
I’m here to listen, to talk
Sit by your side or take a walk
I can give you a hug or just hold your hand
I am here, cheering for you, and I am your biggest fan
Don’t let your story be ruined by this chapter
It won’t be long until hallways are filled with laughter
(image credit: Mari Jones from Journey of a Million Miles)
“Oh, hello there. My name is Rodney. It’s nice to see you. I don’t get many visitors. Most people see the mask and think I am bad. I must tell you, I am not! At least most of the time. I am honest if nothing else. My mom always told me honesty is the best policy.”
“Come on down and have a sit. I don’t have rabies or anything. My uncle Phil had rabies but he is long gone. Only one in the family to get rabies but everyone usually thinks we are all rabid. It’s like your family. I bet you have one bad apple in that tree. Does everyone think you are bad because of them?”
“Let me tell you something else. We eat a lot of different things from pesky insects and small rodents to fruits and nuts. Yes, that was me in your trash can the other day but I could not find any other food. I had to feed my family. Sometimes you have to do what you have to do. You know how many of your kind I have seen trying to find food in trash cans. It’s sad if you ask me. I mean me, I’m an animal and I don’t have anyone looking after me except maybe my near family. Your kind though, you throw away about half the food you eat. I see it in your trash cans and land fills. Shouldn’t you be helping others of your kind out instead of throwing it away? How about buying less so there is less to throw away and using that extra money to give to a food bank or something? I once helped a deer out. Not typical for me but I just could not eat anymore berries so instead of tossing them to the ground, I gave them to the deer. Next time you see that homeless guy, look past what you see and feel what’s in his heart. You won’t miss that dollar or that sandwich you give him. Maybe even your heart will grow three sizes that day if you did.”
“The mask? What’s up with the mask you ask? Take a look around you, everyone wears a mask. Some you just see easier than others. My mask is for me to be able to see better at night. Look at that person over there? Do you think her mask is to protect her from her past? She would love to take off her mask, get rid of her past mistakes but she is too scared to take it off. You don’t see a mask? Trust me, it’s there. Look at that guy. Do you think his mask protects him ? He looks like he is big and tough and can take on the world but inside he is hurting, he is begging to be loved, he is a big softy but no one will ever see that. That little girl over there? Yes, another mask. She tries to put a smile on and be happy but I see her eyes. Her pain. She gets yelled at everyday. Her parents fight all the time. She doesn’t think she is worth anything. That’s sad to see a mask on someone so young. I think you humans can do better. Take off the mask. Like my mom always said, honesty is the best policy. It will release so much stress and hurt.”
“What? You thought I was an animal to stay away from? Why? Because of my mask and the rings on my tail. Really? Take a look around you. Do you stay away from everyone that looks scary? The guy with all the tattoos? He is the nicest guy I ever met. The black man over there gave me his leftover food one day. I took that right home to my kids. They were so thankful. The white guy over there killed a snake one day and brought it over near my home. I eat anything. Dead carcasses are sometimes my favorite. The Asian guy over there came right up to me one day, just like you did today, and just started talking. I sat there and listened. The Muslim lady over there wept with me one day when my youngest baby was hit by a car. I don’t discriminate. I need all of you to survive. Sometimes I help you, sometimes you help me. That’s the way it should be. ”
“It doesn’t matter who you are. I will come up to you. That scares most people who only see my mask. Do you know I have a friend names Jesus who was the same way? He talked to everyone, and there were people who were afraid of Him. He only wanted to teach people about His father and the love He has for all of us and how we should treat others. Yet, people were afraid of Him and had Him crucified. He died for all of us. That includes you. Isn’t that awezing?”
“What? That’s not what you are taught. That’s a shame my friend. A real shame. I can call you friend, right? That’s what you are to me. I think you should take my words to heart. Go out and look at what’s inside a person. Get to know them. Get past the masks and the colors. You might be surprised what you find.”
“Have an awezing day my friend. What’s that? You don’t know what awezing is? Oh, that’s a word I made up combining awesome and amazing. See, never know what you will find once you get to know someone.”
(image credit: Laura Ross)
Walking Blind by Javier Colon –
Chosen Ones by Blanca –
Get To Know Me by Mateo –
Colors of the Wind by Tori Kelly –
Heal The World by Michael Jackson –
Where Is The Love by The Black Eyed Peas –
Unite by 1GN –
World Changers by Matthew West –
Love Feels Like by TobyMac –
Rainbow Connection by Gwen Stefani (original by Kermit the Frog) –
My God, My Music, My Life 