Where God's Word Meets My Mess
Although Shawn Mendes' song "Stitches" is several years old, I didn't really get into it until recently. I was drawn to the sassy lyrics, the catchy beat, and Shawn Mendes’ voice—of course. But as I listened to this song over and over, I couldn’t help but feel guilty. Why was I listening to this depressing song about a difficult heartbreak with no resolution except…well…death?
Before I start ranting (mentally or audibly), I need to stop my thoughts and determine an appropriate response. Because every time I think a demeaning or debasing thought, I assume a position on the throne as holier-than-thou.
I had heard this song before but had never seen the music video. Until a classmate included it in her presentation recently. At first, the lyrics made me feel good. But then I realized what message was being sent by this song—especially when it was combined with the music video.
The problem with focusing on our smartphones, relationships, struggles, or anything else is that we take our eyes off Jesus. Instead of making Him our first thought and our last thought, we think about Him when it’s easy or convenient. But that’s not how we’re called to live—or think.
Today, we live in a culture that is filled with garbage—racy movies, crude music, and indecent pictures. Sexy ads and dirty jokes are everywhere around us. Putting this garbage in our heads is becoming normal. And, unfortunately, it is even becoming normal for Christians.
Hi, friends! I hope you are having a wonderful winter and enjoying the weather, whether you live in the snowy mountains, the breezy beach, or somewhere in between! It’s been several months since I released my first set of resources in Fall’s Five Favorite Finds, so if you’re looking for some more great Christian resources to explore, check these out...
I hope you can use these resources in your own life and share them with others. Happy watching, reading, and listening!
Usually, when I sit down after we’ve sung a few praise songs in church, my thought process is similar to this: Seriously? Did I really zone out for all of those songs? I just sang four hymns, and they didn’t count for anything? Why can’t I pay attention? I think about everything except what I’m supposed to be thinking about.
Sure, we can accomplish tasks without God. People around the world build skyscrapers, find cures for diseases, and win battles against foes. They've done things that seemed impossible. After all, every sports movie has an underdog story. But only God gave them the strength to do those things.
Tizzie's Tidbits of Truth 