Should Christians Cover Secular Songs?

CCM Singer Kari Jobe covered "In the Name of Love"
by Dutch DJ Martin Garrix

They say imitation is the biggest form of flattery. Is this the case though when a believer who is known for their heavy, God laced lyrics sings a song from an artist who doesn't do Christian/Gospel music? Is it hypocritical when we praise a mainstream artist singing a faith driven song but than condemn a Christian/Gospel artist for singing a mainstream song? What if the secular song itself isn't wrong? What if it's a song about life, love or something positive? It's understandable if a Christian is singing a cover of a profanity laced, explicit song than of course there's going to be questions, backlash and ultimately rebuke from the body. However if it's a romantic song from a spouse to another or a song enjoying life, is it still bad? A sister from my church told me that Kari Jobe (a well established CCM singer) did a cover of a song called "In the Name of Love" by DJ Martin Garrix & Beba Rexha. Not much is known about the song meaning outside of it being a love song. Nothing is known about the religious beliefs of the producer or the artist. However upon looking at the lyrics, there's nothing wrong with what's being said. Some could even say there are religious undertones to the song with lines like "I wanna testify / Scream in the holy night / You bring me back to life / and it's all in the name of love." Initially I was told Kari added those lyrics to make the song more "Christian" but these are the original lyrics written by Rexha. So, is Kari wrong for covering this love song? My honest answer? I really don't think so.

Clip of Christian rock band Red's music video to their cover
of Duran Duran's "Ordinary World"

Again, we have to consider the content of the song. My local church worship team a few years back used the lyrics and melody to "Celebration" by Kool & The Gang to simply to do exactly that, encourage the congregation to celebrate in Jesus. Another song that's not inherently wrong or wicked. As far as the artists themselves, that's another story. We can't assume all secular/mainstream artists
have a vacant relationship with God and all Christian/Gospel artists have a tight bond when there's been times in the public eye especially, where the opposite is apparent. Chris Tomlin, one of the most popular singers in Christian music has covered the song "Where the Streets Have no Name" by rock band U2. While Bono (the lead vocalist of the group) has identified himself as a Christian and has even been a part of Kirk Franklin's "Lean on Me", U2 is not considered a Christian rock band.

World renowned CCM artist Chris Tomlin has covered the song
"Where the Streets Have No Name" by rock band U2

"But we're not supposed to be imitators of the world!" This is loosely referencing Ephesians 5 where it says to be imitators of God. I don't necessarily believe this verse or the argument being presented carries weight to believers singing secular songs. Why? because when you're shopping and the market has a local pop station on and a song your familiar or even like comes on, you don't sing or hum it? I know a lot of people don't but a lot of people do. I'm one of them. I really enjoy a cover of the song called "Big Yellow Taxi" by Counting Crows (which has also been covered by Christian singer Amy Grant) and when it comes on, I'm singin' it! Am I in sin? The song isn't speaking anything negative. Is Amy in sin for covering it? Remember we're specifically talking about song covers being a sin not anything else the artists may or may have not done. What about when we all sing happy birthday? Happy Birthday is a secular song that both believers and non believers know! Christmas songs? Pagan or not, Christians have covered songs like "Mary did You Know", "The Little Drummer Boy" and "Rudolph the Red Nose Reindeer".

CCM band MercyMe, though comically, has covered songs
like Michael Jackson's "Beat It" & Justin Bieber's "Baby"

There is a risk however that I understand may concern some. If a believer covers a song from a non believer, this poses the risk of the listener wanting to hear the original song and then other songs from the original artist. In the end this boils down to the believer individually. I can listen to a mainstream song a not be influenced by it if it happens to be negative. Some people can't. As soon as they get those "vibes" they begin to act out because of the environment the music sets. What do you think?

Should Christian Artist's cover mainstream/secular songs? Even if the song isn't wrong?

Is covering songs a show of respect to fellow artists or a lack of creativity?

Why is it ok for mainstream artists to do or cover Christian songs but vice versa is frowned upon?

- William

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Break it Down: Is it A Sin to Dance?

An illustration of couples dancing in the style of "Swing"

Let them praise his name with dancing; you removed my sackloth and clothed me
with joy, that my heart may sing your praises and not be silent. LORD, my God I
will praise you forever
Psalms 30:11-12

Alfonso Ribeiro performing his famous Carlton Dance

The running man, the cabbage patch and the Roger Rabbit were some of hottest dance crazes of their day. People would swamp the dance floor and bust a move while the music blasted throughout wherever there was room to dance. Dancing has definitely changed over the years though. From Kid N' Play and The Carlton to more complex break dancing (or breaking). As We ventured in the 00's dance truly has turned into an art form. Televised dancing competitions like So You Think You Can Dance and Dancing with the Stars have shown dancing not only to be an art but art that takes time to craft and choreograph. The bible doesn't condemn dancing as a whole but rather discusses dancing in both a negative AND positive light. During the times of Exodus when Moses led the people out Egypt and returned from talking with the Lord, he saw that the people not only crafted a calf but also began to worship it in the form of sacrifices and dance (Exodus 32). We also see handfuls of scripture also speaking of dancing as  a form of worship including the scripture at the top of this blog.

Our friendly neighborhood Spider-Man showing how twerking
works.

So what's "good" dancing and "bad" dancing? Well several dances mentioned in the previous paragraph are harmless, so go ahead and do the Cartlon til' you hearts content. However, there are dances that are sexually provocative and can lead to the stumbling of believers. In the clubs you'd see a lot of people doing a "bump and grind" kind of dance (which some Latinos may refer to "perreo") in which initially the goal is for someones private area (man or woman) is rubbing up against the backside of another. This is an intimate dance that loosely simulates sex for one or both the dancers.
There's variants of that dance whether it's slowed down or done quickly. Also there's the famous twerking dance (if you wanna call it that). If for any bizarre reason you don't know what twerking is; in it's simplest definition twerking is the rhythmic shaking of a persons butt. Many will defend that twerking is not wrong, it's an art form, etc but one thing is absolutely certain and that is that twerking is sexually provocative to if not all, many men and women. These are just two examples of dances that can cause believers to lust and fall.

The "Beautiful Feet" Dance Ministry utilizing their talent to
praise God. 

You may be saying "well that's there fault. I'm not trying to make no one lust when I twerk. I just wanna have fun." Here's the issue. Specifically for twerking or any dance that heavily utilizes a sexual gesture. You are using the body God gave to create a motion that will naturally attract people sexually. We can't forget God created our sex drive and certain parts of the body will sexually drive a person. Example, many are attracted to a person who may have a "healthy" backside so when that person dances and the dance is utilizing the rear, the sex drive of many will sky rocket if they're looking. It may not be your intention, but as believers we shouldn't lead our brothers and sisters to fall (1 Cor 10:32). There are plenty of other dances in all cultures that are fun and won't lead to sinful results. There are church's who have dance ministries as well, so that's even more reason to believe dancing in itself isn't a sin. If you're gonna bust a move be careful how you do so. You're body is God's temple (1 Cor 6:19-20), treat it with respect. What do you think? What's your opinion?

Should believers not dance outside of worship or praise?

If believers shouldn't dance, does this including wedding traditions like the Daughter/Father dance?

Even though there's no documentation, do you believe Jesus may have danced?

- William

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Christians, Horror Movies and A Double Standard

Horror Movie Icons Throughout the years include Freddy Kruegar, Jason Voorhees, Michael Myers, Pennywise, Chucky  and more.

Finally my brothers and sisters, whatever is true, whatever is noble,
whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely,
whatever is admirable—if anything is excellent or praiseworthy—
think about such things
Philippians 4:8

The Exorcist is often regarded as the
scariest movie of all time.

Oh boy, this is a rough one. For decades viewers have been treated to horror films and their evolution. From the very 1st horror film Le Manoir du Diablo in 1896 to Frankenstein in 1910. From the Wolfman in 1935 to what many call the scariest movie of all time; The Exorcist in 1973. Personally, certain horror films I have no issue watching. "Jaws" is considered a horror film and I have no problems watching it at all. I may not want to go to a beach anytime soon but I can watch the film fine. What about the more darker films? What about the Jason Voorhees movies? or the Freddy Krueger films? This is where many, many, MANY believers will slam the brakes. Now I've seen a lot of horror films. Some were nowhere near as bad as the others and some where more terrifying than others. My sister knows that one particular trope in horror films I refuse to mess with is anything involving demons or demon possessions. Why? Because while for millions of people it's just entertainment, for us (the believers) it's an all to real reality. I cannot even watch 45 seconds of the Exorcist without getting a heavy feeling in my chest. Also, a quick google search will show you that those who worked on the film also experienced strange & supernatural behaviors. 

2017's "It" is the highest grossing horror film
of all time.

Oddly enough though I never have that heaviness when watching a Chucky film or a Texas Chainsaw Massacre movie. Now let me say this, I don't run to horror movies often. I'd much rather watch an animated film (I love cartoons) or a comedy before a horror. It all depends on what the film is. The last horror movie I seen was 2017's "It." I went to that movie thinking it wasn't going to be scary because I thought the new Pennywise design wasn't scary itself. I jumped too many times to count and to top it all off I don't like clowns. Before going to that movie I had a brother from church try to discourage me from watching the movie calling the clown a demon. Now,  I know he didn't read the book so I tried to explain that Pennywise was actually an alien but only to have him counter with "an alien can't be a demon?" So I left it alone. Like I said any movie glorifying a demon or demonic possession I will not watch. 

An artist's illustration of Jesus casting the legion of demons in
a man as told in the gospels. 

I know many will ask "would you take Jesus to a horror movie?" and the obvious answer should be no. However I believe Jesus lived a life that the things he's seen would put any horror film to shame. A man infested with legions of demons (Mark 5:1-11), a man rising from his grave (John 11:38-44) and of course meeting the devil face to face (Matt 4:1-11). I'm not saying this justifies watching horror films because it doesn't. Some watch for the thrill and adrenaline rush. Others because they're genuinely interested in the story. I know some people who even pray BEFORE watching a horror film. If you have to pray before watching a movie...maybe you shouldn't go at all. Movies set an atmosphere and none more so than horror/thriller films. You get anxious, think somethings in the house with you, every little noise throws you off, etc. Why? Because the atmosphere the film sets. We must consider our spiritual lives when watching these films especially if it's based on something that believers genuinely encounter. Sure, there's no real Jason Voorheese, Killer Klowns from Outer Space or Leprechaun but there are demons, demon possessions and malevolent spirits that we honestly should not entertain or invite to our homes. 

Deadpool is known for the violent action just
as much for it's comedy and 4th wall breaks.

There is an issue I have though. As many times as I've been warned about horror films why aren't there any warnings about other violent action films like Rambo, Mad Max, Hellboy and more? As a matter of fact aren't the actions in action movies more realistic to perform than horror movies. I can't haunt a persons dreams in a boiler room but I can be an assassin like John Wick and shoot people from afar. I can't die and come back to life multiple times like Jason but if I'm an impressionable child (or really naive) I can think I'm a superhero like in the movie "KickA**" and use real weapons (guns, knives and swords) to take down criminals. Speaking of superhero films, what about movies like "Deadpool" or any of the newer Batman films that hosts violent behavior? You'll see believers flock to the theaters to see these films and no one bats an eye (no pun intended). Are we holding a double standard with believers and movie going? Should we be just as strong in preaching against violent action films as we do horror? Let me know your opinion!

Should believers watch ANY horror movie whether it's Jaws, Gremlins, Freddy or Saw?

Should believers watch any violent film whether it's horror, action or even comedy?

If we should avoid violent films, should we avoid Passion of the Christ? It's the only Christian film

with an R rating.

- William

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Big Money: Should Christians Play The Lottery?

No one can serve two masters. Either he will

hate the one and love the other or, he will be

devoted to the one and despise the other.

You cannot serve both God and money

Matthew 6:24

When one thinks about becoming an overnight millionaire, so many fantasies come to mind. Where we'll move to, what cars we'll buy, the kind of house we'll live in, the businesses we'll start, etc. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with thinking these things. Who wouldn't want a few extra digits in their bank? Especially in the park of around 7 digits? How do we get there though? There's well over 300 million people living in the states. According to DQYDJ there are over 14 million millionaires in America. That's A little less than 5% of the entire population. Most get there through investments, stocks and bonds. Others through entrepreneurship, grinding and hard work. We all work hard (most of us anyway) and unfortunately many of us live paycheck to paycheck. Many of us don't know a single thing about the stock market, how to invest and to get a raise from our employers sometimes is like pulling teeth. So why not play the lottery? Is not bad is it?

And it only cost me a second mortgage! 

So no where in the scripture is gambling necessarily mentioned. Paul wasn't buying scratch off tickets between sermons. However the bible does discuss the constant pursuit of money for the sake of being wealthy. I've said it before, there's nothing wrong with having a lot of money or things. I even encourage my youth to strive for financial security but there's always an asterisk to that statement. We
have to be careful not to let the idea of easy riches pull us away from God. No, it's not a sin to buy a lottery ticket a few times out of the year. A waste of money? Probably. A sin? not so much. However the spirit of greed can easily manifest itself and being that many lottery games are relatively cheap (depending on what your playing) you can easily buy yourself into a financial rut rather than a palace.

There's a 1/175,000,000 chance of you winning the Powerball

Sometimes people play religiously because some are addicted to thrill of almost winning (similar to a slot machine in a casino). That's really how a lot of these games work. They sell you tickets with ALMOST winning numbers and you adhere to the thought "Man! almost had it!...lemme try one more time." Even something as simple as the claw machine in stores can make you spend extra quarters when you see you "almost" had that stuffed bunny. I say this. If you've taken care of your responsibilities; bills are paid, food is in the fridge, clothes are clean, etc than there's no harm in buying a ticket for a chance at financial freedom. However to the most of us who may never see a million dollars I encourage you (and even include myself) to ask God to help you be a better steward of your money and practice better saving habits. You may not be a millionaire but you'll have a few extra bucks to have some fun with. Be smart with your money family and if you're gonna play, play responsibly and good luck. If you win just know I always believed in you and if you wanna donate to me I humbly except cash, credit, debit and papyal.

If you or someone you know has a gambling problem call the National Helpline at 1-800-522-4700

- William

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Sin, Forgiveness & Music: Does the Past Effect an Artists Music?

Gospel singer James Fortune had legal troubles with assault in 2003 & 2014

I had a conversation with my friend recently and we were talking about the musician Sabrina Claudio. I have never heard of her until this conversation. My friend said she doesn't look into the lives of the artists she listens to and just enjoys the music. Sabrina Claudio a few years back made racist remarks on Twitter that later have been deleted. Many believe her apology was halfhearted. I told my friend I wouldn't give a racist my streams or downloads as I'm against racism. I'm not saying my friend is for racism but we just seem to have two different views on the matter. This had me thinking throughout the night though. As a believer I was taught to forgive as Christ forgives me (Eph 4:32) and this also made me think: "What about the Gospel/Christian artists who've messed up over the years?" Do we forgive them and keep listening to their body of work? Why or why not.

Former Everyday Sunday singer Trey Pearson came out as gay
in 2016

Kirk Franklin struggled with pornography and in interview with Oprah discussed how it ended. Do we stop listening to Kirk because somehow the spirit of porn will seep through our local Gospel radio stations and infect us? Or do the songs he has written that once inspired and encouraged us become tainted because of his sin? It's an interesting topic. Again, we're told to forgive and a times to even forget the past offense of a brother or sister. Another scenario: Trey Pearson formerly the lead singer of the Christian rock band Everyday Sunday came out as gay and was met with a lot of backlash. In the faith based music festival "Joshua Fest" Pearson was said to have the "pleasure of being called the first openly gay artist to ever play at a a major Christian music festival." However many staff members threatened to leave if Pearson remained in the lineup. It's no secret that the Christian faith is not in agreement with the LGBT lifestyle in accordance to scripture however does this mean all the music done previously no longer has the inspiring effect it once has? Why? Did his coming out wiped away the inspiration and hope his music was known to give? 

Former CHH artist RedCloud was release from Syntax Records
due to what they called substance abuse.

Pictured above in the beginning of the blog is Gospel singer James Fortune who has had two cases of abuse. One towards a child in which more than 50% of the body was burned and another case where he has struck his wife in aggravated assault. James still releases music. Many women who are victims of domestic abuse were clearly infuriated with Fortune and many believe he should've been held longer in prison without bail and ultimately have all music deals stripped from him. Once again because of this, does his music no longer carry God's anointing? Yes, we ALL must deal with consequences for our sins whether repented or not. If James asked for forgiveness from the Father or any of the artists hear mentioned for that matter, does God still bless their music? God has the ability  to restore things (Exodus 15:26) and I believe music previously written from a artist who has sinned is included in this. Do you agree? Or not? Let me know.

If a Gospel/Christian artist sins, is their music no longer any good? Why or why not?

Does the offense matter? An opposing lifestyle, Murder, etc.?

No one is perfect. We all sin in word, thought and action. Why do we believe artist in a higher platform aren't the same as us?

 - William

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Believers & Self Defense

If a thief is found breaking in and is struck so that he dies,
there shall be no bloodguilt for him.
Exodus 22: 2

"You're supposed to turn the other cheek." A phrase, quoting scripture that's often used on believers who discuss physical altercations. It is wise to avoid fights at all cost but if a situation boils down to you and another getting ready to brawl you better swing! It's ridiculous to believe that if we're struck physically that we should "turn the other cheek" because I'm pretty sure that cheek will get hit too. It's not a sin to fight back. God is not frowning at you for balling up your fist and swinging in the

scenario of self defense. The Father is not sitting their saying "My child, no! do not fight back just stay on the ground. They'll stop kicking you eventually." Many will point that Jesus wasn't violent nor fought anyone during his time walking the earth so they're just trying to emulate him. The thought is beautiful as who wouldn't wanna try to walk like Jesus? but remember, Jesus was not only man he also was the son of God (and still is) and he had a mission. I'm pretty sure Jesus was tempted once or twice to punch a Pharisee in the face because they kept hassling him (remember Jesus was man like us so he got irritated and annoyed like us). He didn't though because again, he had a mission to complete.

In the name of Jesus!...get out my house!

This is not to say fighting is a sin, at least not justified fighting. You're not in sin if someone is trying to harm you or your family and you're defending yourself and them. Here's a scenario: It's 8pm and you're sitting in the living room watching tv. The kids and wife/husband are upstairs sleeping. You suddenly hear someone breaking into your home and they got in. Are you going to drop to your knees, pray and hope that they leave? Or are you going to defend your home? This brings up another subject many believers argue or don't agree with. Owning a weapon. Some absolutely refuse to have guns in their homes because of the accidents that occur in the home, especially if there's children around. That's understandable. However if someone tries to tell you that owning a weapon is frowned upon by God or even a sin, they're 100% wrong. 

Illustration of Matthew 26:52

Someone will argue that Jesus told one of his followers "He who draws the sword will also die by the sword" found in Matthew 26:52. One of the things I've always told people was when reading scripture it is incredibly important to understand the context especially if you're going to isolate a verse from the rest of the chapter. Jesus was being arrested and taken. His disciple's intentions was

noble as he was defending Jesus but notice something. Jesus never reprimanded the disciple for having the sword. He reprimanded him for using it when it wasn't needed. Jesus said if he needed defense he could've easily asked the almighty to send angels down to completely overwhelm the soldiers but didn't. As a matter of fact it was Jesus himself who encouraged his disciples to buy swords while in the upper room (Luke 22:36) though it was for the fulfillment of the prophecy Jesus didn't condemn the weaponry.

Hacksaw Ridge is based on the true story
of Desmond Doss a believer who didn't
carry a firearm in battle

  Also think of this; our soldiers in battle. Many of our brave soldiers are believers. Not every soldier is Desmond Doss (the soldier "Hacksaw Ridge" was based on). God will bless soldiers in battle. King David even wrote in Psalms 144:1 "Praise be to the Lord, my Rock who trains my hands for war, my fingers for battle." However if you can deescalate a hostile situation without fist or firearms, that is deeply encouraged. If all else fails and it boils down to squaring up you better let them know that they can catch those hands. It is not wrong to defend yourself physically nor to own a weapon.

What do you think? Should Christians run from a fight instead of actually fighting?

Should believers own weapons?

Should all soldiers who in believe God take the Hacksaw Ridge route? Can they?

Let me know what you think!

- William

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Bottoms Up: The Believer & Alcohol

Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery.

Instead be filled with the spirit.

Ephesians 5:18

A hot and controversial topic held amongst believers since, well, ever. Granted there wasn't 50+ brands of vodka to choose from in biblical times nor did any of the disciples throw back a couple of cold ones together. There was wine because as far as we know there was no distilled liquor during the time of the Messiah or prior. So let's get this immediately out of the way. Nowhere in scripture does the bible directly condemn the consumption of alcohol as a whole. However if I leave it at that some of you will run with the idea and take advantage. While yes, the scriptures doesn't forbid drinking, it does speak about the overindulgence of drinking or basically getting drunk. A few scriptures that touch on it are Proverbs 20:1, Proverbs 23:20 and Ephesians 5:18 (written at the beginning of the blog) to name a few.

Rabbi Miguel Angel Cotto speaking on believers
and alcohol

It should be noted that believers can live a perfectly happy, healthy and "lit" life without drinking. When preaching I've always said and still say you should recognize your vices or where your weak points are. If you know alcohol is an issue in your life you should stay away from it especially if you're a recovering alcoholic. Another thing is peer pressure. The enemy doesn't always come as an ugly monster-like creature. As a matter of fact that's hardly ever the case. The enemy will come in the form of alluring, attractive or convenient temptations. With alcohol you may be able to be a "one and done" person but the influence of family and friends plus a sinfully provocative atmosphere can push you to have "just one more drink" if you're not spiritually prepared to be in that environment. I've been to get togethers, parties and events where alcohol has been served. Now, when I do drink it's usually as an accompaniment to a meal never really for the sake of drinking. Maybe if socializing I'll have a small something with friends but never more than 1 as I know my limitations. However, if I know I'm with someone who struggles with it or is new to the faith and may not grab to the idea of alcohol isn't wrong in itself, I will not drink at all to prevent confusion or stumbling (1 Cor 8:13).

My teacher Miguel Cotto (pictured above) discussed the issues of alcohol and believers. He made a very valid and sobering point (no pun intended). He mentions in the sermon that his father drank and  the alcohol was often fuel for abusive behavior. This is something to heavily consider as well. The overindulgence of alcohol can lead to unawareness, poor judgement, an unbridled mouth and can increase violent behavior due to no cognitive restraint. Some people lean on alcohol because they want to get inebriated or "wasted" to temporarily forget their problems but it's just that—temporary.
While certain kinds of alcohol have been shown to be good for some things (ex. Red Wine is good for cardiovascular health) hardly anyone is ever drinking to their heath. So can believers drink alcohol? Yes, you certainly can. Should you? Either in moderation or not at all. It's often grazed over in advertisements but there is a reason why your told to drink responsibly. Whatever you may be trying
to escape through alcohol will still be there after the hangover. There's nothing wrong with a glass of lemonade (not the hard stuff!) or a cup of coffee (not with Kahlua!).

Hip Hop artists Wordsplayed & Andy Mineo celebrate sobriety with the hit
"Martinelli"

- William

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Success, Depression & Suicide

Linkin Park Vocalist Chester Bennington hung
himself July of 2017

It's a horrible entity that cancers the lives of so many. Depression and suicide (for the believers) are wicked spirits that walk hand in hand with one another. Where Depression is, suicide is not too far. Those who know me or heard my testimony knows that I've tried to take my own life on 5 separate occasions. All failed and I was finally met with purpose in Jesus. Unfortunately for many Jesus or religion is something they rather stay far from because it's religion that has hurt them or perhaps they don't believe at all. What about those who are successful? Those who have financial freedom that'd make any person envious? The mansions, cars, top-of-the-line clothing, fine dining and millions of followers/fans world wide how can anybody not be happy let alone kill themselves? It all points back to a statement from the 1700's "Money can't buy happiness." Something I've told my youth group was there's nothing wrong with having large amounts of money or lots of material possessions. It's when these things begin to consume you and you find your identity in them where it becomes an issue. An often misquoted bible verse is 1 Timothy 6:10 where it says "The love of money is the root of all evil." Noticed it never said money itself but the love of it. We somehow believe that if we are financially situated and live a luxurious lifestyle we won't be susceptible to sadness or depression.

Comedian Robin Williams also committed
suicide via hanging in August of 2014

 Often times people who suffer with depression are also the people that seem the happiest and care free. This is because those people often don't want to burden others with their problems so it's locked inside and becomes like a pressure cooker. If there's no relief of pressure there's the possibility of an explosion. Unfortunately this "explosion" can take a form of self harm, harming others and of course suicide. One suicide case that honestly surprised me was Robin Williams. This man was paid millions to make people laugh. He always had this aura on him that came across as a man whose at peace but apparently that definitely was not the case. Just as I said sometimes the most depressed people have the most beautiful and likeable personalities. A depressed person isn't always wearing black, listening to emo rock and looks broody like the stereotypes often attached. Sometimes a depressed person is well-kept, hygienic, bright eyed, etc. That's the disgustingly sneaky nature of depression. It can blend seamlessly into a persons life and it will go over many people unnoticed. Sometimes people who suffer depression only need a person to listen to them. They may not need a sermon or a therapist (not that these are bad and each certainly has there place) but rather just a listening ear that they can confide in. I've spoken to many people who only needed me to be there for them and listen to them or to be a shoulder to cry on and that was enough. Sometimes I think us a Christians believe that drilling bible verses in people or telling them to "stop being that way" will somehow cure them. It doesn't.

Earlier this year Dwayne Johnson revealed his
battle with depression.

Yes I truly believe God can deliver people from the spirit of depression and suicide as I was once that person. However the method in which this is done should be handled carefully. You shouldn't just drag a depressed person to church the moment they tell you their story but rather just listen to them and if the opportunity reveals itself than offer them a trip to the church. If they reject, let them be. Pray for them in your own personal time and remain in contact with them. Be their friend not their therapist, not their accountability partner, not their pastor but their FRIEND. If they're contemplating suicide let them know how valuable they are despite what may be happening right now to them. Some feel suicidal because of a broken heart due to the loss of a loved one or a bad breakup. Other times it's because of parental neglect or abuse. Maybe it's because they're being bullied or they can't seem to find there place in this world. It could be matter of sexual identity and acceptance from family. Despite what my beliefs are for and against no one deserves to be neglected of love or have there life taken away to the spirit of suicide. Whether you want to call it a spirit or a mental disorder it is a cancer that cannot be cured through material possession or millions of dollars.  Our happiness and freedom can solely be found in a genuine relationship with the Father. Not religious practice, not Sunday service attendance, not reciting prayers multiple times a day but a real, genuine relationship with the Almighty. There is no spirit, sickness or disorder that the Father cannot remove or relinquish from you. I pray that if you are a person who is going through suicidal thoughts and depression that you can find a person you can trust to talk to and also can find hope in God the same way I did. You're loved deeply and have purpose. You can have a tremendous bank account and marvelous material positions but the most valuable thing you could ever have is the love of God in you. I hope you find it.

If you or someone you know is thinking about suicide call the Suicide Prevention Hotline 

1-800-273-8255 (it's free and confidential)

- William

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Swipe Left: Christians & Tinder

It's estimated that at least 1,000 new dating apps are created each year and some estimate that there may be well over 8,000 active dating services. Some titans of the dating app world you may already know; Match, Chemistry, eHarmony, BlackPeopleMeet.Com, FarmersOnly.Com, Coffee  Meets Bagel, Christian Mingle and probably the hottest and most notorious one...Tinder. With it's extraordinarily simple concept, Tinder is passing many of it's competitors in an impressive rate. So for those of you that's been living under Windows 98, Tinder is dating app with a very simple format. You see someone you like? Swipe right. They look busted in your eyes? Swipe left. You really like what you see? Swipe up. That simple. If the person you swiped right also swiped you right, you both match and our able to message one another. At least I think that's how it goes. 

It sounds messy the way I'm describing it but it really is simple. Yes, occasionally I will go to Tinder myself and do some swiping. It wasn't until recently though that I realized something about the app. "Wait a minute" I thought to myself "This is really going based on appearance more than anything else!" Sure, Tinder allows you to tell a brief summary of yourself but what made it popular is it's
"swipe mechanic" that allows users to quickly browse through potential partners simply based on looks. I seriously doubt when people are going through 50-100 profiles or more they're reading the summary every time. Tinder is smart in the sense that it's catering to the ideology of "looks are everything." Something us believers are taught other wise.

1 Samuel 16:7 says "Do not consider his appearance or his height...Man looks at the outward appearance, but the LORD looks at the heart." Now this verse was speaking on who would later be known as King David but the application is still the same. We shouldn't judge people by their appearances and that should include our potential spouses. I'm not saying we're not allowed to have preferences because people do. Some women like taller men and some men like women who are plus sized. Sometimes though our preferences can limit who God may WANT to put in your life as opposed to who YOU want but that's another blog. Back to the topic at hand.

Now, should Christians use Tinder? Sure, if they want. Like I said I have a Tinder account (don't judge me) and I have only received 1 right swipe since I've joined back in December 😒. In my humble opinion I don't think Tinder is believer friendly but I may be wrong. The idea behind Tinder is really for people to "hookup" but really that could mean ANYTHNG. I'm not saying Christian Mingle is the end all be all of believers dating because you'd have to assume that the millions of "Christians" that are on there are the believers they say they are. Than again that's the risk of any dating site or app. 

Unfortunately as far as appearances go, for many, that IS the first impression and not your character. Sure, you should always try your best to look good but look good for you. Besides your best "look" may be completely different from someone else's. In either case find and/or pray for somebody who'll like and eventually love you for who you are. Because seriously, fashion changes and as you get older you will start getting wrinkly and saggy so physical appearances won't always be there but your personality and character will. Be careful my single folk when looking and always ask God to guide your decisions in dating, courting and swiping. Now if you'll excuse me, I think I'm gonna try Gluten Free Single.

- William

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Why Are Certain Sounds Considered Worship? Pt. 1

Sing to him a new song; play skillfully, and shout for joy. 

Psalms 33:3 (NIV)

Here I am To Worship, Let It Rain, Our God is an Awesome God, Dance Like David among other are some of the most popular and beloved worship songs in Christian Music. In terms of industry success, the artists who perform or cover these songs sell millions of albums. These songs, especially the first one are among the top Christian songs of all time. But why are certain names always associated with worship music and not others? What if the music I listen to glorifies God but in a dramatically different sound as opposed to the ones mentioned at the beginning of this blog? Is it still worship? Or is worship music constrained to the box of repeated choruses, predictable crescendos and makes no room for creativity in other genres?

Heavy Metal Worship in the country of Columbia

This is what I mean. Christian/Gospel content has veined its way into nearly every genre of music. Rock, Metal, Rap, Hip Hop, Poetry, Pop, Contemporary, EDM and so many more now contain lyrics that are faith-centric, God-honoring and all the while very different in terms of style but it's never called worship. When you go to a Christian bookstore you will see in their music section (usually) is broken up into genres (or really sub-genres) Skillet, Demon Hunter and Relient K are under rock or metal. Lecrae, Da' T.R.U.T.H. and KJ-52 are under rap/hip-hop. You know the usual until we see Chris Tomlin, Hillsong Worship, Jeremy Camp, Kari Jobe under "Praise/Worship." Now sometimes you will see them under "contemporary" but the former is more common. Again, why is their kind of music considered worship but others aren't?

Kurtis Blow MC's Sunday mass at Harlem Church in New York,

According to Websters dictionary Worship is defined as "the feeling or expression of reverence and adoration for a deity." Nowhere in its finite definition or it's sub-definitions is music involved in any way. Even in the Greek & Hebrew definitions of worship, music isn’t specifically mentioned. Rather the definitions allude to a lifestyle. This is something that is frequently said (at least in my neck of woods) "Worship isn't music it's a lifestyle." Now if you're a musician and a devout believer, clearly your faith and lifestyle should reflect in your music. Now, not everyone's spiritual lifestyle or worship is the same so their output won't be the same. Taking that into consideration shouldn't it mean then that Rappers, Rockers, Metal Heads, DJ's that live for God should be considered worshipers? and their music worship? I'll continue this later within the upcoming days in part 2 of this blog but I'd love to hear your opinion on the matter.

Is the term "worship music" reserved exclusively for those to a specific sound?

Is there a repetitiveness to today's worship? If so, is it lazy writing?

Why is Christian/Gospel considered a genre? What does Christianity or the message of the Gospel sound like musically?

Thanks for taking the time to read.

God bless family!

- William

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