Thursday, August 30, 2012

Brains, Music, and A Challenge


So I heard this on the radio and I’ve already been kind of doing something like this. But I wanted to share this challenge with the rest of you.  But first let me offer a little background and preface this challenge if you will.

The brain is an amazing gift. I don’t know what the actual numbers are but it’s said that it takes at least 20 times for us to hear something new for it to be memorized in our brains. Clearly I didn't listen to it long enough to remember the real numbers. J Our brains can recall details (significant or otherwise) in nano-seconds. We have thoughts that run all day long (some of us into the night). It never shuts off.

 How often have I turned on the radio and started singing along with whatever song was on and not paid any attention to what the words were actually saying? Or how many times have I been in a bad mood or felt sad, alone, or angry and listened to music that did nothing to uplift me or worse, perpetuate that mood.  And when I’m alone or there’s no music present I found myself dwelling on those songs, those words that I had heard over and over and over again. Those were the words I had running on an endless loop in my head.  The comfort and solace I was seeking in these songs were not the words that had been promised to me by my Savior. 

“Let the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be acceptable in your sight, oh Lord, my strength  and my Redeemer.”  Ps 19:14 

I decided to switch over to the Christian station for a while and listen to that. Within a few days, I had new songs and words running through my head. Even in struggle and my moments of sadness or irritation, I had a sweeter song to sing. Words of truth. Words of life. Words that remind me who I am and what I am in Christ. God gives us Christian brothers and sisters to lift us up, to encourage us in our faith and to help us walk a little straighter. I like to think that my brothers and sisters in the Lord on the radio are helping me in that way, and even if we don't have a personal relationship, we are still part of a community in Christ. How cool is that?! J

Here is where the challenge comes in. The next 30 days I am leaving my radio on the Christian station. I will not be listening (voluntarily) to the other stations I like (Country, popular, etc.) I challenge you to try this. Try it and see if your attitude and life doesn’t change a little. If you’re at all like me and you get easily dragged down in the cares of the world, worry plagues you, or even if you’re just having a bad day, don’t switch to that Adele song that makes you feel even more sad and justified in your moodiness.

There are a few songs that I have heard over the past few weeks that have so blessed my soul that I just want to share this joy with others! I can’t keep this to myself! J I want to see others uplifted in their hearts and minds because they are being refreshed with encouraging words as well. 
Along with my challenge, I am going to try and at least twice a week, post a song, lyrics, youtube video, etc from an artist that I have enjoyed and I hope it blesses you  too!!

Today’s song is from an artist named Jason Gray. The song is called “Remind Who I Am”. It’s a beautiful thing to know and be reminded that no matter what, regardless of what comes, who tries to hurt us, nothing can separate us from Christ – we are HIS! With His blood He bought us and nothing will break that bond!  
The words of the chorus are  “Tell me, once again, who I am to You, who I am to You. Tell me lest I forget, who I am to You, that I belong to You.”  **Click on the song title to follow to the youtube link** 


“For I am persuaded that death nor life, nor angels nor principalities nor powers, nor things present nor things to come, nor height nor depth nor any other thing created will be able to separate us from the love of God which is in Christ Jesus our Lord.” Romans 8: 38-39  

If you feel like participating in this challenge with me, let me know! I'd love to hear from you - facebook me or email me or leave me a comment! I'd love to hear how you've been encouraged!