Music Appreciation
Dear Girlfriends,
As I close out this series on spiritual maturation, this final Truth Nugget is written specifically for my Christian audience or those of you who have been offended by Christians. Unfortunately, that most likely covers everyone.
Hip Hop. Jazz. Ragtime. Ballads. Contemporary. Classical. The Blues. Baptist Hymns.
With the exception of Hip Hop, I've played them all. Not all classifications could I fully understand, and only a few can I play well. But I grew to appreciate and respect the socio-economic conditions, the geographic locales, and the eras that served as the genesis to these diverse genres of music.
When it comes to music appreciation, one is required to enter with:
- An open mind - leave your prejudices behind; you're to listen based on not what you once liked, but what you might respect.
- An open heart - listen for a melody that speaks to you; not all sounds that are dissonant are made up of wrong notes. But to listen with your heart, you have to be quiet.
- An open soul - music is an international language that communicates regardless of history, culture, or class. Music can bridge great divides and create commonality where there was none before.
There is a profound parallel between the mind/heart/soul conditions required to appreciate music and to living Christ-like. But, I fear if Christians were graded for our performance in music appreciation class - we'd flunk. We're doing little to inspire appreciation and respect for our beliefs.
For this reason, I rarely offer up that I'm a Christian. This series is my actual "coming out party". For over two years, I have written to you without expressing my beliefs. Not because I'm ashamed or feel the topic is taboo; I don't openly share because of the damage we Christians have caused to our collective reputation.
Christians often carry deep prejudices. Steve Stroope, pastor of Lake Pointe Church in Rockwall, TX recently said, "We should be known for what we're for; not for what we're against." If our world, our co-workers, our neighbors, and our family are to appreciate Christianity - I think we're going to have to shift the paradigm and leave the judging to God. It's past time to let the world see that we're known for love, not condemnation.
Christians often fail to listen with their heart. Rather than allowing a lost or hurting soul the opportunity to be heard - we want to jump in and do all the talking. Why, as a group of people, are we so determined to have the first and last word? Not everything needs to be said in every encounter. In Colossians, Paul said, "Let your speech always be with grace, seasoned, as with salt". Chili powder is not mentioned in the recipe.
Christians often believe they are superior. Don't believe me? Let some tattooed girl with ratty jeans come sit down next to you, and let's see how you react. True story: I was flying home from a business conference. The last night of the event, one of the manufacturers hosted a Harley party and we were each given these very cool - very real-looking - tattoos. I had mine put on my left biceps so I could surprise Steve coming off the plane. Walking up the aisle (looking a bit disheveled and weary from my hard week of work), I reached my row to find a very sweet-looking woman sitting in the middle seat. But she glared at me with disdain and contempt. I was really taken aback as I thought "What in the world did I do to this chick?" I spoke; she pretended not to hear me. After the flight took off, I reached in my briefcase for my Bible and Beth Moore study book. She literally turned sideways in her seat and her mouth flew open like a bass catching flies. "What?" I thought. Within seconds, Ms. Prickly Pious became my new best friend. It took a few minutes for it to register but then it came to me: this good Christian woman wanted nothing to do with a tattooed girl in jeans until she realized I was "one of her own". Open your soul; real tattoo or fake - we're not that different and we're all the same in His eyes.
I call those of you who are my Christian sisters to arms this week. Let's save the reputation of Christians so that people of no faith and other faiths can appreciate and respect who we are and the truths we believe. Let's be known for what we're for; not for what we're against.
Looking for volunteers,
Ellen
Posted by Ellen on September 25, 2007 10:34 AM
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