Stolen My Heart?

“You’ve stolen my heart,
Yes, You have.
You’ve stolen my heart,
Yes, You have.
You’ve wiped away the stains,
And broke away the chains,
Yes, You have.”
-Leeland

When I first heard this song, I began to ask questions about it lyrically and theologically. For example, is it possible for God to “steal”? Is this really the best description of the work of God in a person’s life…you know, to steal a heart? Does God come and “take” a person or is it that God draws them? Is this a theologically sound lyric or is it careless language that will incorrectly communicate the work of Christ?

Then, I stopped myself. You see, I now had to wrestle with another conflicting thought. Had I become so sensitive to language that I could no longer see the beauty in hyperbole or metaphor? Had I forgotten or even possibly abandoned the romantic use of language? Had I become afraid to paint pictures or turn artful phrases in communicating God’s beauty? Had I devalued or even left no room for “poetic license” in the role of art that reflects the Creator?

So I thought about one of the most prolific artists whose work fills the pages of Scripture, King David. In Psalm 42 did David’s soul truly pant and thirst (Psalm 42:1-2)? Or was he trying to capture a longing that was difficult to convey without using the creative brush strokes of language? Or must I believe he was truly eating his tears as “food day and night” (Psalm 42:3)?

And so I have come to the conclusion that I need to lighten up a little bit. I think I need to be more gracious in allowing artistry to speak with passion and poetry a little bit more, both by others and myself. There is a distinct difference between communicating untruth and representing the beauty of God’s grand story and our individual stories poetically. Our imaginations need this kindling if we are truly to find meaning in Truth. And so I need to re-imagine (carefully and responsibly, of course) my own story and God’s truth with fresh, creative, artistic eyes, ears and words. “Stolen my heart”? Yes, in a beautiful way…I think He has.

art & opinion

I had a chance conversation of the artistic persuasion with a couple patrons at a local coffeehouse today. This particular shop displays local artists’ work on its walls as part of the way they connect to their community. The specific artist’s work being displayed was a medium of oil painting which would be considered relatively contemporary in nature utilizing broad brush stroke and color to create a more impressionistic expression of their subject matter. So it was that medium and style that created this interesting exchange.

As I approached my table, one of the employees was straightening the painting above my table. After I heard the woman at a nearby table thank her, I joked about repositioning the painting askew. The woman laughed and then engaged me about the style of the paintings. After a moment, she asked me what I might title one specific painting (which reminded me of a rendition of an old photo by William Gottlieb). After sharing my thoughts, her husband sitting next to her quickly responded by shaking his head disdainfully and said, “That’s not what I’d call it.”

It is very interesting how differently we look at art. One man’s Monet is another man’s trash and one man’s Radiohead is another man’s noise. I’ve often asked (out loud and internally) what it is that draws us to certain types of artistic expressions and consider others less worthy. And I know there’s been a lot of work done on this academically, but I think more needs to be done at a bit more street level.

So, think about it, what is it that draws you to the art you love? (and when I’m speaking of “art”, I’m referring to all the fine arts - music, dance, literature, visual mediums, etc.)  What are the values that, in your opinion, make one good and the other not?  What are the common threads?  Why do you find certain expressions less admirable?  And are there certain sensibilities or other parameters that inform your likes and dislikes?  Something to think about…

Juno

I saw Juno today.

I’m cut from a far different cloth than some of those that think and interact in the same circles I run in, so let me first start by saying…I loved it. I truly did. A wonderful movie, well acted, well written, with very engaging characters caught in an emotionally riveting story. Needless to say, however, I don’t think this movie is for everyone - it most definitely is NOT for everyone. But I do think it is an important conversation piece for our times that is quite deserving of its Oscar nomination. And quite frankly, I don’t think there are enough superlatives to describe Ellen Page’s performance as the title character, a sixteen year-old girl who finds herself pregnant and confused.

With all of that said, here’s what I admired most about the film. I never sensed it was preaching at me. It could have found one or one hundred things to rant about and preach on, but the film chose instead to relay a variety of different topics that we all could converse madly about for hours. I think that’s what blew me away the most. No one told me what to think or how passionately I should think about it. There were no action steps, no “this is how you should think” speeches or “shame-on-you’s” when it was all said and done. Interestingly enough, when the film was over, there were people coming in to the next showing before we were able to get out of our chairs from the previous showing because so many of us were engrossed in conversations ignited by the film. That’s good film-making.

I don’t know if it’s a film I can outright endorse, however…mostly because it is very frank talk about very difficult and sensitive subject matters (teen sexuality, teen pregnancy, abortion/adoption, fidelity, marriage). But I can say that if you are mature enough to handle it, then this is an intriguing, well made movie that just might make you laugh, make you cry, and make you think.

The Grammy Awards

I read through the Grammy Award nominations and, once again, there were some incredible blunders on behalf of the voters:

• Keb’ Mo’s Suitcase was overlooked in the Blues categories.
• Ricky Skaggs’ & Bruce Hornsby’s bluegrass CD was sadly missing in the Bluegrass categories
• “East To West” by Casting Crowns was nominated for best ‘Gospel Performance’ category…yeah…enough said.
• Andy Gullahorn and David Wilcox again receive no nominations

What were the slights or “good calls” in your opinion?

Tell me what you know…

Sara is at it again. Giving us great music at just the right time. She has this incredible knack for writing catchy songs with incredible depth. I must say there is no other artist (other than say, Keb’ Mo’, David Wilcox or Bruce Hornsby) from whom I wait more anxiously for new music.

I got an advance copy of her new CD from my friend Troy and haven’t stopped listening. Probably a more ringing endorsement than my love for this CD…my middle school daughter knows the songs backwards and forwards already. That’s always a good sign. Don’t miss it. Take the time to purchase it and enjoy it…Sara always seems to satisfy your musical taste buds while inspiring and invigorating your soul. Simply put, she is an incredibly gifted songwriter/performer with an extraordinary talent for crafting language and a voice that matches her eloquence with astoundingly sweet execution. I’m particularly fond of the middle part of this recording with the highlight, for me, being “Love Is Still A Worthy Cause” and the incredible “When The Saints”. I definitely don’t consider myself a music critic, but I know what I like…