He Saved Others

Good Friday, 1987

Jesus, You know I do not understand

Your love, Your sacraments, Your sufferings,

Your grace exalting me with priests and kings

Reigning forever in the Promised Land.

I am a child who takes his father’s hand

Walking along the beach, who while he clings

Fears not the surf, but begs a tale that brings

Him dreams of sailing far beyond the strand.

O tell me once again and I’ll receive

The things I cannot know and count them true:

How if I were the only man to grieve

The heart of God, You’d take Your cross anew

(I do not understand, but I believe)

To die for me, that I might live for You.

--Philip Rosenbaum

Quite a few years ago, when I was in my teens and going through a poetry phase, I was able to purchase a book of sonnets. It was sold by James Jordan, an amazing Pastor and scholar, and written by a man named Philip Rosenbaum. Every year I try to read through my Holy Week Sonnets. They have been such an encouragement to me. Check out http://christianpoet.org/Poetry_of_Philip_Rosenbaum/Home.html to read more of them.

Good Friday is indeed a good day. It was also the worst day in the life of our Savior. Today I was meditating on what our Lord went through. When I read Mark 15, this part stuck out to me:
"Likewise the chief priests also, mocking among themselves with the scribes, said,
 'He saved others; Himself He cannot save.'" (vs. 31)
      What's funny about this passage is, even though the pharisees and scribes were mocking Jesus, what they said was true. Jesus did save others. He saved His chosen people, and He was in the process of saving others while He was on the cross. He could not save His loved ones if He only cared about saving Himself. Christ is the epitomy of unselfishness. He couldn't save Himself even if He wanted to, because He had put His life in His Father's hands: "Thy will be done!"
     Isn't this how God created life to work? The only way we can save ourselves is by saving other people.
 It is a beautifully strange truth. "Lose your life, and you will find it..."
                                              =) Happy Good Friday!

How Could It Be Any Better Than This?

What do I have to do
To try to make you see
Trying to be like you
Isn’t good enough for me

I wont let you go
I wont let you down
I wont give you up

Don’t you give up on me now



Some people wonder why Lifehouse is my favorite band. Lifehouse's lyrics make me think, and their music always matches their lyrics. It's not thinking just in a logical mental state, but also in a relational way. Their music makes you think about relationships from the inside and the outside. God is logical and emotional. Indeed, He is much more than that. I think it's hard for us to be both at the same moment. I might be logical one minute and super crazy the next. God's world, however, is beautiful and complex all at the same time.
    Researching where Jason Wade (lead singer and song writer for LH) came from puts much more meaning into each of his songs. His songs are his reactions and ideas revolving around his most important relationships. Indeed, they tell the story of his life in an abstract way. I think a good composer is able to tell a story with their songs. Jason's stories have been some of the best encouragements to me, and that is why I will always be thankful for Lifehouse.
   Jason's parents were missionaries when he was younger. It wasn't till their divorce, which really affected him, that he turned to poetry and music for support. He lived in Portland, then moved to Washington, then finally to Los Angeles. It was in LA where he met his bass player Sergio and started a worship band called Blyss.  Blyss eventually evolved to Lifehouse, with Rick playing the drums. Over the years Lifehouse has changed. The band had a breakup with Sergio. Rick, however, is still there rockin' and being as goofy as ever. Bryce, awesome Canadian bass player, joined the team, and their latest member is Ben, who is a great Australian guitarist, mate!
    No Name Face was their first CD, and it was a huge success. The songs off that album are really straight from Jason's soul, expressing his frustrations and his faith in God. Jason writes music hoping others will be able to relate to it and be encouraged. He doesn't write music to force ideas down someone's throat. It used to bug me that he wouldn't talk more about God, till I realized the impact his family's breaking up had on him. Still, his songs all have incredible messages, and I think that is how he communicates his worldview the best.

Lifehouse's definition of Love is interesting. Some of the main themes running through their songs are:
Holding on, not giving up
Changing for the relationship
Believing in second chances

Jason has been married to his wife Braeden for ten years. He says that they try not to be apart for more than two weeks at a time, which is tricky since Jason is on the road most of the time. He brought her on his last tour, and he says they are childhood sweethearts, best friends, and still madly in love. Now they're thinking about having kids. :)
     As for Lifehouse, currently they have 5 CDs released, and are still touring around.
I've seen them three times in concert. Amazing every time. Did I mention I have their autographs, pictures, posters, shirts, and have talked to them?

I'm not obsessed, just in love.

 Jason and Braedon

My pic at their last concert