The past few weeks I’ve had a few experiences that have been inspiring.
I’ve watched friends stand by those who are sick and injured. I’ve watched children struggling with their elderly and fragile parents. I’ve watched as some have given service knowing they will never be paid, never be recognized as the one who gave.
I have been inspired to do more good.
It’s interesting how the good in life causes us to see more and more of the good, and when we are surrounded by the bad, the reverse is also true. Music is an incredibly huge influence in my life. With the advent of the iPod I constantly have music in my life. Walking around the house, driving from place to place, working in the garage or around the yard. I’m sure many of you are the same. I know the youth of today are much the same.
Music is constantly inspiring me to go, do, be a better person. Below you will find a couple songs / videos of today’s music. Yes, many of the artists today produce music that is reprehensible, music that leads to darkness. But there is also good music to be found. Unfortunately you have to sift through the bad to find the good, but it is there. This is especially a struggle with the youth of today. Helping them understand a good melody doesn’t make a song good if the lyrics are pushing you to do bad things.
I know a number of the songs by the artists below are not great, some repugnant. But these songs I point out here put me in a frame of mind that inspired me to be better.
Nickelback – If Today Was Your Last Day –
OK, I was really surprised when I was moved by a Nickelback song. Especially a song by the group that brought us ‘Rockstar.’ Ya, I don’t like all of their music, but when I was listening to the radio the other day (and I RARELY do this, my iPod and Pandora.com keep me busy with plenty of music) I heard this song – and I was caught. For the last 3 days I’ve listened to nothing else.
“If today was your last day and tomorrow was too late..
Call those friends you never see, Reminisce your memories, forgive your enemies
Would you live each moment like it was your last?
Would you make your mark by mending a broken heart?
It’s never too late, to shoot for the stars, regardless of who you are…”
Click on VIDEO –> Click on the video at the top of the list: If Today Was Your Last Day –> Click the white arrow
http://widgets.clearspring.com/o/491b5827a1895ba6/4a2c7a03c2afa968/492d9dfb12a0844b/46ce0ab6 Click here if you can’t see the video: www.nickelback.com John Mayer – Say I mentioned this song in my reminisce about the year 2008: What Moved Me in 2008 I really enjoy John and his work. You’ve no doubt seen The Bucket List. A good movie about two old codgers who are brought together on their death beds. The unlikely duo become friends and work to complete the items on their Bucket List. The list of things you need to do before you kick the bucket. A novel idea. I saw the movie and liked it, but it didn’t move me. What moved me was the song by John Mayer. I like John’s music. The lyrics are straight forward, honest and to the point. The music is simple and clean. To me his lyrics describe the importance of stripping away all the needless pride in life and simply ‘Say what you need to say.’ Throughout life we are put in situations where we hold our tongues for one reason or another. We don’t say something we should because we are either prideful, scared or something else keeps us from saying what we should. This song reminds me of the importance of telling others you care for them, and letting them know you are there. You never know when the last time you’ll see someone. I would be devastated if I lost my wife or kids. But I would be comforted in knowing that they know I love them, because I strive to tell them every day. “Even if your hands are shaking, and your faith is broken, even as your eyes are closing, do it with a heart wide open – say what you need to say…”
Michael Jackson – Man In The Mirror In 1988 this song ran to the top of the charts. Michael was in his prime. Since then the King of Pop has fallen from his pedestal. At the time, I was 18 years old and significant life decisions were coming at me fast. Much like all 18 year olds I had the ability to squander my life away or take the path my parents had recommended. Fortunately in 1988 I found so many things. I caught the gospel and truly felt the spirit for the first time, decided to go on a mission for my church, and I met my future wife. Thank you God for helping me through those times. In the back of my mind this song played. It helped remind me there was more to life than living on the edge – there was giving back and striving to be like the Savior. “There are some with no home, not a nickel to loan. Could it be, really me, pretending that they’re not alone?” Sorry if there’s an advertisement prior to the video… http://media.mtvnservices.com/mgid:uma:video:mtv.com:206759
Click here if you can’t see the video above Find inspiration around you, keep the soundtrack playing, be inspired to be better, live like you were dying, today could really be your last day – say what you need to say. Yours, Bishop Chatham
Andy Chatham 
I really appreciated this entry, I use music a lot to help inspire me in my work and in life… I thought this entry was well put. Thanks
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