Standing Out

Today i'm going to head way back to the early ninties for our song. It's the song that convinced my mom to allow me to listen to Christian Rap, back in the day. I hope this is a trip down memory lane, but that the message is clear.

Shine

By: The Newsboys

Dull as dirt

you can't assert the kind of light

that might persuade

a strict dictator to retire

fire the army

teach the poor oragami

the truth is in

the proof is when

you hear your heart start asking

"what's my motivation"

And try as you may, there isn't a way

to explain the kind of change

that would make an eskimo renounce fur

that would make a vegetarian barbeque hamster

unless you can trace this about-face

to a certain sign

Chorus:

Shine

Make em wonder what you've got

make em wish that they were not

on the outside looking bored

Shine

Let it shine before all men

let em see good works and then

let em glorify the lord

Out of the shaker and onto the plate

it isn't karma

it sure ain't fate

that would make a deadhead sell his van

that would make a schizophrenic turn on his crayons

Oprah freaks

and science seeks a rationale

that shall excuse

this strange behavior

When you let it shine

you will inspire

the kind of entire turnaround

that would make a bouncer take ballet

(even bouncers who arn't happy)

but out of the glare

with nowhere to turn

you ain't gonna learn it on "what's my line?"

Shine

Make em wonder what you've got

make em wish that they were not

on the outside looking bored

shine

let it shine before all men

let em see good works and then

let em glorify the lord.

SHINE

This song sounds so goofy and seems out of place on this blog with such clear other songs. But it was this song alone that allowed me during my tumoltuous teen years to dare to be bold and to dare to stand out against the crowd. Shining among others in a dark world can make you look strange, the outsider and the "oddball". But really, all it does is make you a beacon in the dark for those who are seeking. Christians get labled all kinds of things when we dare to be bold with our faith and step out and try to shine. When you shine, you draw others to you and you will see your friends and family change just because you have something they want. Make em wonder what it is about you that stands out from the rest.

A thought, if we are all shining in the darkness, we should see beacons of light and hope across the vast darkness, and then we'll know we're not alone.

Be bold, be brave, be fearless for our LORD.