I can close my eyes and have a vivid picture of how things used to be. It was a world I deemed worth living. No money. No recognition. Only a heart that meant what it said. And strangely enough, that’s all I needed.
Empty hearts & neon lights,
They’re playing with my mind,
Got to get out of here tonight.
The pursuit of material gain has been deeply ingrained in our society’s identity. We are told of the happiness that is brought by materialism – all while being oblivious to the fact that our family’s ancestors did more with less. We are taught how aspiration and ambition are essential in life’s progression. Yet, assume it has to come in the form of possessiveness and not self-growth. Nor can it somehow regard being at peace within the moment. But know this: Contentment is required for happiness. That’s not meant in the sense of complacency, but rather genuine fulfillment. What you have now is enough. Freedom doesn’t belong in stuff. Far from it. The things that we own can end up owning us. But true freedom comes from self-expression and a people with whom we can share it.
Broken hearts & starting fights,
Turning truth to lies,
Got to get out, stop wasting time.
Our attitude from people to policy can be defined in this manner: Placing a scheme above the people it serves. This applies the same to spreading the gospel. Yes, we can tell people the truth. And the truth will in fact set you free. But telling the gospel isn’t involved with the act of seduction. It’s not about our persuasive skills. Nor is it about getting better numbers. Rather, it’s about an option. A fair chance. A choice. We can address the many questions of spirituality. But above all, we are to focus on the people and not the skillset. May we put ourselves aside and allow Christ to shine through.
I want to run off and float,
And I tell myself it’s fine to be alone,
Just to find somewhere that finally feels like home.
We all want to find belonging and connection. But with the distraction of iPhones, AI, and social media, this seems beyond impossible. Know this: AI won’t solve the problem of loneliness. Nor will social media. We can define “connection” as authentic compassion. To be a person in front of another. If we only escaped the distraction of social media and AI, then we could find answers to these escalating problems. We can stop this lie that loneliness doesn’t exist. Above all, we are seeking an escape from our false assessments. Let’s put down our phones and say the words that we all desire: “I care for you.” Let’s say the words and mean it.
Take me to a world of silver,
No more heartbreaks, tears, painkillers,
Take me somewhere unfamiliar,
Bring me back to where we started.
We desire a place of happiness and spiritual fulfillment. And there is good news: Such a place exists. Perhaps it’s in the back of our mind along with the cobwebs. Yet, it’s still there. It’s a place that sounds unfamiliar – a place we forgot. But it’s there nonetheless. May we again find the authentic part within ourselves. Let’s go back to that place – a place where we once started. A place we once belonged…