We all have secrets, imperfections, and unanswered questions. It’s what makes life as it is. Strangely enough, some of us snub others for their abnormalities — despite the abnormalities of our own. This confirms scripture’s claims that we as a people are selfish and sinful in nature. Furthermore, this confirms our need for a savior.
“Every bad situation is a blues song waiting to happen.”
Amy Winehouse was just like us in that she had secrets, imperfections, and unanswered questions. She was a well-known British celebrity back in 2007 who was known for her voice in soul, reggae, and jazz music. Amy was among the older Millennials of us who led the charge into a new generational shift. And it was throughout her controversial career that she encouraged a new type of conversation: One of openness and vulnerability. She wasn’t afraid to express herself and her struggles — which would include a mix of alcohol, drugs, and relationship abuse. In 2011, her alcohol abuse led to her death. She was only 27 years old.
With all that said, Amy’s career wasn’t one of an innocent dove. Her controversial career ranged from her approach to prostitution, views on homosexuality, and dropping the F-bomb… A LOT. So, the lesson for us Millennial Christians isn’t to imitate her ethics. Far from it. But notice that people became deeply interested when she opened up and sang about her secrets. She sang about her abusive relationships, her addiction to drugs, her addiction to alcohol, and even the characteristics that made the world hate her. This led to the writing of her most famous songs, such as “Rehab,” “Back to Black,” and “You Know I’m No Good.” It was a way to communicate to the world of how she saw life. This sense of singing about pain, hurt, and misfortune is what attracted fans. It was her words that encouraged both a sense of sympathy and a sense of connection between an artist and her listeners.
“I write songs about stuff that I can’t really get past personally — and then I write a song about it and I feel better.”
It would be a lie to say this wasn’t a two-edged sword. Promoting her immoral actions and beliefs did have negative consequences. In addition, people labeled her as “attention-seeking,” self-destructive, and one who made her own misfortunes. To put it in other words, “she gets what she’s asking for.” But with saying all this, many of her fans saw an innocent side of her self-destructive behavior. She had signs and symptoms of borderline personality disorder — which included the uncontrollable symptoms of impulsive behavior, unstable relationships, and acts of self-harm. To struggle with mental illness is a pain in and of itself. To be judged and blamed for having those symptoms only makes things worse.
The opportunity that Amy Winehouse found was in pouring her heartfelt soul into jazz music. We can find this passion as well. It may not be in jazz music, but it may be in a different medium. We have the benefit of holding God’s promises. He’s always with us (Matthew 28:20); He’s always protecting us (Isaiah 12:2); and He’s always directing our path. Don’t be mistaken. Our full and innocent efforts for His glory will never be in vain. (2 Corinthians 12:7–10) We are hated by the world, but we are loved by God. He will always sincerely love and cherish us.
Please don’t misunderstand me in this blog. I want to emphasize that God loves you no matter where you’re at in life. Just because you don’t have something more than the other person doesn’t mean they’re more valuable than you. Far from it. The reason why I had a heartfelt desire to write this blog and to give you this message is to comfort and inspire you as a reader. The intent wasn’t to encourage comparisons but rather to love yourself as you are right now. In this moment. You’re exactly where God needs you to be. And it’s an honor and a privilege to do so.
To close this blog out, I wish to remind you of one more story from the book of Revelation. You can find it in Revelation 2:17. It states that there will be a day in which you will be alone in front of Jesus himself. It’s at that moment He will give you a “white stone with a new name” written specifically for you. Such is the intimate relationship we have with Jesus Christ. God authentically loves us with agape / unconditional love. Again, this post is solely to encourage you to love and care for yourself as you are. Feel free to express yourself. You have value; may you share that value with the world.
The world is waiting, so let’s take action.
