One Of My Life Changers

One of my life changers:

So, about 4 years ago...I was sitting in my car listening to all kinds of crazy music...Eminem, Black Eyed Peas, Gwen Stefani, Shaggy, Destiny's Child...the list goes on. Needless to say, all of these singers/writers were secular who portrayed horrible messages. I couldn't turn my radio/ipod on without hearing something about drugs, sex, alcohol, disrespect, or just plain stupidity. But, it was what everyone was listening to...it was the "cool" thing to know all of the top billboard songs that MTV showed once a week.

I started realizing that what I was listening to was corrupting the way that I thought...the way that I handled situations...the way that I danced...the people I hung out with...everything. I was drowning in a bunch of gross media that made me a person that I didn't want to be. I never acted upon any of the songs that I heard or my life didn't change due to the songs; however, my brain was submerged with all kinds of filth. Those songs would run through my head day after day. It was like my mind was stuck in a jail cell full of enemies: lust, violence, insecurity, death, drugs, alcohol...sin. I would catch myself singing a lyric from a song, but then I would realize how gross the lyric was. Something had to change. Yes, back then I still listened to Christian music, but it wasn't my primary option. I only listened to it when I felt like it. I was an addict to the secular music life.

I deleted every secular song from my iTunes playlist...reset my car radio...and transformed my way of listening to music completely. I made a promise to myself and God that I wouldn't voluntarily listen to secular music for a whole year! Guys, my life flipped upside down. God used Christian music to change me. The House FM and KLove became my best friends in the car! I started downloading all kinds of contemporary Christian music that would inspire me to be a better follower of Christ.
I realized something: I didn't need secular music. I can find the exact same thing, the exact same style, a way better message, and REAL talent when listening to Christian music. I only listen to Christian music now...and that's 4 years later. It was a process.

I am thankful for Christian music and all of the artists that produce their gifts for people like me who have struggled with the urge to fall into the trashy scene of the secular life. Jason Gray, Brandon Heath, Bethel Music, Hillsong United, Sidewalk Prophets, Rend Collective, Jeremy Camp, Matt Maher, and Tenth Avenue North just to name a few of my favorites. :]

Now it's your turn, go into your cars...change your radio settings and start hearing the word of God through your speakers. Fix those playlists on your ipods...You won't regret it! 89.7 and 99.1 are my favorites.

Love ya guys!