Makes me wonder

I went to see Brett Dennen in concert last night at the Crystal Ballroom in Portland. He is by far my favorite secular artist. He's a folk artist, and his lyrics are so centralized around love and diversity and beauty and hope. . . pretty hippie, right? But I was actually thinking, while he was talking in between sets, where such an idea, a message, really stems from. He was speaking the audience how many of us knew that love is the only thing that conquers all, even hate. He asked if people believed that the best gift you could ever give someone is forgiveness. He asked if you believed that the best gift you could give yourself was forgiveness. And while he was saying that, I couldn't help but think that such a message stems from Jesus' very similar words in His ministry. I have no idea what Brett Dennen's spiritual beliefs are, but I wonder, for those who believe so whole-heartedly in a message of love and forgiveness, do they recognize where that Truth really comes from? How much would people's minds change about Jesus if they knew that what they so desperately seek to find within themselves and other people, is exactly what Christ offers us, and so much more? It upsets me to think that religion clouds those truths that are the core of what everyone desperately seeks and desires. People know that's what they need; do they know where they will receive it fully, experience it fully, live it completely? It makes me wonder. . . . and hope. 

Other than that thought, I wanted to share one of his songs that I really enjoy. All of his music, I feel, spreads a great message. This is one of those that I really enjoy: 

When I heard the news, my heart fell on the floor

I was on a plane on my way to Baltimore

In these troubled times it's hard enough, as it is

My soul's known a better life than this

I wondered how so many, could be in so much pain,

While others don't seem to feel a thing?

Then I cursed my whiteness and I get so damn depressed

In a world of suffering, why should I be so blessed?

I heard about a woman who lives in Colorado

She built a monument of salt behind a garage door

where everyday she prays for all whom are born

and all who's souls will pass on

Sometimes my trouble gets so thick

I can't see how I'm gonna get through it

But then I would rather be stuck up in a tree

Than be tied to it

I know

There is so much more

I don't feel comfortable with the way that my clothes fit

I can't get used to my body's limits

I got some fancy shoes to try and kick away these blues

they cost a lot of money but, they aren't worth a thing

I want to free my feet from the broken glass and concrete

I need to get out of this city

Lay upon the ground stare a hole in the sky

Wondering when I'll go when I die

when I die

[There is So Much More]

listen to it if you want. :)