It's been a long time since I've done anything like this. Like listening to vintage music or returning to an old book, I've observed that I have the same story to tell, but from a different perspective. Although I have been known to voice my opinions and perspectives quite unapologetically, I typically keep my thoughts to myself except when speaking to those with whom I share a relationship.
I want any person that reads my blog to understand three things about me:
1. I am not an unbiased writer. If you believe anything passionately it's my experience that it is impossible to remain unbiased because your beliefs affect you so radically. As a bible-believing Christian, my starting point is God's Word. I believe it passionately and wholly. Please understand that this does not mean I have everything right. Although I pursue truth very diligently, there are still those upon whom I rely upon very heavily for insight, guidance, and for correction. The bible speaks of many truths plainly and simply. Others have yet to be revealed to us. Therefore, my writing shall remain potently and unapologetically affected by my relationship with Jesus Christ. I seek in all things to be the image bearer of God I was meant to be.
2. I am a musician and educator by trade. Most of what I say will be heavily referenced because, quite simply, I lack the expertise to speak professionally towards many of the topics to which I will refer. My understanding of them is limited to what has been conveyed to me by other professionals, trusted people of thought, and through sources that I will gladly reference for you to consult. Anything that is not referenced, while it may be profound, is offered up solely as my perspective on the topic as I speak from experience.
3. I don't have all the answers. Many times it will only be a perspective or way of thinking which I present. I gladly welcome all constructive input, particularly from people who are studied and seek truth as I do. It is my hope that you will have something to say, or at least think about, after reading my post. Please offer your thoughts with the same careful selection that I hope my posts convey. I do not seek to offend anyone. However, please know as you read that you may come upon topics, thoughts, etc., that truly upset you. If this does happen, please stop to consider why. Even in offense we can stand to learn something. It is also one of the ways we strengthen our belief or change it entirely. Most of us carry beliefs that are completely contrary to truth, hindering our spiritual growth because they are poison to our minds. Because of our nature, we are readily defensive when something we believe is called into question. Should you be offended while reading, please know that was not my intention, but a side effect. Search yourself and be ready to share your thoughts in a constructive way.
All that having been said, here goes nothing...
It was once said to me that people "like to soak up what I say". Whether or not that is true, I have noticed that what we say (or write in this particular instance) is very important, regardless of who we are or what we may be. Whereas these words become exponentially more effective when we begin "living out" what we say, the words themselves take life in people's minds as they read. I want to confront people with thought, that they may consider important things that have been neglected. The battlefield is our mind - and it is one we are steadily losing. It is time to take back our minds from the lies and neglect that have ensnared our lives.
Now more than any other time in history we have the opportunity to be heard. So what are you saying? Many months ago I made a vow to try and impact those with whom I come into contact - every single person. Whereas I realize cannot affect every person, engaging everyone in some way will allow me to affect those who I have been given the opportunity to impact. God has someone else in mind for the others - maybe you. However, because I cannot know one from the other (who I can impact and who I cannot) my resolve will remain the same. This blog is one way to do this.
Thank you for reading my blog and taking the time to consider my purposes for writing. Hopefully I will hear a great deal more from you, and we can go down this road together.
~ Jeremy
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