The Heart of Things ~ Music the Great Storyteller

Rock opera from the seventies took the teens of that decade by storm. Pete Townshend wrote and performed Tommy by the WHO, a British rock phenomenon.

Adults questioned: The Who? What? and Tommy, why? Fast forward to 1975, when this rock album became a British Musical Film for perspective. This movie is full of heavy hitters from that era in the entertainment world, and well-known names today, Anne Margaret and Oliver Reed. Sir Elton John, Eric Clapton, Tina Turner, Jack Nicholson, and Roger, the lead singer of the WHO.

This album and later film generated significant media attention and controversy. At first, the BBC and several U.S. radio stations banned this Rock Opera. Today is in the Grammy Hall Of Fame.

Have we fallen, progressed, or neither? I suppose it lies in our perception and perspective. Yes, this particular Rock Opera, when interpreted by song facts or music theorists, or for various alternative or religious groupings. The comments and perspectives will be miles apart, from East to West, to quote a song by Casting Crowns, a current and favorite Christian Rock Band formed in 1999.

I now am that middle-aged adult; yes, people, I said it; I am in that phase of life; I am that parent that hears the music of today, and I must dig deep to find perspective in some of the stimulation that is presented to our youth today. Some art disappoints me. Especially there, I don’t care what you say lyric that is not conducive to any positives. It may vent or sharing someone’s interpretation of the world through a vomited eruption of profanity and sinful exploration. Not all music appeals to everyone. Those rants may have a purpose unbeknownst to me, or the slightest thought and talent goes into creating them.

Again, art is always an interpretation; it is, I suppose, how we see things? As an adult, I remind myself of many of the songs that, although being from a Christian home growing up, still influence the music of my youth era. I can recite and share all the Christian-based songs I grew up with; campfire sing-a-long tunes and “family-friendly” choruses. I grew up in the real world in touch with and exposed to exceptional talents and musical prowess that infuses many genres today. The technological and digital advances were fascinating and valuable tools for musical appreciation if seen for what they are, things that add emphasis to a point rather than mask an underwhelming piece of artistic interpretation.

If we take away a mask, we see the truth of what it is. Hence, we must be careful to do the work that creates an unavoidable reality. Our movers and coverings fall away, and then we need to account for the actual work, or lack thereof. Not one person can be unscathed by their generational influences. It’s instead how we perceive and give a perspective on those influences.

As many would try to will attempt to place our youth in a bubble that washes them, keeps them from boo-boos, and protects them from any infectious germ, so to speak, this image is unrealistic.

It is very realistic to have a healthy, cheerful home with communication in the Word that relates to finding Christ in all things. Are we in this generation trying to have a loving home with family values and less judgment where we are continual learners together? A house that seeks Christ first in all things, people, music, and life and brings a polish of God’s love to them. A polish that is soft and careful, exposing the heart of existence to the light of God’s love.

Christians must be in this world, yet not of it to do this. We want all influences to see the good, and we must expose ourselves as sinful saints. His blood and belief in Him, we are saints, yet we continue to battle sin. However, we know we will always desire to be with Christ forever. We are also bound in the weeds of evil. If not aware of our perception and perspective, we can get caught in this snag. We, too, could become one of God’s most precious yet fallen; only in Him can we pick ourselves back up, brush off and move toward Him.

If our perception is authentic and in that of love and understanding, our perspective of how to make this world more like what we seek in Christ is possible. To take things at face value is not what Christ is about; instead of looking at the heart of a person or an influence, that is where we find the truth. And even from this piece of iconic history, it can have a whole new meaning when we take something and make it beautiful.

This particular Rock Opera dealt with such ominous sin and pain. It presented anger, false idols, divorce, cheating, drugs, disability, autism, a vile omission of correctness, and so much more. It also shows the sad world that if we fast-forward to today, it is an actual presence, to our dismay. The divorce rate is skyrocketing; the immediacy of gratification is constant in the influence of these false idols.

Gossip, social media, judgment, even righteousness have catapulted us to a place where no one could be free from a fall. We must see the beauty of Christ through the fog and the clouds of sin to reach for His message in all things. To seek the whys of His allowances to life’s struggles and even the missteps of crime is where we find Him.

Trust in His promises, this is where and how we find the heart of Christ in all things. It’s complicated to remain among life’s weeds. We need to cut through the entanglement and be the wheat growing alongside, hoping to stomp out the plants and increase the crop, always forgiving and holding one another accountable in love.

As I sit here in great thought about perception and perspective, I am sure many will discard any good that may come from this piece merely based on content. However, there are times if we take part in something that we consider not suitable and look at it with Christ-like eyes, we can see the beauty of its heart.

The song See Me Feel Me ~ Listening to you ~ by the WHO

Some see only sin

Some see Tommy as an idol image for the lost and corrupt to follow

Some see sun worship,

Some see psychedelic drug interpretation

I know a sinner like me, climbing the mountains of corruption, wanting to be washed and always looking up, begging God to be at the feet, saying, see me feel me.

I do not care what it was supposed to mean. I am telling you this is how I look at it, listening with my heart, wanting all to be for Christ, our King. I see the same thing in the song: Does anybody See Her by Casting Crowns? Sometimes we must take the pieces of something terrible and put them together again for the lessons and the good it can always become—especially when seen in the proper perspective of God’s Love.

What do you see? I guess it’s a matter of perception and perspective.

These readings may give some perspective, but be careful of interpretation. It’s crucial how we perceive each other, since God sees the goodness in everyone and everything. It matters that we know what He is saying to us individually and collectively. God Bless.

Psalms 53-55 For the Director of Music

These verses eloquently depict sin’s struggles and the necessity of surrendering to God.

Matthew 13: 30-40 Let the wheat and the weeds grow together

I heed God’s message. I am so sorry if I misstep; I assure you; I know who is in my heart.

PEACE in your stages