“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Fred Rogers

https://youtu.be/_biMtzAxiy0

“Won’t You Be My Neighbor?” by Fred Rogers

It’s a beautiful day in the neighborhood
A beautiful day for a neighbor
Could you be mine?
Would you be mine?

It’s a neighborly day in this beauty wood
A neighborly day for a beauty
Could you be mine?
Would you be mine?

I have always wanted to have a neighbor just like you
I’ve always wanted to live in a neighborhood with you

Let’s make the most of this beautiful day
Since we’re together, might as well say
Would you be my, could you be my
Won’t you be my neighbor?

Won’t you be? Won’t you please?
Please won’t you be my neighbor?

Dear God, such positivity! There is so much positivity in this song. As I think about Fred Rogers (a.k.a. Mr. Rogers) sitting down to write this song for the opening of his children’s show, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, I am trying to get myself into his process for coming up with these lyrics.

• What do children of every background need to hear?
• There will be some children watching this show that live in poverty that watch this show. What do they need to hear?
• Some of the children watching this show will live in scary situations. What do they need to hear?
• Some of the children will have it all (in a good way). What do they need to hear?

The thing about Mr. Rogers is that he communicated to every person that they were wanted and worthwhile. “It’s not only a beautiful day, but it’s a beautiful day to have a friend. Not only can you be my friend, but will you be my friend? I’ve always wanted to have a friend just like you. I’ve always wanted to live near you.”

Then he almost depersonalize it and opens up the possibility that anyone can be friends. “Since we are together, let’s make the most of the fact that we are together and be friends in this moment.”

I am like many people who were young from the 60s through the 90s. I used to watch this show. If you asked me to rate Sesame Street, Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood, and The Electric Company, as a child I would have put Mr. Rogers’ Neighborhood last among the three because it moved a little slow and was quieter, but there were a couple of aspects I loved. I always loved the model of the neighborhood that the camera would scan over as it seems to lead Mr. Rogers to his own front door. And I loved Trolley and the Land of Make Believe. I can’t tell you why, but I loved that trolley and how it would go through that tunnel. In retrospect, however, what appeals to me from my memories is the gentleness and the sense of being wanted. And I was a loved child, so it’s not like I had a big hole in my heart where that is concerned. But it’s still nice to feel wanted.

Father, as I go through my life at work tomorrow, help me to express this emotion to others. Help me to let them feel wanted by me. Help me to listen and hear them in a new way. Help me to let you shine through me. Help me to communicate to them how much you love and want them. Mr. Rogers was your ambassador to the world, whether the world knew it or not. Help me to be that ambassador as well.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers and Coldplay

“Something Just Like This” by The Chainsmokers And Coldplay

I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
Achilles and his gold
Hercules and his gifts
Spiderman’s control
And Batman with his fists
And clearly I don’t see myself upon that list

But she said, where’d you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can kiss

I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
I want something just like this

I’ve been reading books of old
The legends and the myths
The testaments they told
The moon and its eclipse
And Superman unrolls
A suit before he lifts
But I’m not the kind of person that it fits

She said, where’d you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can miss

I want something just like this
I want something just like this
I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Oh, I want something just like this
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo
Doo-doo-doo, doo-doo-doo

Where’d you wanna go?
How much you wanna risk?
I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts
Some superhero
Some fairytale bliss
Just something I can turn to
Somebody I can kiss

I want something just like this
Oh, I want something just like this
Oh, I want something just like this
Oh, I want something just like this

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Andrew Taggart / Guy Berryman / Chris Martin / Jonny Buckland / Will Champion

Dear God, I was listening to this song yesterday and I thought there might be something deeply profound in it to explore. I guess the thesis of my thoughts on it is that, maybe especially guys, want to do something great and even heroic, but the pursuit of that can create a lot of problems.

I guess the first question would be to ask why we love superheroes so much. And it goes back beyond Marvel and DC Comics. Look at Norse or Greek Mythology. People have always created something greater than humans to look to for hope. I think it’s probably the search for you. You’re there. We inherently know that our God is out there. Thankfully, you revealed yourself through Abraham and eventually Jesus so that we could start to figure out our roles in the world and your kingdom.

Now I recognize that a secular person reading this would accuse me of doing the same thing with you that the Greeks did with Zeus and the other Greek gods–fabricating something that’s unreal to believe in. But I’d argue back that the built in hunger for a God throughout humanity’s history points to your existence. But I don’t want to get sidetracked with this. Suffice it to say, I hear that criticism and I understand that that’s how it looks to some.

I think the main message that I take from this song is that I don’t need to try so hard to do something amazing. That’s not what the people around me need from me. That’s not what you need from me. You just need me to show up, keep grinding, and be faithful. That’s what the people in my life need too. If I were always trying to look for my fulfillment and purpose somewhere out there, I can see my wife saying the words of the chorus of this song:

Where’d you wanna go? How much you wanna risk? I’m not looking for somebody
With some superhuman gifts; some superhero, some fairytale bliss. Just something I can turn to, somebody I can kiss. I want something just like this.

Father, I think that’s where we are most valuable to you. Just in the simple things. Showing up to pray to you. To study your Word. To love our spouses, parent our children, and be your presence to those in our path. To make a difference here and there, making the earth, or at least one small piece of it, better than we found it, but through simple obedience and not the pursuit of self-aggrandizement. Help me to be all of those things for your glory’s sake and my peace.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

“Mama” by Third Day

“Mama” by Third Day

Well hey Mama, take a look at me now
Things are going fine here in the big town
Hey Mama, if you could only see
All of my friends and how they love me

And I know, you said “I need Jesus”
But mama can’t you see I’m doing fine
Oh yes I know, you said “I need Jesus”
But mama I ain’t got the time, no I ain’t got the time, well no, no

And hey mama, well it’s been two long years
Since I have seen you, how are things you hear?
Hey mama, things they aren’t the same
Since I last wrote you, well things have changed

Yes I know, you say “I need Jesus”
But mama can’t you see I’m doing fine
Oh yes I know, you say “I need Jesus”
But mama I ain’t got the time, well I ain’t got the time, no, no
No, mama, no, no, no mama, mama no

Well, every thing’s going wrong
Yes, every thing’s going wrong
No, I can’t take it no more
Well, every thing’s going wrong
Yes, every thing’s going wrong
No, I can’t take it no more

Well, I need Jesus
I guess, I need Jesus, well forgive me
Come into my life, come into my heart
Precious Jesus, precious Jesus

And I know, you said “I need Jesus”
But mama can’t you see I’m doing, can’t you see I’m doing
Oh yes, I know I’m doing, you said “I need Jesus”
Well mama He is in my life, yes He is in my life, yeah, yeah
Yeah mama, Jesus save me
Yeah mama, yeah, yes
Yeah mama, Jesus save me
Yeah mama, mama, yeah

Source: LyricFind

Songwriters: Johnny Mac Powell / Samuel Tai Anderson / Bradley B. C. Avery / David Carr / Mark D. Lee

Dear God, there’s so much her, but I’ll start with this. According to the credits, this song was written by five guys. Isn’t it interesting how kids have different relationships with their parents. Boys have unique relationships with their moms. Girls do too, but it’s different still. I’m curious to know how these guys wrote this song and what their conversations were like. This obviously has echoes of the prodigal son story, but he’s talking to his mama and not his father.

In thinking about this song, I’m reminded of the song “The Hard Way” by DC Talk. The beginning of the chorus says, “Some people gotta learn the hard way. I guess I’m the kind of guy who has to find out for myself.” As a parent, one of the challenges is to give that child the leash they need to learn the hard way.

In this song, the mother had to give two years of silence. Sometimes it’s longer. The double-edged sword of stubbornness is that, on the one hand, it can be very hard to break that person’s will and get them to surrender to you, but, on the other hand, when they do come to the end of themselves they are able to apply that stubbornness into serving you. I think of Paul and his zeal for you. When he was killing and persecuting Christians he was doing it out of his zeal for you. But after his conversion, you used that zeal to reach the world.

Father, keep my children close to you. Direct their paths. Don’t let my wife or me get in your way. Give them the lives you have for them to lead. Give them the lives you need them to have for your glory’s sake and the sake of their peace and joy.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

“Know Who You Are” (from Moana) by Lin-Manuel Miranda, Mark Mancina, and Opetaia Foa’i

“Know Who You Are” (from Moana)

Dear God, I got home from rehearsal last night and there was a gap between Friday night college football games so I flipped channels and landed on the movie Moana. It was towards the end so I rode it out until it was over. When it came up at the end, I remembered the reaction I had to this scene and song the first time I saw the movie.

I have an old friend I’ve know for over 20 years who, several years ago, chose to start going down a self-destructive path. In fact, at lunch yesterday, I was telling another friend about him and wondering what role you have for me to play in his life. Do I have a voice to speak into his life? If I said something, would he hear me? Would I come across as sanctimonious? Would it destroy the shreds of friendship we have left? On the other hand, am I failing him by not risking everything for him? And if I did say something, what would I say?

That’s where this song/scene comes in. I don’t know what happened to my friend that made him turn on a dime. I don’t know if he did something that caused him shame or if something shameful happened to him. Perhaps neither. Perhaps both. But there are times I feel like I know him in a way that he doesn’t. Or at least I remember something about him that he has forgotten. When I first saw this scene in 2016, I thought of him, and I thought of him again last night. Is it a coincidence that I was talking about him yesterday and then I saw this last night, or was it providence?

So, Father, if the green heart in this scene can represent the renewing mercy and grace you offer, show me how to carry it to my friend with this message.

I have crossed the horizon to find you

In other words, I’m willing to risk everything to bring you this message.

I know your name

I know you in a way and things about who you are that you’ve forgotten.

They have stolen the heart from inside you

Something happened that caused you shame. Whether it was self-inflicted or done to you, it stole and hid from you who you are.

But this does not define you

There is mercy and grace. You know God. I know you remember the mercy that is available. Don’t let the secret of whatever happened control you.

This is not who you are

This is the truth. You may not see it, but this is not who you are.

I know who you are

Please remember and cling to Jesus. Let him heal your wounds.

Father, show me the way to him that I might carry your message to him and to others around me as well.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

“Grace Wins” by Matthew West

“Grace Wins” by Matthew West

In my weakest moment I see you
Shaking your head in disgrace
I can read the disappointment
Written all over your face

Here comes those whispers in my ear
Saying who do you think you are
Looks like you’re on your own from here
‘Cause grace could never reach that far

But, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin’ it’s not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I’m down but I’m not out

There’s a war between guilt and grace
And they’re fighting for a sacred space
But I’m living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death’s defeat
Now I’m rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time

Words can’t describe the way it feels
When mercy floods a thirsty soul
A broken side begins to heal
And grace returns what guilt has stole

And, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin’ it’s not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I’m down but I’m not out

There’s a war between guilt and grace
And they’re fighting for a sacred space
But I’m living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death’s defeat
Now I’m rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time

For the prodigal son, grace wins
For the woman at the well, grace wins
For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins
For always and forever, grace wins
For the lost out on the street, grace wins
For the worst part of you and me, grace wins
For the thief on the cross, grace wins
For a world that it lost

There’s a war between guilt and grace
And they’re fighting for a sacred space
But I’m living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death’s defeat
Now I’m rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time
Every time
I’m living proof grace wins every time

Source: LyricFind
Songwriter: Matthew West

Dear God, the lyrics of this song deserve some time. On a macro level, this song is all about your Plan A vs Satan’s Plan A. Satan’s Plan A is all about dividing us and using judgment and shame between us to accomplish it. Your Plan A is to do your work in the world through unity with us and then us with each other. The way we are able to do that is your grace for us and then our grace with each other. If we actually tap into your grace then, as this song says, “Grace wins every time.”

In my weakest moment I see you
Shaking your head in disgrace
I can read the disappointment
Written all over your face

Here comes those whispers in my ear
Saying who do you think you are
Looks like you’re on your own from here
‘Cause grace could never reach that far

This is the first part in Satan’s Plan A. He lies to us about you. He takes the shame we feel in letting others down and he applies the same standard to you. Yes, our family and friends might judge us for what we’ve done, but you see us through the blood of Jesus. People who feel judged by you are taking the judgment they feel from others, including Christians, and associating that with you. But you are just waiting to love us and then give us freedom from whatever is behind our shame, whether it is something we’ve done or something that was done to us.

But, in the shadow of that shame
Beat down by all the blame
I hear you call my name sayin’ it’s not over
And my heart starts to beat
So loud now, drowning out the doubt
I’m down but I’m not out

I have some people in my heart right now who need to hear your call. This is where I struggle–what is my role in helping to be your voice to them? What exactly am I afraid of? I guess I’m afraid that if I address your grace for them then they will feel judged that I’m sitting around thinking they are awful people. In the case of a couple of them, in particular, I suspect things were done to them for which they feel shame and it has colored the rest of their lives. But it’s only a suspicion. How do I know? How do I broach the subject? How do I offer them your grace without sounding either 1.) sanctimonious or 2.) judgmental myself.

There’s a war between guilt and grace
And they’re fighting for a sacred space
But I’m living proof
Grace wins every time
No more lying down in death’s defeat
Now I’m rising up in victory
Singing hallelujah
Grace wins every time

Maybe that’s the answer. Maybe I tell them my story. Maybe I tell them about the guilt and shame I used to feel and how your grace won in my life. Maybe I need to tell them how I still feel shame over some of my decisions and I still need your grace. Maybe I need to tell them I love them and I truly want the best for them. Maybe I need to tell them that I have firsthand experience that your grace wins every time.

Words can’t describe the way it feels
When mercy floods a thirsty soul
A broken side begins to heal
And grace returns what guilt has stole

I’ve experienced the tears and release of turning loose of my guilt and shame and embracing your forgiveness. It’s amazing. He’s right. “Words can’t describe the way it feels, when mercy floods a thirsty soul.” To quote Dennis Jernigan song, “I wish I could take your heart into my heart. I wish I could show you just how good it feels to let go of the pain you know is killing you and cling to the only one who can heal you.”

For the prodigal son, grace wins
For the woman at the well, grace wins
For the blind man and the beggar, grace wins
For always and forever, grace wins
For the lost out on the street, grace wins
For the worst part of you and me, grace wins
For the thief on the cross, grace wins
For a world that it lost

I’ll tell you who else wins. The man who feels shame for lust. The woman who feels shame for how her children turned out. For the person who felt judged by and could never please their parents. For the child who was sexually abused. For the adult who was sexually assaulted. For all of us, grace wins every time.

Father, I really, earnestly pray that you will guide me in knowing how to be your messenger of grace to those around me. Show me what to do in each relationship and opportunity I have.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen

 

Some Old CCM (Christian Contemporary Music) by Michael W. Smith

For those of you who read this blog, I’m doing something a little different with my prayer journal this morning. When I woke up a bit ago, I was wondering what scripture I should use to inspire my prayer time with God today. I looked at the Revealed: A Storybook Bible for Grown-Ups book and found an interesting image for Joseph interpreting dreams while in prison, but it didn’t really inspire me–at least not now.

When I went in to make my breakfast, I thought of some of the Christian music my wife and I listened to in the 80’s and 90’s. I started shuffling through some old Michael W. Smith songs and found some great lyrics and good memories. A couple of them really made me think about some people I know and how they struggle to be free from shame and guilt. A couple reminded me of what Jesus actually did here on earth and what he offered to us. So I have four songs I’m putting below that are my prayer today. I’m praying the lyrics of each of these songs to God as a prayer on behalf of those who are struggling and as worship to the God that make a bridge to wholeness.

—

“Cry for Love” — Michael W. Smith

My life is like a racing car hurtling towards the wall
At the speed of sound
My time has been so finely tuned
But I’ve never seen a human being so tightly wound

At times it seems beyond belief
I just need a bit of relief
Like a war-weary soldier
Marching up and over the edge
Take my hand and pull me up cause I’m falling too fast
Somehow I’ve lost my way – I’m cryin’ save me

Can you hear me…I’m calling out
I’m crying out…a cry for love
I can feel you…you’re touching me
You healing me…my cry for love

I will be the first to admit
I don’t have the strength to handle it alone anymore
I don’t have to fret, don’t have to explain
All my worrying’s in vain
I’m not alone anymore

Why is this so hard to believe
What is mine is mine to freely receive
Like the changing of seasons
This is the beauty of the word
And for all that I have seen and heard
Oh I want to come home
Somehow I’ll make my way – my way home to you

Can you hear me…I’m calling out
I’m crying out…a cry for love
I can feel you…you’re touching me
You healing me…my cry for love

Oh Father hear my call (Oh Father hear my call)
I know you’ll catch me when I fall
Oh Father hear my call
I know you’ll catch me when I fall
Oh I pray that you’ll hold me now
Hold me
And take my fear away
I’m cryin’ save me

Oh I know that you can hear me
Hear me crying out for love
Oh I know that you can feel my cry for love…ooh…
I can feel you – you’re calling out
You’re crying out – a cry for love
I can feel you – you’re touching me
You’re healing me – my cry for love

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Michael W. Smith / Brent Bourgeois

—

“I’ll Lead You Home” by Michael W. Smith

Wandering the road of desperate life
Aimlessly beneath a barren sky
Leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

So afraid that you will not be found
It won’t be long before your sun goes down
Just leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

[Chorus]
Hear me calling
Hear me calling
Just leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

A troubled mind and a doubter’s heart
You wonder how you ever got this far
Leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

Vultures of darkness ate the crumbs you left
You got no way to retrace your steps
Just leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

Hear me calling
Hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

So let it go and turn it over to
The one who chose to give his life for you
Leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

Hear me calling
Hear me calling
You’re lost and alone
Leave it to me
I’ll lead you home

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Michael W. Smith / Wayne Kirkpatrick

—

“Rocketown” by Michael W. Smith

A Friday night affair
Out in the city heat
Always a party there
Along the sordid street
And it was guaranteed
The place to be was Rocketown

The drinks were two for one
Inside the crowded bars
The girls would make their run
Out on the boulevard
It was the idol place
We lived the ways of Rocketown
Hang around by the street light
In the heart of the night life

There came a certain man
A stranger to the crowd
We didn’t understand
What he was all about
He walked a different pace
So out of place in Rocketown

They made a fool of him
They teased him when he’d speak
But when they knocked him down
He’d turn the other cheek
He told me I could find
A life outside of Rocketown
Hang around by the street light
In the heart of the night life

What was his mission
Where was he going
Why was his heart light
Always glowing
All I was missing
He stood there holding
What was his secret
Could I know it

Some didn’t like him near
Some laughed and turned away
But me, I longed to hear
All that he had to say
He had a peace of mind
I couldn’t find in Rocketown
And when I reached down inside me
I could feel the emptiness

What was his mission
Where was he going
Why was his heart light
Always glowing
All I was missing
He stood there holding
What was his secret
Could I know it

He said it’s in the heart
This change that comes to be
Now he had done his part
The choice was up to me
As we were standing there
He said a prayer for Rocketown
As we were standing there
He said a prayer for Rocketown
As we were standing there
He said a prayer for Rocketown
He walked off silently
And prayed for me
And Rocketown

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Wayne Kirkpatrick / Michael W. Smith

—

“Secret Ambition” by Michael W. Smith

Young man up on the hillside
Teaching new ways
Each word winning them over
Each heart a kindled flame

Old men watch from the outside
Guarding their prey
Threatened by the voice of the paragon
Leading their lambs away
Leading them far away

Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the holy veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
But nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away

His rage shaking the temple
His word to the wise
His hand healing on the seventh day
His love wearing no disguise

Some say, “Death to the radical
He’s way out of line.”
Some say, “Praise be the miracle
God sends a blessed sign.
A blessed sign for troubled times.”

Nobody knew His secret ambition
Nobody knew His claim to fame
He broke the old rules steeped in tradition
He tore the holy veil away
Questioning those in powerful position
Running to those who called His name
But nobody knew His secret ambition
Was to give His life away

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Michael W. Smith / Wayne Kirkpatrick / Amy Grant Gill

 

Solomon — “Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson

“Because of You” by Kelly Clarkson

I will not make
The same mistakes that you did
I will not let myself
Cause my heart so much misery
I will not break
The way you did, you fell so hard
I’ve learned the hard way
To never let it get that far

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I lose my way
And it’s not too long before you point it out
I cannot cry
Because I know that’s weakness in your eyes
I’m forced to fake
A smile, a laugh everyday of my life
My heart can’t possibly break
When it wasn’t even whole to start with

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I find it hard to trust not only me, but everyone around me
Because of you
I am afraid

I watched you die
I heard you cry every night in your sleep
I was so young
You should have known
Better than to lean on me
You never thought of anyone else
You just saw your pain
And now I cry in the middle of the night
For the same damn thing

Because of you
I never stray too far from the sidewalk
Because of you
I learned to play on the safe side so I don’t get hurt
Because of you
I try my hardest just to forget everything
Because of you
I don’t know how to let anyone else in
Because of you
I’m ashamed of my life
Because it’s empty
Because of you
I am afraid
Because of you
Because of you

Source: LyricFind
Songwriters: Kelly Brianne Clarkson / Ben Moody / David Hall Hodges

—

Dear God, I was letting a random playlist run on YouTube this morning when this Kelly Clarkson song came on. I had just made myself a sandwich and I came in on the middle of the video. I know from other songs and interviews she’s done that she had a problematic childhood with her parents’ divorce. According the Wikipedia (the source of all dependable truth 😉), she wrote this song when she was 16. There was obvisouly a lot of damage done to her through this, and you can tell that it seems to have some words for both of her parents. I must admit that I’ve never listened closel to this song before. I always thought it was about a currently emotionally abusive relationship with a boyfriend or husband. But the video was very powerful.

So why am I praying to you about this today? Well, in the midst of all of the prayers I’ve been doing lately about Solomon, this made me wonder how his childhood might have affected him later in life. He obviously had an issue with women. I don’t know what his sexual habits were, but to have that many wives and concubines there was obviously something going on there.

What kind of damage did he carry into his adulthood. Assuming that it was an open secret about how his parents had first come together, was that how he fantasized about treating women when he became king? Did he decide at that point to just take what he wanted? Of the 700 wives and 300 concubines, did he have to take them from any men or kill any men for them? I think I have underestimated (neglected is probably a better word) how much the influence his childhood had on Solomon’s reign as king.

So how do I continue to allow my influencers from childhood to impact my adult life? What baggage do I carry to this day? Of course, we all have it. We all have damage. As a husband, mine mainly manifests itself as insecurity and neediness. As a discipling Christian, I think I worship you, but I still keep you at just a bit of a distance because I don’t want to become too pious. As a father, I’m getting better at overcoming neediness, but it’s still something I fight. Even in my work, there is still a bit of neediness for approval. Hmm. Maybe I’m catching a patter here.

Father, help me to find my peace and my worth in you. Be glorified in me. Help me to love with no strings, work as unto you, and worship you as you deserve.

In Jesus’s name I pray,

Amen