Country Loving
It all changed in a blink of an eye. One day I’m driving my truck and have complete control on what is coming out of the speakers and over the radio. I could control it all on a handy little button on my steering wheel; I could scroll through channels but more often than not it stays on one. It’s simpler that way! Then, out of the blue one day, a small hand reached towards the dashboard and started flipping through the stations. It was surreal. And to make matters worse the channel surfing stopped on country music stations! My ears! I had now lost all control of music to the hands of an 11-year old and 13-year old.
It didn’t stop there. The next thing I knew my radio in my garage changed too. And the volume went way up. What I had as background noise turned into twanging and boot-scootin’ for all to hear. When the boys are outside riding bikes the radio is on…thank goodness our neighbors are not within ear-shot.
So this latest season of life has me listening to a lot of country music lyrics. Some of the songs are pretty catchy and almost wholesome and they weave a lot of good into the ears of my two country-loving boys. But there’s also a lot that presents teachable moments. We talk a lot about beer, love gone wrong, and dysfunctional relationships because that’s what a lot of the songs are about, whether they know it or not. All of these country songs made me think of a unique saying I once heard about friendships from someone I deeply respect.
“You gotta love the hell out of your friends”.
Now that sounds like a lyric right out of a country song but it’s not the way you would think. It’s actually encouragement that if you know Jesus it’s time to pass the good news of His salvation on to others. It’s a choice you know. Your love can help others choose wisely!
Loving the hell out of your friends requires sacrifice and a sincerity that is authentic. And I hate to say it, but often times the best way to gently nudge others to consider their eternal place of residence is to go through tough times with your faith intact. Many times actions or responses speak louder than words.
Popular country songs often tell sad stories that make you cry a tear in your beer. But that resonates with people because that’s life! There are times of sadness on this earth! But when we are in the clutches of Jesus’ loving hand and can see things His way that is noticeable to others. When we can profess our faith even when things don’t make sense…when we can love the seemingly unlovable and forgive the nearly unforgivable that’s a pathway for others to see faith in action. Those responses often catch the attention and open up conversations about life, maybe even death, and the life on the other side of earth.
Faith is an uncommon response to common problems. It doesn’t mean its easy or that if you have faith you are perfect. Struggling is real but that’s what joins us all together. When you see your struggles as a platform for faith and an introduction into a life of following Jesus it changes things. Others’ choice for eternity might hang on their perception of how you handle tough times, tough people, and tough circumstances.
Country crooners have a lot to sing about. There’s no shortage of catchy tunes…and maybe poor decisions being blasted over the airways. Trust me, I’ve had to endure listening to country music a lot here lately! But if you ever hear “You gotta love the hell out of your friends” you can take that statement seriously. Live a life fully submitted to Jesus and bring your friends along. The high life awaits for those that have friends in low places…and share the way out!
