From the monthly archives:
"For that one fraction of a second, you were open to options you had never considered. That is the exploration that awaits you. Not mapping stars and studying nebula, but charting the unknown possibilities of existence." - Q to Captain Picard, episode "All Good Things..." from "Star Trek: The Next Generation"
Well, that was fun. Where to now?
“I cannot submit my faith either to the Pope or to the Councils, because it is clear as day that they have frequently erred and contradicted each other. Unless therefore, I am convinced by the testimony of Scripture…I cannot and will not retract…Here I stand, I can do no other. So help me God, Amen.” – Martin Luther
Tomorrow marks 490 years since Martin Luther hung his famous Ninety-Five Theses on the Castle Church door in Wittenberg, Germany.
Written in reaction to papal abuses and false teachings in the Roman Catholic Church, the document stands as the starting point for the momentous Protestant Reformation, a call for reform in the Roman Catholic Church.
Ladies, aren’t they adorable (esp. the one on the left)? They look tired, though. A 35 37-city tour of 30+ cities (OK, I give up. Even they don’t know!) and walking a mile barefoot before each show, can do that to you.
Want to see more? Check out this video (after the 15-sec ad). Also see West Hollywood Press Conference, Charity Walk, and Concert on October 30.
Merry weekend to all, and to all a good night…
Related post:
Sort-of-Related Update (10/27): As much as I try to avoid blogging on weekends…I had to share this. Actress Jada Pinkett, Will Smith’s wife, sings lead in a “nu metal” band called Wicked Wisdom. That’s rich!
(Click on thumbnail to see full cover)
…compared to being slaughtered by a gang thug, that is.
Ever wonder why black folks are wasting time worrying about random nooses when hispanic gangs in Southern California are “systematically” targeting “innocent black civilians” because they’re black? (Source)
(See Media myths about the Jena Six)
As I’ve said time and time again on this blog, raising a ruckus over hispanic-on-black and black-on-black violence is not lucrative to the professional civil rights establishment, not soul-satisfying to blacks who see white racism in every corner, and not sexy enough for jaded liberal journalists to bother covering.
Those fools are too busy fixating on white-on-black violence, or even the mere suggestion of white-on-black violence, as relatively rare as it is.
***Update II (10/26): I’m really pleased that my music blogging is attracting new readers. And I appreciate the “Christian” band suggestions this post is generating. Welcome to LBC!***
In a quest to combine my growing interest in blogging/writing about music – and cute musicians – (and growing distaste for all things political) with my faith and the necessity to earn a living, I pitched an article to an editor I’ve worked with at Christianity Today about certain musicians who aren’t overtly Christian, but manage to inject Christian messages into their songs.
(I must admit that I’m not much of a fan of gospel music or even Christian rock [though Im beginning to like some of it - hey, people change!]). I prefer looking for and discovering “Christian” messages in mainstream and/or secular music.)
A different editor suggested the perfect section for such an article. “Glimpses of God” is a regular feature on ChristianMusicToday.com and deals with the “perceived spirituality in popular music.” Musicians covered in “Glimpses of God” are more or less mainstream – some signed with major labels, some on independent labels – and they may or may not profess Christ. But there’s something about their song lyrics…
For example, here’s an excerpt from an album review of Lenny Kravitz’s Baptism:
Considering his widespread media coverage and musical success, it’s surprising that Lenny Kravitz’s prominent declarations of Christian faith go largely unnoticed. Accepting Jesus into his life after a conversation with a friend at the age of 13, Kravitz proudly wears a cross around his neck, along with a Star of David (referring to his father’s heritage, as well as his Savior’s). A tattoo on his back declares, “My heart belongs to Jesus Christ.” His 1993 hit “Are You Gonna Go My Way?” was apparently sung from Christ’s perspective, and his 1995 album Circus included songs that would be at home on most modern worship recordings. Check out Spiritual Journeys and The Rock & Roll Rebellion for other examples of Kravitz’s Christian beliefs.
Unfortunately, those outspoken beliefs are often blurred by mixed messages. General themes of secularized love are common in Kravitz’s songs, sometimes alluding to the sexual. He’s also been known to shoot some racy videos over the last decade, and profanity occasionally slips into his songwriting. It’s a confusing combination for Christians and non-Christians alike, and Kravitz’s new album Baptism is no exception
…
Some tracks beg the question of whether Kravitz is using spiritual imagery to deliver rock cliches. For example, in “Calling All Angels,” is he praying for romance or Jesus to fill his emptiness? He sings of healing and saving souls in “Minister of Rock ‘n’ Roll,” but is he using spiritual jargon to express the power of music, or rock jargon to express the power of Jesus? That leads to another mixed message with “I Don’t Want to Be a Star,” in which Kravitz shuns materialism and fame, yet in “Flash,” he seems to embrace his role as superstar, though recognizing it as temporary success.
I sense tension in the music of secular artists (Christians and non) who consciously or subconsciously write Christian themes into their songs. They’re trying to remain secular and keep the fanbase, but at the same time, they’re seeking something deeper themselves and/or want to spread subtle messages to fans. I don’t have anything against overtly Christian music per se, but I find this tension in secular music fascinating.
Update: A reader reminded me about the defunct-yet-still-popular rock group, Creed. There was a lot of debate several years ago about whether Creed was a Christian rock band, although the band denied it.
For a taste of Creed, see this video of a song called “My Sacrifice” and read ChristianMusicToday.com’s interview with former lead singer, Scott Stapp, who said (emphasis in original):
“I was a doubting Thomas. I was raised in a climate where I believed in God because I was afraid of going to hell…and I didn’t think that was the right way to fall in love with somebody. I always believed in God and Christ, but I was in rebellion…trying to make my relationship with God fit into my life instead of making my life fit in with him. I was stubborn…It just took all of that to come to a screeching halt, to get to the point of having nothing, for me to finally realize, Hey, what are you fighting with this for? Until then, I hadn’t claimed my faith as my own; I had just grown up with it. But I finally got to that point after years and years of running from God. Christ stepped in when I asked him.”
[Note to self: Add Lenny Kravitz and Scott Stapp to "must meet and take picture with" list.]
Related:
Spontaneous: coming or resulting from a natural impulse or tendency; without effort or premeditation; natural and unconstrained; unplanned
In “Practicing Spontaneity,” Today’s Christian Woman editor Camerin Courtney (the lovely lady who accepted my testimony article) writes about one of the cooler aspects (there are quite a few) of being unmarried with no kids: spontaneity. Like me, Camerin is single. Her article struck a chord with me, especially in light of my recent decision and growing determination to live in Britain for a year.
Although I hope to marry someday and have at least one child, I’m trying to seize every opportunity available to me (while I’m still in good health) to advance my career, take risks, and travel to interesting places until (and if) that happens. Being married with children doesn’t mean you can’t do those things, but singleness makes doing them a lot easier.
The major moves and accomplishments in my life were facilitated by my ability to just pack up and jet. The motivation to do those things was age. After drinking myself silly for 11 years (my poor liver), I set a goal to stop drinking by age 30. After that, I stuffed all my worldly possessions in my car and headed to DC with no job and no place to live. At 35, I figured it was high time to write instead of talk about writing. Now, at age 40, I’m ready for another life-shifting change. What’s more life-shifting than immersing myself in another culture for a year?
Anyway, Camerin covers the ordinary, everyday side of spontaneity:
Practicing spontaneity: It sounds like an oxymoron. But I’ve been doing it lately nonetheless. Seizing spur-of-the-moment opportunities. Feeling the pull of the current moment and dropping everything to go with the flow.
My singleness certainly plays a role in my new love affair with spontaneity. While visiting my sister and brother-in-law and their two kids (the niece and nephew!) last month, I suddenly saw anew how much planning and work and snack distribution are involved in any activity during that life season.
…
Sometimes, after so many years of singleness, I have to dig deep and be very intentional about finding the good aspects of this life stage. Whoopee, I’ve got the remote control all to myself. Wahoo, I can hog the whole bed and all the covers. Some days these perks feel like wonderful guilty pleasures, and other days they just seem silly and insufficient…But suddenly my single life seemed lithe and nimble and spontaneous. And I felt grateful for each opportunity to work this perk of the single stage.
…and the spiritual side:
I think practicing spontaneity has spiritual benefits as well…Surely part of God’s plan is for us to make the most of where we are—learning to be content in any situation, choosing to revel in the blessings he’s given us today.
While we’re making plans and setting goals, Christians must be attuned to what God would have us do. For instance, my desire to go to the UK might be God’s way of getting me over there to witness to a particular person or to reach certain people. Or my future husband or new friends might be there, waiting for me to cross the pond. Who knows? My singleness and childlessness (and work-from-home job!) give me the flexibility to just get up and go.
Is it a purely carnal, me-focused call I hear, or is it Christ whispering, Come, follow me? Even if it’s the former, God still can use it for his own purposes.
And willingly, although slightly fearful, I’ll follow.
***Scroll down for updates***
Blaming white people can be a way for some black people to feel better about themselves, but it doesn't pay the electric bills. There are more doors of opportunity open for black people today than ever before in the history of America. - from Come On, People: On the Path From Victims to Victors
In “Tough, Sad and Smart,” columnist Bob Herbert discusses actor Bill Cosby and Dr. Alvin Poussaint (who was a consultant for “The Cosby Show”) and their new book, Come On, People: On the Path From Victims to Victors, which is about, among other things, fatherlessness among blacks and the failure to seize opportunities America has to offer.
I’ve said many times on this blog and elsewhere that the collapse of the family is the biggest problem facing black Americans. While I believe certain bigoted attitudes will always exist, white racism, as traditionally understood, is neither an obstacle nor a threat to any black person living today.
Two things I like about Matt Drudge: 1) the way so-called important and influential people kiss his butt; and 2) that he rarely responds to reporters’ requests for interviews or politicians’ requests for meetings. (See Clinton Finds Way to Play Along With Drudge – New York Times and Watching Matt Drudge – New York magazine)
He built the Drudge Report from nothing, and now he’s making millions with advertisements on a site that does nothing more than point people to news and gossip stories. Occasionally, he breaks news. Elusive. Genius.
Addendum: I used to want to meet Matt Drudge. Why? Just to say I met him. That’s it. I like meeting people I’ve read about (and admire).
By the way, new visitors, I’m looking for recommendations on where to stay in the UK.
Tuesday, November 23: Lots of advice on where to live, where to visit…and the men. That’s a bonus tip. 
Please keep sending recommendations, and thanks again.
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Charlotte-Douglas International Airport has free wireless. Who knew?
I think I’m going through a cool (as opposed to sad) mid-life crisis. If I live to be 80, that is. This meeting-Hanson stuff was a wild idea for me (I even had a “special request” song announced and played for me at the Charlotte show – sweet sixteen again, I’m telling ya), though it may not seem like a big deal to anyone else. Now I’ve got it in my head to go to the United Kingdom.
The thing is, I don’t want to go over there as a tourist. I want to live either in England or Scotland for a year. Or two. I work from home, so all I need is a laptop and Internet access. Wild idea, going alone. There’s so much I want to see and do, and I plan to visit Germany, Spain, and wherever else I can roam. I just feel a strong urge to do something bold and different now. I’m not getting any younger.
I’m announcing this publicly because I need your help. I don’t know anything about the UK. Can you recommend a decent and affordable area in England or Scotland? Do you or anyone you know have an apartment or house for rent or sublet? Drop me an e-mail at lashawn [at] lashawnbarber [dot] com.
Update (10/21): Thanks for the responses! Good recommendations so far. Keep sending them. I’m not partial to any particular area, though I don’t want to live in London (too expensive!). I’m doing my own research, but it doesn’t replace firsthand knowledge from people who live in or have visited the UK. Thanks, readers.
***Scroll down for updates***
Although my MP3 player contains several classical music tracks I find quite pleasing, I don’t listen to nearly enough classical music. The beauty of certain pieces is indescribable so I won’t even try. Classical music listeners know what I’m talking about.
Did you know that classical music was the fastest growing music category last year? According to the Nielsen music industry sales report (DOC file via Chris Anderson), classical music sales were up 23 percent in 2006, thanks to online music stores like iTunes.
(Listen to samples of classical music at Rhapsody.com.)
Go to any big chain music store, and you’re unlikely to find a large collection of classical music. According to Chris Anderson, author of The Long Tail: Why the Future of Business is Selling Less of More and editor of Wired magazine, brick-and-mortar record stores restrict choice. Why? Because shelf space is limited and costs money, so retailers stock what sells. The focus is on moving as much merchandise as possible, and classical music, a niche genre, doesn’t fall into the “hot selling” category.
Monday, October 22: Islamofascism Awareness Week. Has a nice ring to it.
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So I was standing in a security line at Reagan National Airport couple weeks ago when I saw a poster titled, “The Faces of Global Terrorism.” (PDF copy – also see the State Department press release) All 26 appeared to be light- to medium-brown skinned, young, Middle Eastern men of Arab descent – every last one. No women. No whites. No blacks. No Asians.
I couldn’t help but spot the almost painful irony of standing in a long security line – where I was required to take off my shoes and stand on a dirty airport floor and empty my laptop bag and watch comically serious TSA agents confiscate lotion in 8-ounce containers instead of the requisite 3 ounces and eye little old white ladies as they walked through metal detectors – of mostly white passengers, women, and a few blacks and Asians. I don’t recall seeing one person in line who looked or dressed like any of the men on the poster.
Surely you’re not getting your news from this blog. You’ve probably read and heard the latest news on the illegal “immigration” front already, but if not, here’s a bit to chew on:
Local
Prince William County, Virginia, has joined other local counties and cities in the effort to alleviate some of the burden placed on law-abiding citizens and residents by the presence of illegal aliens within its jurisdiction (Herndon stands out as a defiant leader). Yesterday, the Board of Supervisors voted unanimously to deny illegal aliens services paid for by taxpayers (Bravo!) These include housing assistance, business licenses, and drug counseling. More important is this: police will be allowed to ask about legal status. (Source)
As expected, so-called immigration groups will ask for an injunction, and they’ll probably get it. Hopefully, state measures will be strong enough to withstand legal challenge. Earlier this year, the Virginia House of Delegates passed a measure that would block public funds to charities and other organizations that provide services to illegal aliens.
Friday, October 19: Matt Drudge is headlining this old news. We were on top of it two days ago.
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***Scroll down for update – Outrage alert!***
…kidding me. Madness. And the “Jena Six” crap continues…
Putrid.
Back in the day, I was embarrassed to tell people I liked certain styles of country music.
It’s the sound of music that appeals to me, not the genre. That’s why I grew up listening to everything from rap (pre-gangsta) to heavy metal to grunge to punk rock to “beach” music.
I’d listen to country singers like Patsy Cline (esp. “Crazy”) and The Judds (esp. “She’s in Love With the Boy” [Oops! I'd forgotten that's country gal Trisha Yearwood's song.] and “She Is His Only Need” [and that's Wynnona Judd only) behind closed doors. As I matured, became more self-assured, and cared less and less what people thought of me or my tastes, all that changed. Today, I do what I want, baby, out loud and in the open!
Anyway...ever heard of Rissi Palmer? She's a country music singer who happens to be black.
And her star is rising.
