Better Questions...

It's no real secret that I am not a music aficionado. I like just about every type of music and because of this I have never slowed down long enough to determine a favorite genre or artist. I am the person that if the radio is on in the car, regardless of what's on (within reason of course) I probably won't change the station. This also means that if the radio happens to be off then it usually stays off. I have never been a purchaser of CDs -- mainly because I don't know the names of albums to request on birthday and Christmas lists and because I am a little too frugal to spend money on a CD if I don't know that I will like everything on it.

However...

This past Christmas, Luke and I attended a concert at my parents' church; the headliner was Newsong with Matthew West and Todd Agnew. I know enough of Newsong's music to be excited at the opportunity for some good Christmas music. I have to say that while both Newsong and Matthew West performed admirably, I was absolutely blown away by Todd Agnew. His Christmas album this past year is entitled "Do you see what I see?" and is based on the idea that those that were involved in the birth of Christ had very different perspectives on the situation. Todd's story-telling was wonderful and his song writing was inspired. Of course this meant that after the concert, Luke and I ran to the lobby to buy every one of his CDs. After listening to songs I knew like "Grace Like Rain" I decided to become adventurous and try out his "Better Questions" album. I can honestly say it is one of the most refreshing and difficult to listen to albums -- possibly ever.

As a musician, Todd is blessed vocally and instrumentally. But that is only part of why I have become such a huge Todd Agnew fan. The album "Better Questions" combines new and exciting sounds with ideas/feelings/questions/thoughts/doubts that I have had over the course of my very short walk with the Lord. The album challenges me each time I hear it. Of course as I write this I can visualize one of Todd's questions which while I cannot repeat verbatim here (the CD is in Luke's truck) basically asks why people look to musicians for complete spiritual guidance. Todd's album is not new in the sense that the questions he asks have plagued mankind for centuries (ie. "If you wanted me to be like You, why'd you make me like me?"); the new-ness, if you will, lies in the fact that in today's world of poster Christianity, Todd takes a risk to admit openly that he doesn't have things figured out, that while his faith is strong there are still aspects he doesn't understand (and maybe never will), that despite his best efforts to be as Christ-like as possible there are days that he fails miserably -- each one of these sentiments that echo loudly in my own life. When I mess up so completely I find myself thinking, "it's funny how a fish can obey you but I can't" -- which of course is quickly followed with the humbling revelation "well I can but I don't, and I want to but I won't and I don't do what I want to, I do what I don't mean to and I'm confused." (If you didn't pick up on it -- those are lyrics to one of his songs).

We recently had a sermon during which our pastor declared that one particular and popular praise song was not to be sung in the church again because it was theologically unsound. This was a shock to me -- I had never entertained the idea that a praise song would ever be contrary to what is Biblical. Of course after this sermon, I examine every song, whether in church or on the radio, for it's scriptural accuracy. I have been shocked to realize how many of the songs I hear, while musically pleasant, are completely false. This is another reason I am so fond of Todd's new album. His praise songs are so complete and so scripturally sound that after I have beat myself up, I can't help but walk into the presence of God and seek help and refuge there. Besides, there is nothing sweeter than a toddler asking to hear "Glorious Day" so he can sing "living He loved me, dying He saved me, buried He carried my sins far away, rising He justified freely forever, one day He's coming, O Glorious Day." While Jack has no idea what it means to be justified -- the knowledge that this information is first in his head and will eventually trickle down to his heart at the right age is precious.

So while not a personal anthem, I must say that this new album has made me re-examine, grow and cling a little tighter to the One to whom my faith belongs. There is so much more I could say but then you wouldn't have to explore the album yourself. Go find out what happens on "A Corner in Memphis."