Music Series: “You’re a firework...”

I have said it a million times; life is filled with all kinds of ups and downs. People of all kinds can find themselves drowning for so many different reasons. Sometimes we are in the middle of a very difficult struggle. Sometimes just being afraid to be ourselves can be crippling. The song I chose for this blog is called “Firework” by Katy Perry. It has been very recently released; I actually heard it for the very first time last night while I was driving home from work and absolutely loved it. Then I came home and got on YouTube looking for the video and it just made me smile and say “Wow.” Since then (because of how I brainstorm for these blogs) I have listened to it at least 30 or 40 times and it isn’t in any way getting old. Katy found a way of pointing out that we all have the ability to be incredible inside us...it just all depends on whether or not we have the courage to release it.

G-d doesn’t make junk. He never has and He never will. But so many things in this life can bring us to our knees; one of them being the fear of being ourselves. Society always manages to do damage to us, especially when we are young. The teen years, for a lot of people, have got to be the most difficult and awkward. People are constantly being scrutinized for their appearance, origin, sexuality, religion, or even just their way of being. No one is the same and I am actually very thankful for that. We come from different places and backgrounds with different ideas, beliefs, and interests for a reason. How boring would the world be without that diversity? And the kicker is that so many people will sit there and agree but they go out the door and start looking around and critiquing the people around them. I have had more than my fair share of scrutiny for most of my life. If it wasn’t for one reason, it would be for another. I have struggled with low self esteem, self loathing, and I have even experienced that it’s like to want to die. The worst part of it all is that it’s actually very common for people to feel that very same way; especially teenagers. There are all these stories of teen suicides because of bullying that has gone too far; and it’s even more terrifying to see that some of these kids are only 12 or 13. It’s not OK at any age but that’s so young to have so much weighing down on you! When I was in high school, I had a friend whose younger brother committed suicide. He was only about 13 or 14. I think that was the saddest visitation I have ever attended. I attended for the sake of my friend due to the fact that I didn’t really know him because we were about 4 or 5 year apart in age. But the building was packed with people. There were notes taped to the walls telling him he was loved and missed. You saw people of all ages crying and grieving. I myself couldn’t keep the tears back. I can’t help but wonder; was all that love that was being shown at his funeral being shown to him while he was still alive?

It wasn’t till recently that I really started feeling more equipped to start becoming comfortable in my own skin. By comfort in our skin, I don’t just mean by health or physical appearance; I also mean by being confident in who you are. Knowing what you have to offer and being able to spread it the way G-d intends you to. It’s also knowing your flaws and learning to work with them. It’s not being afraid to be who you are. It’s knowing that there will be people thinking ill of you at times...it’s inevitable...but it’s also knowing that those people aren’t who define you. G-d defines us and it’s our right to explore and learn that definition and be proud of it. When you suddenly find yourself being able to be happy and free-spirited and YOU...your spirit will lift, you heart will lighten, your face will shine, and you will start learning more about why G-d made you who you are. It’s one of the most wonderful feelings any of us can experience. The best part is that light, or in the words of Katy Perry, “the fireworks” that you are releasing will be seen by everyone. Have you ever come across someone that was so happy in life that it just radiates through their face and in their words and actions? I have and whenever I would look at them, I would desperately wish to have what they have and to be brave like them. One of the lines in the song is, “There’s a spark in you, you’ve just gotta ignite the light, and let it shine.” We are not made to hide who we are! G-d wants us to be proud because He is very proud. But it’s also our choice as to whether we hide it or let it show. Sometimes it can take considerable courage to get to the point where you put aside fears and insecurities and allow yourself to be who you are but it’s so worth it when you reach that point!

Another thing that can definitely bring people to their knees is difficult situations. This is something that none of us are immune too because in life, you get the sweets with the sours. That is just the reality of things. I have seen people go through horrific situations and some of them become broken in the end and others manage to rise up. The devil is everywhere in this world and he is trying to bring down as many people as he can. Nothing makes him happier than seeing misery and strife. Nothing angers him more than seeing someone chooses to lean on G-d and find a way to look toward the light. There are so many things about life that can make or break us. It comes down to us though, and how we choose to deal with it all. G-d’s hand is always there to help and hold but sometimes G-d means for that to not be enough...sometimes He means for us to lean on others and allow them to help us up as well. Sometimes it takes a situation going terribly wrong for us to learn about what we are doing to ourselves and the people around us. Sometimes a difficult situation can prepare us for the future and what we will be doing in the name of G-d. A friend to confide in is always a beautiful thing but I know that sometimes, I want to talk to someone that knows exactly what I am dealing with. You can take a situation and allow your light to burn and rise above it. You can show what you are really made of. You can find strength in yourself that was put there by G-d. A strength that only He can provide and you can absolutely rise and fly. We just have to choose this route. I for one believe in all of you. There are several of you that I don’t even know but you were all created by the same incredible G-d that created me and that alone tells me that every single one of you are completely amazing.

So in the words of Katy, “Let your colors burst.” Find what you need to light the fuse because there is so much inside of you that is begging to burst out. Allow yourself to shine and be everything that G-d means you to be. Allow yourself to smile and get to know that amazing person that you were created to be. Understand that we all struggle at different times in our lives and (even though it doesn’t always feel this way) G-d equips us with the means and the support to come through it all stronger, deeper, and capable of showing a light to others that struggle just as we do. Never ever forget that. With that I will leave you with a link to this song and wish you what I wish all the people I know and love....Be Safe, Be well, G-d Bless, and make sure you do at least one awesome thing per day.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=QGJuMBdaqIw

G-d Bless!

K