Last night a friend sent me an email telling me that she was unfriending me on a social networking site, along with an apology.

Really?

See here’s the thing… I suppose this is different from most people, but…

I really don’t care.

To me, social networks are a part of my business. They are a reflection of how my business is going. They are a way that I make connections and form business relationships.

Dear friends, it’s not that I don’t love you, but I absolutely do not base our relationship on a social network. Shoot, I am “friends” with some people through social networks that I absolutely do NOT consider a friend in real life!

All night staring at the ceiling
counting for minutes I’m feeling this way
So far away and so alone

But you know it’s alright
I came to my senses
Letting go of my defenses
There’s no way I’m giving up this time
Yeah, you know I’m right here
I’m not losing you this time

And I’m all in, nothing left to hide
I’m falling harder than a landslide
I spend a week away from you last night
And now I’m calling, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I’m all in
I’m all in tonight,
Yeah I’m all in, I’m all in for life

There’s no taking back what we’ve got
Too strong, we’ve had each other’s back for too long
There’s no breaking up this time
And you know it’s okay, I came to my senses
Letting go of my defenses
There’s no way I’m giving up this time

And I’m all in, nothing left to hide
I’m falling harder than a landslide
I spend a week away from you last night
And now I’m calling, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I’m all in
I’m all in tonight
Yeah I’m all in, I’m all in for life

I want it, I want it, I want it
I want it, I want it, I want it, yeah
I want it, I want it, I want it, yeah

And I’m all in, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game
I’m all in, I’m all in for life

And I’m all in, nothing left to hide
I’m falling harder than a landslide
I spend a week away from you last night
And now I’m calling, calling out your name
Even if I lose the game, I’m all in
I’m all in tonight, yeah I’m all in, I’m all in for life
Yeah I’m all in, I’m all in for life

I don’t usually publish “opinions” of articles I read on this site. This is my personal site- not updated as frequently, perhaps, but far more intimate than any of my other sites. But I had to post this.

This article references the recent sex allegations against Bishop Eddie Long of Atlanta, but he makes a much bigger (and IMO, much more important) point:

Regardless, pastors and experts say the Long case demonstrates how vulnerable the country’s independent churches still are to being damaged by the misbehavior — sexual, financial or otherwise — of leaders whose considerable influence often comes with temptation and little accountability.

This is so true, and I’ve seen it so many times.

Regardless, pastors and experts say the Long case demonstrates how vulnerable the country’s independent churches still are to being damaged by the misbehavior — sexual, financial or otherwise — of leaders whose considerable influence often comes with temptation and little accountability.

It tears apart churches. It drives people away from churches. Worse, it drives people away from Christ. In the moment, it may seem good for the leaders. But the end result is always the same:

PAIN

When I’m feeling all alone
With so far to go
The signs are no where on this road
Guiding me home
When the night is closing in
Is falling on my skin
Oh God will You come close?

(Chorus)
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky
To show me You are with me
I I I can’t deny
No I can’t deny that You are right here with me
You’ve opened my eyes
So I can see You all around me
Light light light up the sky
You light up the sky to show me
That You are with me

When stars are hiding in the clouds
I don’t feel them shining
When I can’t see You beyond my doubt
The silver lining
When I’ve almost reached the end
Like a flood You’re rushing in
Your love is rushing in

(Chorus)

So I run straight into Your arms
You’re the bright and morning sun
To show Your love there’s nothing You won’t do

(Chorus)

That You are with me
That You are with me

Yesterday I was able to complete a project that has been a source of great stress in my life for the past four or five months.

I’m a little sad to see it go. For all of the stress, it was also a source of joy, at least for a time.

But mostly I’m glad. It is good to move on, to look forward to the next things life has to offer.

I’m running back to Your promises one more time
Lord, that’s all I can hold on to
I’ve gotta say this has taken me by surprise
But nothing surprises You

Before a heartache can ever touch my life
It has to go through Your hands
And even though I, I keep asking why, I keep asking why

No matter what, I’m gonna love You
No matter what, I’m gonna need You
I know that You can find a way to keep me from the pain
But if not, if not, I’ll trust You
No matter what
No matter what

When I’m stuck in this nothingness by myself
I’m just sitting in silence
There’s no way I can make it without Your help
I won’t even try it

I know You have Your reasons for everything
So I will keep believing
Whatever I might be feeling
God, You are my hope, and You’ll be my strength

Anything I don’t have, You can give it to me
But it’s ok if You don’t
I’m not here for those things
The touch of Your love is enough on its own

No matter what, I still love You
And I’m gonna need You

This is for those who wait

Another day another waiting game
A little different but it’s still the same
I am here but where’s the One I’m longing for?
I’m having trouble feeling all alone
Will my heart ever find a home?
I want to hope but sometimes
I just don’t know
I know I’m not the only one

(Chorus)
So we sing a lullaby
To the lonely hearts tonight
Let it set Your heart on fire
Let it set You free
When you’re fighting to believe
in a love that you can’t see
Just know there is a purpose
For those who wait

I want to open up my eyes
I know that all I need is time
I’m growing stronger every single day
God, I’m gonna lean into You now
Letting go of all my fear and doubt
I can’t do this on my own so
I’ll give You control
I know I’m not the only one

Chorus

The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
The pressure makes us stronger
The struggle makes us hunger
The hard lessons make the difference
And the difference makes it worth it

Chorus

Let it set your on fire
This is for those that wait

A few days ago I was thinking about pain, in a very philosophical sort of way.

Pain is such a strange topic. As a writer, I take pride in being able to describe things with words. But pain is just undescribable. I can use a metaphor or a simile- “Pain feels like when I drop a brick on my toe” and people will understand. You know what pain feels like because you’ve felt it. But there is simply no concrete way to describe the sensation.

It’s a fun thing, pain.

The trouble with truth is it never lies,
and the trouble with wrong that its never right,
so I rest my head onto your light.

The trouble with peace is it never fights,
and the trouble with love that its always blind.
I want to walk to the edge of it tonight, and I fall down.

I’m on my knees cause your everthing I need,
and I’ve made a mess of myself on my own.
Well I am on my face and Im calling out your name,
and I wont run away cause Im already home.

The trouble with tears is that they dry,
and the trouble with faith made me wanna cry.
I’ve never felt so much like I’m alive,
I wanna open my eyes and see your face.
If I have to wait a thousand days,
I’d still be right here right next to you.

And I fall down,
I’m on my knees cause your everthing I need,
and I’ve made a mess of myself on my own.
And now I am on my face and Im calling out your name,
and I wont run away cause Im already home.

and I wont run away,
I wont run away,
I wont run away cause Im already home.

And I know I haven’t always been
Where you wanted me
standing here on top looking down, before you.
I know I haven’t always been,
where you wanted me, standing here on top
Looking down,

I’m on my knees cause your everthing I need,
and I’ve made a mess of myself on my own.
And now I am on my face and Im calling out your name,
and I wont run away cause Im already home.

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