A review: Concerts, television and the movies

We, my brothers and sisters and I, learned early and well how to properly care for vinyl records. Remember those? Twelve-inch discs of grooved vinyl, containing hour upon hour of enjoyment, the louder the better.

Dad had an eclectic collection of music, including Broadway musicals, Big Band, and not a small selection of rock and roll. He loved music. Usually, the louder the better.

So, I come by my love of music honestly. Music does indeed, as William Congreve opined, have "charms to soothe a savage breast." It has soothed mine repeatedly.

In frantic times, when there is simply too much going on and no easy respite, a quiet, reflective mood can be set with quiet, reflective music.

When nostalgia hits, Danny and I turn to our turntable and lay the needle carefully -- though the damage is already done and is decades old -- onto the surface of an Ozark Mountain Daredevils record, favoring their signature song, "It'll Shine When It Shines." If the mood persists, there are several other artists from days gone by that satisfy; Creedence Clearwater Revival, the Moody Blues or Jim Croce, come to mind.

But for spiritual storms of all sorts, I have often found solace, hope and encouragement from the music offered by singer/songwriter Kathy Troccoli.

There is a calm assurance in her early song, "My Life is in Your Hands;" strength for spiritual battle in "I'm Going to Fight For You," or "May I Be His Love," from her Sounds of Heaven cd; words of praise when my heart is full in "I Call Him Love," from the Love & Mercy cd; and a taste of coming glory in "Take Me With You" on the Corner of Eden cd.

Seats or no seats, when the band strikes up the first chord in Memorial Auditorium Friday night, I'll be waiting, with bated breath, for that first syllable, and then allow myself to be charmed, soothed, encouraged and inspired.

Whereas Kathy has sought to honor God with her talent, others seem bent on using their talents to spit in his face.

"The Book of Daniel" is one such example and though the hue and cry went up, NBC is still airing the program. In fact, they probably have more viewers because of the the bruhaha then they would have had without it. Personally, I won't know who advertises during that time period because I won't be watching. I also don't know who advertises during Will and Grace. I just don't watch that kind of claptrap. I admit, it is always hard to know which battle to engage, sometimes these programs die young of natural causes and only gain longevity through controversy. Others, with seemingly no redeemable qualities whatsoever, just hang on and on and on. At this point, the best we can do is use observations and questions from the series to introduce people, with all gentleness and humility, to the one true Christ, who can never be adequately portrayed on any screen.

Brokeback Mountain hit it big at the Golden Globe awards Monday night. The story involves two friends who successfully hide their ongoing years-long homosexual relationship from family and friends. According to a story from the Associated Press, homosexual and transsexual themes dominated the gala awards event.

Hollywood's box office hasn't seen a dime from me since Mel Gibson's "The Passion of the Christ." It doesn't look that will be changing anytime soon.

"Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is noble, whatever is right, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is admirable -- if anything is excellent or praise worthy -- think about such things. Philippians 4:8 (NIV)

Things you won't see in heaven: G; PG; R; X; XXX