Love Revolution

I have been getting really excited lately reading a book called The Love Revolution. I thought I had made the idea up, but then I discovered a CD by Natalie Grant (NOT Nichole Nordeman as I originally thought) and this book by Joyce Meyer by the same name! There actually is a love revolution going on in the world. It is a movement of hearts towards what is right. It is a taking up of arms, putting on love, and acting in love.

I am very passionate about ending abortion, human trafficking, poverty, and other world problems, but I never know what to do to help. My whole life I have made excuses for myself as to why I didn't do something that I should have or to avoid situations where I would be out of my comfort zone. My greatest excuse, my security blanket, was my shyness and tendency to be the quiet one. It was about two months ago when I learned that Mother Teresa had been very shy in her youth, but knew she had to just get over it if she was going to love others. Mother Teresa. I can't tell you how much that little bit of passing information has begun to change my heart. I began reading more about Mother Teresa and learning about her way of life. I found this book about the Love Revolution and am learning how to practice it in my own life. Though I have spent my whole life until now becoming a queen of excuses, I am determined now to learn what it means to really put love in action. I have spent my life waiting for someone to come and lead me, to show me the way, or at least to walk with me. But He already came, more than 2000 years ago.

I will have a lot more to say about this after the holidays, but for now, look at Linus from Charlie Brown as an example. He gave that pitiful little Christmas tree his own security blanket to support it for the decorations that would transform it into a beautifully lit tree: "I never thought it was such a bad little tree. It's not bad at all, really. Maybe it just needs a little love." We all just need a little love.

May your Christmas be merry and bright!

The Revolution

Four years ago a revolutionary began his fight in the streets of Salzburg, Austria. He is not the kind of revolutionary that carries a gun or a sword, but the kind that carries a guitar (and a bottle of Montreal Steak seasoning, just to shake things up a bit).

In Kevin Heider's newest album, The Salzburg Revolution, he spreads truth and love with both humor and solemnity. His lyrics attest to the depth and beauty of the human spirit in a unique and powerful way. The songs on this newest album are the kind that people will find themselves singing along with while also thinking, "He has a point there." The sad truth he tells in "Sha-la-la: The Peace and Harmony Song" is that in the "politically correct" society we live in (a society that fears making others uncomfortable) the only words we can all sing together in "peace and harmony" are "sha la la...."--a whole lot of nothing. This song sets the tone for the rest of the album telling listeners that he is not here to make them happy and comfortable. He is here to speak the truth.

Every song on the album is unique: "Themes of spiritual and social consciousness permeate his passionate melodies and poetic lyrics throughout, as terrorists, peacemakers, sinners, saints, God, mermaids, and musical revolutionaries all get top billing on this eclectic compilation..." Songs range from the upbeat and playful "Annie of the Sea," to the ballad of "The Salzburg Revolution," to the heartfelt prayers of "O Life" and "Eyes Wide Open," to the beautiful love song between St. Francis and St. Claire in "Chiara." "Brothers is a powerful song on what war really is. The songs "Little Child, Don't Cry" and "O Maria" offer encouragement to the despairing and broken-hearted. "God in Austria" is both a masterfully crafted summary of Kevin's adventures while in Europe as well as a reminder that God is in all things. "Carry Me" reminds us that God carries us through the hard times, even when we can't see Him.

It is impossible to pick out a favorite song from the album--they all are! Kevin's clear voice, catchy songs, and masterfully poetic lyrics are a breath of fresh air to the music scene. He is revolutionizing the way truth is conveyed in entertainment. Check out his music and spread the word that this is the beginning of a new revolution (and the heart of rEVOLution is LOVE). The world has fallen into a false peace and harmony full of sha la las. It's time to spice things up a little bit. Kevin uses music (and Montreal Steak seasoning). I use my words. What will you use?

Find Kevin Heider at his website, on iTunes, Bandcamp, Amazon MP3, and Facebook. Listen. Love. Join the revolution!