Blessings and Curses
I often struggle with my infatuation with great art that's been produced by terrible people. (how many artists live completely out-of control lives and die early from drugs, or car crashes or whatnot?) the struggle is whether or not they are somehow "redeemed" by their great works.. I mean, I'm diggin' on some J.T. right now, and everybody likes "ABC" by the Jackson 5, I still love Jackson Pollocks work, Ike beat the crap out of Tina,.. meanwhile, some really nice, balanced people produce crappy art (nevermind whether or not its a causal relationship-it'll muddy the waters) I mean, would anyone compare Michael W. Smith to John Lennon? really? Who did more drugs? Who had more one nighters with more women? Who's sworn more? Who was a better poet? Who revolutionized a genre 3 times in a row?
And then I realized there are no such things as "terrible people"- that's redundant, as if somehow there's a standard for people that no one meets. I don't think that's true. The standard is for our souls/spirits.
People aren't terrible people, they're terrible Spirits. (I need a better word)
Now, these artists live more out of control than many other imperfect people, but their passionate and extreme natures are how God made them. (not to say they won't be judged by God - we all will) But all of our unique qualites are both a blessing and a curse- this is true of people, bands, groups, schools, companies, churches. your best trait is your worst trait. Mine is.
So at the end of the day, enjoy some fantastic songs written by tormented souls. Share in their blessings.
And then I realized there are no such things as "terrible people"- that's redundant, as if somehow there's a standard for people that no one meets. I don't think that's true. The standard is for our souls/spirits.
People aren't terrible people, they're terrible Spirits. (I need a better word)
Now, these artists live more out of control than many other imperfect people, but their passionate and extreme natures are how God made them. (not to say they won't be judged by God - we all will) But all of our unique qualites are both a blessing and a curse- this is true of people, bands, groups, schools, companies, churches. your best trait is your worst trait. Mine is.
So at the end of the day, enjoy some fantastic songs written by tormented souls. Share in their blessings.