Simply Thoughts: Recent Comments

Comment on Love

M.Celita Lewis — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 17:20:06 GMT

Love you Kristin!

Comment on Love

K. Denise — Sat, 04 Dec 2010 12:57:55 GMT

I LOVE this...especially the, "when you both know that you're doing too much" line.

I have a history of doing too much because I try to love completely, which means putting myself totally out there for you. I've been hurt, undervalued, and sometimes not appreciated, but I can look back in hindsight and say for the most part that I did the right thing!

Thanks for the encouragement love!

Comment on Change

M.Celita Lewis — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 03:19:46 GMT

Yeah, I have realized that neither extreme is healthy. I have also seen myself "run" just to avoid dealing with a necessary adjustment. It's all just a form of trying to maintain some sense of control

Comment on Change

Tiffani-MiShelle — Thu, 25 Nov 2010 01:39:55 GMT

Wow. Inspiring video. I liked when you said, "I made the decision to yield where he told me to go or where he’s telling me to move… though I am scared out of my mind and highly uncomfortable he has established a track record of making things new and awesome…" I'm actually the opposite... I like change. I like to run, when I should probably stay... I'm realizing now that's not good...

Comment on "Broken" Songs

M.Celita Lewis — Tue, 23 Nov 2010 02:59:53 GMT

April,

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my blog and to reply. Welcome to Simply Thoughts!

I get what you're saying. I am certainly not wanting anyone to stay in their broken place longer than necessary. I also, do not care that everyone share with us their broken-place only. Tye decided to go this route with this particular song, and that's cool, but I just wanted him to tell me more about that broken place. Take me in there with you....do not quickly put the "grace" band-aid on it. Let's talk about that broken place a while. That is what I WANTED...that is not what he chose to give, which is rightfully his choice and was probably perfect for many listeners. I just had to die to what I wanted to song to be and embrace what it actually is.

If he is fully healed, whole, moving on, and "OK" because God has accepted him, then great. Some people just need to hear that part BEFORE you get to that place. They need to know that their gospel hero didn't know everything was going to be okay, didn't know that everything seemed to work out fine, didn't know his actions were covered by grace, had no idea what the future held and was holding on to God by a thread anyway. I was listening for that...and it is not in this particular song.

I've done a lot of foolishness in my life and I have truly, truly been covered by God's amazing and overwhelming grace and love. But as an artist, I make sure, when I write, that I let the listener know fully about the broken part of that journey, in case they are in that place themselves. And then I let them know that while I had almost given up, right then, God covered me by his grace.

Comment on "Broken" Songs

Barroness — Mon, 22 Nov 2010 06:55:29 GMT

What's up?

First of all, I enjoyed your blog about the song "When The Rocks Hit The Ground". While I feel your thoughts are extremely valid and I can totally understand why you are saying this is not a "broken song" based on your definition, I believe you are missing a very big piece of this song.

In a lot of ways, this song, to me, is a very broken song. You stated, "A "broken" song is where one owns the brokenness and it pours out in the words in the music." There are several lyrics in this song that bespeak brokenness based on your definition. As a matter of fact, the entire vamp depicts brokenness:

"Thought it was over for me (you did not condemn me)
Thought I was counted out.. you loved me
I thought I’d strayed too far (you did not condemn me)
I thought you’d cut me off… you loved me"

What breaks a person more than KNOWING their guilt... yet God bestows grace instead!!! I think the brokenness you are looking for isn't seemingly "forced" upon you by your enemies... as this song speaks of. However, in many ways, I believe that's a deeper kind of brokenness. A public display of my guilt, my brokenness, and also, God's grace.

The beauty of the story of the woman found in adultery that he parallels in the song is that her guilt is brought before Jesus. She knew she was guilty.... probably more so than anyone there accusing her. She knew she rightfully deserved death. Yet, Jesus immediately bestows grace on her and tells her to go and sin no more. Had her enemies not caught her and brought her before Jesus, she may have never discovered the redemptive power of the Grace of God!!!! That is the beauty in this song. It doesn't keep her in her brokenness!!!

God never desires us to stay "broken". He can immediately restore and move us forward in the purpose to which he has called us. PEOPLE want us to wallow in our brokenness.... Not God. Be broken.... YES... however that has to happen... via private revelation or public exposure. Either way, brokenness occurs, guilt is acknowledged, and forgiveness and grace is bestowed.

I believe true deliverance and restoration isn't achieved primarily through the brokenness, but more so through the revelation of God grace and unmerited favor!!! I believe that is what this song so vividly and successfully depicts. I commend Tye for writing a song that speaks to both brokenness AND grace!!

Just my humble opinion. I thank you for allowing me the opportunity to share my thoughts.

Love you girl!!

April

Comment on Angry Birds: The Power of Possibility

M.Celita Lewis — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 02:36:27 GMT

Thank you for reading Sean!

Comment on Angry Birds: The Power of Possibility

Sean Grant — Sun, 22 Aug 2010 00:32:11 GMT

Phoenomenal post Celita! Very well written!

Comment on Radical Devotion - Rick Warren

S.W. — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 20:12:02 GMT

Thanks for posting. That declaration was on point.

Comment on BBoys BGirls & BBall-Part 2

Tasha — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 17:13:56 GMT

wow...wow.wow...That's all I can say. i am totally moved by your words and my eyes are teary. i am kicking myself for not getting to know you better before we moved. wow...just wow. thank you for sharing your words and more importantly your heart. they were so real and honest, thought provoking and inspiring. I am looking forward to reading more. Have a blessed, blessed weekend!