"Less Like Scars" - Sara Groves

Did you ever notice how much difference the right perspective can make?  Well, if you've never thought about it, then let me say this: sometimes, taking the time to see things the way God sees them can make all the difference.  This is message behind the Sara Groves song "Less Like Scars."

Now, Sara Groves tends to have that eclectic folk sound to her music, but, on this album, she pumps just enough juice into "Less Like Scars" to give the album "All Right Here" a great start, and to put the necessary energy behind the message, which is all about taking the things that life throws at us and seeing them as opportunities, not setbacks.

Now, she deceives us a little bit with a simple acoustic intro, and the lyrics "it's been a hard year."  You don't get the sense that there's a big shot of optimism coming your way, until it does, and Sara begins to help us to understand how things are when we, in terms of perspective, choose to step out of the darkness and look at things in the light of day.  "Less like tearing, more like building," she says.  That's quite a difference, isn't it?  And so, the song serves as a reminder that we must consistently renew our minds to the fact that we have to see things the way God sees them.  This transforms the seemingly unbearable things of life into opportunities to grow both more like God and closer to Him.

When we get to the chorus, the gentle distortion of the electric guitar perfectly emphasizes and underscores the message, that God is faithful and able to see us through anything, which brings us to the key line: "In your hands, the pain and the hurt feel less like scars and more like character."  Sara's soft but insightful voice helps to bring the point straight to the heart of the listener; it's not shot through like an arrow, but rather gently offered, leaving the listener comforted.

In the bridge, we start to have a little fun: Sara starts to testify about her own struggles with perspective.  She does this by using one of my favorite tools: singing the story.  I love it!  And as she brings us back around, and ultimately home, the listener isn't left feeling overwhelmed or completely catapulted, but gently lifted up and over, sitting on the sunny side of the clouds rather than the dark side.  We're left refreshed, even by the build at the end of the final chorus: it's not too much - it just reassures us that, yeah, we are a lot better off than we thought.  It kinda makes you wanna say, "Thank you, Sara Groves, for that gentle reminder."

You can listen to "Less Like Scars" on the YouTube video below:





I hope you enjoyed today's selection.  As always, keep checking back for more great finds.

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"Change" - Merlon Devine

You know, I've heard it said that instrumental music can't be called "Christian."  Why?  "Because it doesn't have words, so how can you know it's Christian?"

Well, aside from the obvious glory that the early classical composers attributed to The Almighty, there is no reason to say that instrumental music isn't Christian.

My example?  Soprano sax artist Merlon Devine. 

Now, one thing I feel that all Christian instrumental music must do is communicate the message in an effective way.  The inflection, emphasis, and nuance must work together to make whatever point of inspiration the artist wishes to bring home.  Let me just say that Merlon's music does all of that and more, as is demonstrated on the track "Change," from the album "Breathe."

We all understand that life is going to involve change, and that change, often times, is not easy.  As "Change" begins, Merlon uses his saxophone to communicate that yes, things will change, and they may be changing right now, but that part of our process of growth in Christ involves leaving some old things behind, and letting the past become the past (yes, I got all of that from the opening sax line.)

As he takes us into the chorus, Merlon tells us that things are gonna be alright, and that, as we follow God, things are only going to get better, which is the point of the change.  Seasons come and seasons go, but in the end, God remains faithful, and will not stop being God.

As we come to the bridge, there's a moment of pause, a moment of reflection.  It serves as an opportunity for the listener to reflect on the message and say, "You know what?  You're right!"  The music then takes the listener along a natural progression, where we now look forward to the future with excitement, which is well underscored by a timely modulation.

I will say that I've had the pleasure of seeing Merlon minister this song live, and you can honestly see the power of God working through him as he plays his saxophone.  It is quite the thing to be a part of, especially once you know his story.  As we feature him in the future, we'll share more and more of that story.

All of that to say this:  "Change"  is quite the masterpiece of Christian communication, even though it has no words; that's what makes it so powerful.  I hope you enjoy it.

 You can listen to "Change" on the YouTube video below:




As always, we hope you enjoy all of the music that you find here at Christian Music Discovery, the place for good Christian music.