Country Music Theology

I lost a bet the other week.

A friend beat me in a game of H-O-R-S-E.

So...I had to listen to country music for a week, whenever I was in my car (which is not a small feat, considering I spend about an hour commuting every day).

At times, it was rough. Like after a long day, instead of being greated by a long time friend like Thom Yorke (of Radiohead), I had to spend time with some strangers, whose experiences and realities are just so different than mine.

At times, I smiled. My dirty little secret is that I used to listen to country for about two years when I was in high school. So when a "classic" was played that I recognized, it took me back to those days. And yes, I was singing right along with the radio.

Overall, the week wasn't that bad. I even took home some pretty good life lessons that apply across the board -- regardless of your background...

I raise my hands, bow my head
I'm finding more and more truth in the words written in red
They tell me that there's more to life than just what I can see
I believe
-Brooks & Dunn, Believe

Sometimes I thank God for unanswered prayers
Remember when you're talkin to the Man upstairs
That just because He doesn't answer doesn't mean He don't care
Some of Gods greatest gifts are unanswered prayers.
-Garth Brooks, Unanswered Prayers

If you're going through hell
Keep on going, Don't slow down
Yeah, If you're going through hell
Keep on moving, Face that fire
Walk right through it
-Rodney Atkins, If You're Going Through Hell