Captain Normal has been fired.

There are moments in my life that things come into clear focus. It's not necessarily a recognizable event heralded by trumpets and song, but when it comes there is a dawn of realization that I have stumbled onto something extraordinary and yet painfully simple.

I had a moment like that this morning while running around trying to take care of a few things. Juiced up on some caffeine at a local coffee house and then decided to start on a personal journey. Maybe it was the caffeine high (probably not), but I had a very clear moment of seeing where I had stepped off of the path of who I am onto to a path of trying to please people. I was just looking at an old shirt in a store. That was all, but I seuddenly realized that I have become Captain Normal over the past several years for no other reason than trying to not look odd by other people's standards.

When did I start caring what people thought about the way that I dressed or how I acted around them? So all I have to say at this intersection in life is .. Captain Normal.. you're fired.

The need to feel alive

There is a moment that is almost magical. Standing silently in the cool night as the moon beams brightly on the wandering clouds. It yields a sense of awe to see the silver edging from the moon’s kisses as the world lays in silence below. The clouds pass silently in the night like a caravan bound for distant lands and stars shimmer quietly to render their blessing to the voyage.

This can only happen away from the city. Away from the sirens, the horns, and squealing brakes. Away from the mindless bustle that we like to call living. Into a place that is untamed and untouched by human hands. No gaudy steel and concrete structures, no beaten roads, nor flock of retail stores that makes every town look the same. No lights to block the tiny pinpoints of winking heavens. No this land in free and unharmed.

The air is pure and simple, nourishing to the lungs. And here my eyes can take in all that reveals undoubtedly Divine design. This is where I come alive. My eyes and heart need to taste these moments again.

On a lighter note

I've been posting some soul-searching, smack-you-in-the-face-until-you-say-uncle kind of stuff here lately. So for this week's post I'd like to talk about a little lighter subject affectionately known as "rocking your face off".

Two bands that I had the privilege of absorbing here in recent history are captains of said title. Each has a unique sound, but both bring it with equal conviction that causes you to remember what it is that makes you love the live music experience.

For these two bands it must be said, the recordings do them no justice. I'm sorry but there is just something that is missing from a recording. I do love CDs and downloading albums, it allows you to hear music that you would never maybe get to hear in a live situation, I.E. Frank Sinatra.. who in my opinion is the bomb shnizzle, but I'll post about that later. No these two bands are from the Southeast region of the united states and are growing their fan bases through touring their butts off and giving us face time with should be rock stars(Minus the ego and snotty attitude).

The Urban Sophisticates is a live hip hop ensemble that will have you ready to move the moment they take the stage. Incredible stage presence and energy mixed with talented musicians gives you a flavor that will linger in your earbuds for days to come. If ever they come to your area be sure to check them out. Always a fun show. And if you like them, invite them to come to your area. I can tell you from a musicians perspective; as an independent artist, we need and appreciate all the help we can get.

Next up, but not last... Dub Conscious. They are out of the Athens area. My brother has been talking these guys up for a long time, and I finally had the chance to sample the sights and sounds of this reggae band recently. Let me preface this by saying that I am not a huge reggae fan, so for me to suggest them to you means that they're pretty frickin' amazing. Again if you get the chance, see them.

That's all for now, but please.. let me know of any bands that you would suggest for me, I always love hearing about new artists on the rise.

Fierce Resolve

When we do determine to reject that mask that we have worn so long a new battle begins. Once we resolve that this mask cannot be, it must be destroyed. There is no compromise on this point. Too great would be the temptation to take it out again and look with fondness on the days of how we wore it well and gained fleeting affections from the fickle masses. No, it must be wholly destroyed.

With the mask destroyed we are suddenly exposed. Skin and features unused for ages, now fully engaged in learning movement and facing elements. It is harsh at times feeling these things anew. We are surprised by the heat of the sun, and sting of the wind. It is both intimidating and exhilarating. Suddenly we are now seeing and feeling in a True way. This is the beginning of living.

This living is endearing ourselves to the emotions and movements of these tender features. And as expression takes shape we realize that we are being watched. It seems to be a cruel thing that people are fascinated by this learning, but it as important for them as it is for us. They must see us go through the growing pains, they must see the full range of emotions, and we must hold nothing back. Anything less would not be authentic.

This authentic state can only be drawn from the Source of authenticity, and we must drink deeply of Him for our survival. Great is the temptation to throw up our hands to cover our faces as we learn. Great is the longing to return to a time of wearing that mask. But that mask is a single facet; a coldly locked representation of what we think others should see. It is shallow and emotionless and cannot be. We must learn; we must face both good and bad with a resolve to walk through to the other side. Our strength and resolve drawn from the Fathomless Well will grant us courage to face death everyday, knowing that in that fearless resolve we will begin to take hold of life.

The Mask we make

When you truly know who you are, when the depth of you touches the True Name from the Maker of the stars, your skin pulses with a joy of knowing eternity. From this union of finite to the Infinite we derive strength. The purpose we pursue in vanity becomes distasteful. The winds of realization sweep the dust from the once hidden places and we are beckoned, invited to come see what we traded for porcelain masks and haughty eyes.

My eyes beheld an ancient door. The unpleasantness of it begged my soul to turn and walk away, but I was held fast by the presence of the One inviting me to see the mystery of this battered gateway. Locks undone and chains loosed, light surged strongly through seams unbroken for time beyond reckoning. “The door,” He said, “is the gateway to all the things you have locked in your heart, hidden from eyes in fear that what you offer is not worthy.”

The honesty of His words pierced my heart. How I have wandered from that place of authenticity. Seeking for the pleasant thoughts of strangers, seeking to be seen in a certain light. Presenting my best and shielding people from seeing my worst. In this emptiness we have all created masks to wear.

These masks we wear are derived defenses; our deviation from original design to win affections of whimsical crowd. We strive to recreate the moments of exhilaration at being captivating to an audience. Be that audience one or thousands. How we yearn for purpose and meaning in a world gone mad with finding fame. We’ve lost ourselves in the search to be something to somebody. We use our talents as shields to ward off the scrutiny of just being.

But, my friends, there is no shame in yearning for the name given in the depths of your heart by the only One who knows that name. Here your reality comes crumbling down and from the rubble rises true opportunity.

Small thoughts

Small sparks. I can see the flames trying to dance out from beneath the surface. I can feel the heat, sense the urging; the longing for fuel to feed the blaze that can be. It shimmers and shifts; seemingly a mirage, but the depths of me knows that I have touched eternity.

What if film becomes more than art? What if music becomes more than words and melody? What if art becomes more than presentation? What if words become more than just ideas?

Imagine these tools in the hands of artisans skilled in crafting message, experienced in communicating purpose, desperate to weave eternal into fleeting things. What if we finally begin to touch something larger than ourselves, and begin to reveal Him who is greater than all things and in all things?

Hope brings life, and life brings light to tear darkness from its throne and death from its feast. Saturate your mind with the impact of these tools. Now use them to bring hope.

These are the thoughts in my mind. I wrestle with these instructions, I find myself desperate to build my kingdom of fame and fortune. Hollow mountains made of thinest glass. Dreams separated from purpose; vain ambitions. They mean nothing if they do nothing for anyone but myself. Oh let me see outside of my tiny kingdom of filth to a life extraordinary.

Small set

Last night I had the privilege of playing a small set at an art gallery exhibit opening. I was invited by another musician, Seth Hall, to come and play a half hour set. The artist, Ashley Lathe, was an incredibly genuine person that I enjoyed talking to and learning the history behind his works.

The crowd that came was gracious, and as I played all I could think about was how much I like doing this. I watched as people sat in their small subgroups and talked and laughed, enjoyed the artwork and the evening. I just hoped that in someway I was able to contribute to their night out in a positive way.