I'll Give You Some, If You Give Me Some First.

re·spect/riˈspekt/

Verb:

Admire (someone or something) deeply, as a result of their abilities, qualities, or achievements.

Sometimes I get super tired of those kids I used to be close to, who don't respect my favourite choices of music. I've been a strong supporter of one of my most inspirational artists (Young Chozen) for a couple of years now, but some people think he's just too "preachy," as I've heard it called before. 

My non-Christian friends don't understand why I'd support someone who remixes songs by their most inspirational artists. The way I see it, Young Chozen makes secular music healthy to listen to. No swearing, No inappropriate phrases. Nothing dirty. He tries to glorify God by making these mix-tapes. 

I'll take a swing at it and say that most of my friends don't like him because he isn't their kind of "party" music.

But here's the deal.

I don't disrespect your favourite artists, kid. I think that what they have to say isn't healthy to living the greatest life all the time. What I respect is the fact that you look up to something. You have someone of great influence in your life, who happens to work in the music world... I just disagree with some of the messages they stand for. Another thing I do respect about these secular artists you are a fan of: most of the time, they're absolutely genuine. 

Sometimes Christianity is inaccurately portrayed by hypocritical people of the Church. And that is extremely unfortunate for the people who are actually trying to do good by what they do. 

The thing is, Young Chozen is one of those Christians who isn't a hypocrite. He's made a life out of following God. He's not the Churchy person who acts like he's perfect 100% of the time, and back stabs non-Christians. Young Chozen admits his downfall all the time, and this is personified throughout the great majority of his songs.

Isn't that what you want to see? You're tired of Christians pointing the finger, and doing wrong against their own words...? Like the "Christian" who'll party it up during the week by losing all of their core values, then put on the "fake face" and go all religious on you. 

I'm trying to live my life by being a Jesus-follower every day. I try my best. I really do.

But I'm only human.

I think thoughts like any other human does.

I want to do things that most teens my age do... but instead I remember the biggest promise I've made to God: to represent Him accurately.

I hold myself to many values that a lot of people don't understand. That's part of the sacrifice of being a "Jesus Freak." We put up with a lot of crap thrown at us. We are ridiculed and picked on for listening to the apparently "stupid" tunes. We listen to Christian music by Young Chozen, Lecrae, Tedashi.... (I could go on!) because it enhances our relationships with God, and aids us in bettering our own lives. True Christian music that's real and alive... it helps us be real. No acting. It teaches us how to teach others. It teaches us that being a hypocrite is terrible. 

Christian music IS preachy. Sure it is. But that's not always a bad thing.

Its message is to help us become better people.

I guess what you don't realize is that our Christian music is always positive. Nothing is ever negative. 99% of the Christian music we have is supposed to encourage people.

I've noticed that 99% of secular music can encourage all sorts of unhealthy emotions, though. It warps depression, anger, sadness, love, and false hope all together.... Do you not find that confusing? 

What I like about Christian music is that it's real. It gives me true hope. It's always about true love. 

Maybe what you don't like to hear is the fact that it will always glorify God. Real Christians and Real Christian Music suggest that no one else is number one, but God; that the world doesn't revolve around you. 

Well. Maybe this will change your mind...? 

Though the world revolves around God... His love revolves around you. 

That's what keeps me going. When I am ridiculed for who I stand for, I remember that at least His love is saving me each and every day. 

Because Jesus loves me... I can be unafraid to live. 

I am 'Unafraid' to die. 

I am 'Unafraid' of fear itself.