What I am listening to…
Tom Waits.
Honestly, I am not all that familiar with Tom Waits’ music, but I was quite surprised to find out that he has 3 different singing voices. Much of his music contains elements of Gospel in it. Here is a cover of his song, “Come on Up to the House” by our sweet friends, Joseph.
I wrote my older kids, who are both music people, and described my listening experience like this: “I am listening to all of Tom Waits’ songs and have discovered that he has three different voices he sings with. I've never listened to him that much, so I didn’t know about this range of his vocal vibes. One voice sounds like he got hit in the neck with a doorknob, and then, trying to fix it, poured a cup of gravel on his vocal cords (sorry, maybe a bit too descriptive). Another one sounds like Dr. John. And then, he has a somewhat normal, folksy voice. So interesting.”
Some people call his vocal style as “Method Singing.” That makes some sense.
Along with his music, he has appeared in something like 40 movies as well. He was one of many compelling characters in the classic, Mystery Men.
I have watched this movie with my older kids more times than I am willing to confess!
What am I reading…
Jesus and the Disinherited
I am re-reading this extraordinary book by Howard Thurmond. I don’t say this always, but I think it would serve every white pastor in America to read this book. He was a clear thinker and was able to cut through a lot of the stuff that gets in the way of thinking about Jesus.
It has been said that Dr King carried two books with him at all times. One was the Bible, and the other was Thurman’s book.
Here’s an excerpt from the book that I think is very important.
“I belong to a generation that finds very little that is meaningful or intelligent in the teachings of the Church concerning Jesus Christ. It is a generation largely in revolt because of the general impression that Christianity is essentially an other-worldly religion, having as its motto: “Take all the world, but give me Jesus.” The desperate opposition to Christianity rests in the fact that it seems, in the last analysis, to be a betrayal of the Negro into the hands of his enemies by focusing his attention upon heaven, forgiveness, love, and the like.”
Buy a copy and read it… You will not regret it!
What am I looking forward to…
Robi and I are about to share a special moment celebrating our birthdays together. We share the same first names, the same initials, and our birthdays are only a few days apart. We will celebrate with our lovely kids and a few others on the 12th.
As someone has said, “You gotta fight for your right to party.”
Another thing I am looking forward to…
As an aside, my friend Michael Lee from Encounter Church in Mercer Island will be speaking at Immanuel the week after.
He is truly an inspiring person to me, and I greatly look forward to him sharing his heart and life with our community.
It was a bit tough to get this out this week, but although it was a little arduous, I’m glad to finally be sharing the 4 Things in Life, even if it’s a little late.
Be Peace, my friends!
rob
I bought Jrsus and the Disinhrritrd. I'll let you know what I think.
Im in the middle of another book you recommended, The Gospel in a Pluralistic Society. Very "deep" but good. It will take me a while to finish.
Keep sharing.