Can Your Life Use a “Remix” from God?

By Kenneth Braswell (www.kennethbraswell.com)

In today’s society we claim that nothing is new; everything is just a new version of something that already exists. There are obvious exceptions in technology, science, math and other new discoveries; but for the most part man made things tend to reinvent themselves or simply recycle.  In the 1990’s P. Diddy began an extremely lucrative and successful career by transforming the hip-hop industry. His hook became his mastery of the “remix,” by taking the music from popular old skool songs and adding hip-hop lyrics. Often times his success revived both the music and the artist.

Sometimes your life needs a new beat so that you can hear the words differently or anew. It’s funny how the lyrics of the bible never change, but it becomes anew when the beat of our life changes. I have to imagine that God looked at the world in the book of Genesis and decided several times that it needed a remix. It occurred when he replenished the earth by keeping many of its things, but finding a need to revive HIS creation. (“While the earth remaineth, seedtime and harvest, and cold and heat, and summer and winter, and day and night shall not cease.” Genesis 8:22). So there were things within the world that still had value, such as Noah. You’ve heard the old adage, “your life is like a broken record.” It’s metaphoric and speaks to the brokenness of our lives; often time repeating itself with flaw.  I can remember at times when I DJ’d and played a record with scratches in it, how it would disturb the flow of the party. Sometimes our faith in God has the same flaws and inhibits our inability to invoke singing, praising and dancing.

Most people; I surmise can relate to a good party. Even a good Christian every now and then can appreciate a good jam. It’s nothing wrong with hearing an old beat that stirs the soul, reactivates a memory or causes a celebratory reaction. Music is an important part of our praise and worship. David recognized this when he entered the city carrying the Ark of the Covenant upon a “new” cart. (2 Samuel 6:3.) The scripture goes on to say that David danced. In fact he danced so hard people thought something was wrong with him. Often times in my car, particularly when the kids are with us; I’ll drop in an old CD.  There’s always that one song like; Frankie Beverly and Maze; Before I Let Go; that causes the adults to burst out saying, “Aw sookie now!” I have to imagine that David felt that way as he entered a new city; carrying the ark with the revival of a remix. God asked him to bring the people of Israel back into relationship. God knew that in order to do so, his song had to be remixed. But unlike our kids in the back seat, looking upon us as if we’re just weird and way too old, Michal looked upon David with distain.

However her distain didn’t stop his dance because the manner of the dance doesn’t matter; as long as you dance with purpose and like nobody is watching. Sometimes we get caught up in who’s watching us in our Christian walk. We won’t pray over our food in public in fear that others will think we’re weird. We won’t recognize or give God glory for our blessing; in fact, will take personal credit for our conditions when all things seem right; but quick to blame God when all things go wrong. In another example, we won’t hold our families accountable for their impact on our Christian households. There are several parables serving as examples that the consequence of our inactions are often times worst than the consequence of our actions.

For most of us, it’s abundantly clear when our lives need a remix. In losing weight and eating healthy; in finding ourselves in unfulfilling jobs and often in toxic and going “no-where fast” relationships. Artist like Madonna, Michael Jackson, Prince, Temptations and P. Diddy found ways to re-invent themselves. They understood that time passes, life changes and trends evolve. They were also clear that at their core they still had value. The secret is being able to change how you look and are perceived; while not changing who they are. That not withstanding that some of us desperately need to change who we are. Be encouraged that God provides a way to do that also. “Therefore if any man be in Christ, he is a new creature: old things are passed away; behold all things are become new.” 2 Corinthians 5:17

God is a remixer; a DJ of life’s circumstances; a crowd pleaser, hype man, producer, manager and creator of new beats. Because he is; we should recognize that often times the stale beat of our lives need a remix. The lyrics are nice; the chorus is cool, the melody is hot, but the beat ain’t knocking. Our lives are the same, and it doesn’t mean everything in your life is wrong. I believe that within everyone there is a foundation of good stuff that can be built upon. Trust that maybe you don’t have to ability or skills to find it. Maybe you know what it is and don’t have the resources are expertise to build on it. Well you need a good producer. God produces; he knows your value, he is the resource to remix your life. Find comfort in knowing that old things aren’t dead things. Abraham laughed when God told him at 100 years old, that he would have a child with his 90 year old wife, Sarah (Genesis  17:17). If God and Abraham were texting; Abraham would of responded; “LMAO or ROFL.” Don’t ever believe your life can’t be made over, touched up or remixed. When you’re ready; do me a favor; make sure you got the right producer. One that loves you, will never steer you wrong, leave you or forsake you. Not one that will stick you back in the crate when your song becomes old again

Kenneth Braswell
Copyright 2009© All Rights Reserved

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Mr. Braswell is the author of “When The Tear Won’t Fall” One Man’s Journey through the Intimate Struggle of Manhood and Fatherhood. He is also a national expert in the field of Responsible Fatherhood and Community Development. His new book “Gentle Warriors – A Mentorship Guide for Young Males”.  Mr. Braswell as appeared in Essence, Gospel Today, Capital District Parent Pages, Times Union and several other media outlets. For press comments, feedback, speaking requests, book purchase visit http://www.kennethbraswell.com or email me at kenneth.braswell@gmail.com.