Tag Archives: Best of Me by the Letter Black

S.A.N.S. Episode 88: Best of Me

Prior to receiving recognition by Christian Radio Stations, Breaking the Silence formed in Uniontown, Pennsylvania in 2006. This Christian Rock Band soon changed their name to The Letter Black. Perhaps black reflects growing up in coal country or that it is part of a lung disease contracted by coal miners. Whatever the reason, today’s featured song Best of Me is one of my favorite songs from the Letter Black.

And Abel brought of the firstborn of his flock and of the fat portions. And the Lord had respect and regard for Abel and for his offering, But for [a]Cain and his offering He had no respect or regard. So Cain was exceedingly angry and indignant, and he looked sad and depressed, Genesis 4:4-5.

Prior to marrying Leanne, we attended a marriage conference in Cleveland, Ohio where my parents lived at the time. One of the speakers warned future spouses not to give their significant other “the leftovers.” When you’re at the end of a long day and have nothing else to give, this is what the speaker meant. In the same manner, God wants us to spend time with Him when we are at our best and not our worse. This is the theme that you will find in the Letter Black’s Best of Me.

by Jay Mankus

What’s Best for You and Me

As a recovering perfectionist, I tend to look at a glass half empty. This tendency to be negative often results in beating myself up inside. While I can forgive others for committing transgressions against me, forgiving myself is another story. This process may take days, weeks or months to get over a stupid blunder, error or mistake. Whenever anyone is too hard on themselves, Satan uses this vulnerability to steal your joy for life.

The thief comes only in order to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have and enjoy life, and have it in abundance (to the full, till it overflows), John 10:10.

While using an analogy of a shepherd tending his sheep, Jesus illuminates the dangers that sheep face while on earth. According to John 10:6, the crowd was initially confused so Jesus spoke in clearer terms. This is the context of the passage above as Jesus reveals how Satan seeks to steal, kill and destroy souls. Although this spiritual truth may elicit fear upon receiving this news, you have to know what your enemy will attempt to do to avoid becoming the next victim.

Let the thief no longer steal, but rather let him labor, doing honest work with his own hands, so that he may have something to share with anyone in need, Ephesians 4:28.

One of the songs from their 2009 album Breaking the Silence, The Letter Black sings about what’s best for you and me. The lyrics of Best of Me focuses on an individual who is haunted by their past. The author suggests that the only thing keeping us alive breathing is the knowledge of God’s existence. Entering into a personal relationship with Jesus provides meaning and purpose for life as new converts seek to ascertain God’s will. As minds are renewed by the Bible, Romans 12:1-2, what’s best for you and me is using your own God given gifts and talents to serve the Lord on earth.

by Jay Mankus