Tag Archives: faith

The Message Behind the Music-March 6

Posted on March 6, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind All Around You:

Back in the days when My Space was one of the top social media platforms, Lacey Sturm sent out a poll to her followers. This question asked who they would like to meet the most in life? The number one response was surprisingly God. Subsequently, Lacey wrote a song to capture the feeling of God’s omnipresence on earth. All Around Me highlights how meeting God in person would become a transformational event.

Biblical Application:

Very early in the morning, while it was still dark, Jesus got up, left the house and went off to a solitary place, where he prayed. 36 Simon and his companions went to look for him, 37 and when they found him, they exclaimed: “Everyone is looking for you!” 38 Jesus replied, “Let us go somewhere else—to the nearby villages—so I can preach there also. That is why I have come.” 39 So he traveled throughout Galilee, preaching in their synagogues and driving out demons, Mark 1:35-39.

Exegesis of All Around Me:

My hands are searching for you
My arms are outstretched towards you
I feel you on my fingertips
My tongue dances behind my lips for you
This fire runs in through my being
Burning, I’m not used to seeing you

Lacey appears to begin her search for God in prayer. Although she doesn’t seem to be on her knees, Lacey is reaching out to the heavens, hoping to be touched by God. The lyrics at the end of this opening stanza expresses Lacey’s hunger and passion to meet God.

I’m still alive
I’m still alive

Either Lacey is talking about being alive or God declares that He is alive.

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I’m breathing
Holding on to all I’m feeling
Savoring this heart that’s healing

Lacey reveals the reason for this search for God, to heal her heart from a painful event in the past.

My hands float up above me
And you whisper you love me
And I begin to fade
Into our secret place
The music makes me sway
The angels singing say
“We are alone with you”
I am alone and they are too with you

Lacey reveals a spiritual encounter with God. After hearing a small still voice, a chorus of angels enter with a message of assurance that God’s presence is all around Lacey.

I’m still alive
I’m still alive
We’re still alive

Lacey, God and the angels are alive and well.

And I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I’m breathing
Holding on to what I’m feeling
Savoring this heart that’s healing

Lacey can know feel and sense God’s presence after her encounter with an invisible God.

So I cry, holy
The light is white, holy
And I see you, holy

Lacey is overwhelmed with joy.

I’m alive
I’m still alive
We’re still alive

Excited to know the angels and God are all around her.

And I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I’m breathing
Holding on to all I’m feeling
Savoring this heart that’s healing

Lacey is starting to experience a spiritual transformation as her heart is healing.

Take my hand, I give it to you
Now you own me all I am
You said you would never leave me
I believe you, I believe

Lacey is now placing her faith and trust in God.

I can feel you all around me
Thickening the air I’m breathing
Holding on to all I’m feeling
Savoring this heart that’s healed

Lacey believes that God will heal her heart and continue to watch over her life.

Final Thoughts:

My high school swim coach gave me an extra ticket to hear professional athletes from Philadelphia share about their faith. Like Lacey’s encounter with God, I was waiting to hear something earth shattering. Unfortunately, no one moved my soul until a man rolled up to the microphone in a wheelchair. After initially thinking, “what can this man share with me,” I began to be filled with the same burning passion that consumed Lacey. Skip spoke with a maturity that was foreign to me. Despite losing thousands of full scholarships to college following a water-skiing accident in high school, Skip had something inside of him that was missing from my life. Subsequently, before this night was over, I had my first encounter with God, asking Jesus to come into my heart. This is my testimony that God is all around me.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-March 3

Posted on March 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Love is a Battlefield:

Love is a Battlefield was inspired by the complexities of entering into a relationship when you are young. Pat describes love as a conflicting journey. Love is a Battlefield challenges traditional romantic beliefs about love. Pat refuses to paint a rosy picture about living happily ever after once falling in love. This song serves as a warning, detailing the struggles of two different people coming together as one. Love isn’t easy as emotional scars from your past can represent love as a battlefield for control, enter at your own risk.

Biblical Application:

Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as his children. For what children are not disciplined by their father? 8 If you are not disciplined—and everyone undergoes discipline—then you are not legitimate, not true sons and daughters at all. 9 Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of spirits and live!  – Hebrews 12:7-9

Exegesis of Love is a Battlefield:

(We are young, we are young)
We are young (heartache to heartache)
Heartache to heartache we stand (we stand)
(No promises) no promises, (no demands) no demands
(Love is a battlefield) love is a battlefield

This music video features a runaway teenager searching for love. Young people tend to struggle with heartache moving from one broken relationship to another. To avoid getting your heart broken over and over again, Pat provides advice on avoiding making demands and promises. If you don’t listen to her advice, you’ll discover that love is a battlefield.

We are strong
No one can tell us we’re wrong
Searchin’ our hearts for so long
Both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield

Young people think they are indestructible. Unfortunately, the trial and error of searching your heart results in pain.

You’re beggin’ me to go, then makin’ me stay
Why do you hurt me so bad?
It would help me to know, do I stand in your way
Or am I the best thing you’ve had?

Love can make you emotional. Especially when the person you are with doesn’t know what they are looking for or want in a partner.

Believe me, believe me, I can’t tell you why
But I’m trapped by your love
And I’m chained to your side

Love can make you blinded in certain areas that you don’t realize that you are chained by their side.

We are young
Heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield

Pat is playing the role of a realist, trying to warn young girls what love truly involves.

We are strong
No one can tell us we’re wrong
Searchin’ our hearts for so long
Both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield

You can be strong and stubborn, but if you are not careful, love can break you.

When I’m losing control, will you turn me away
Or touch me deep inside?
And when all this gets old, will it still feel the same?
There’s no way this will die

When you are young, love is a feeling that goes up and down daily. Once you become mature, love is a way of life. The key to love is developing a will to love someone so that love never dies.

But if we get much closer, I could lose control
And if your heart surrenders, you’ll need me to hold

Pat touches on intimacy and support.

We are young
Heartache to heartache we stand
No promises, no demands
Love is a battlefield

True love takes time and effort, enduring emotional scars from your past.

We are strong
No one can tell us we’re wrong
Searchin’ our hearts for so long
Both of us knowing
Love is a battlefield

Love can be messy as a couple brings their emotional garbage into a new relationship. When these issues are swept under the preverbal rug, love does become a battlefield for survival.

Final Thoughts:

If Pat was a preacher, Love is a Battlefield would be the anti-Joel Osteen sermon. Instead of focusing on the positive, Pat doesn’t hold anything back. Love is complicated, painful and unexplainable at times. Love requires effort from two people or else arguments and battles for control will ensue. Finding a soul mate can be great, but it takes time, patience and persistence.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 22: Week 4 Theme – Being Open to Forgiveness by Giving Love a Second Chance

Posted on February 22, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Against All Odds:

The lyrics of Against All Odds were spawn from Phil Collins first divorce. Serving as a theme song for the movie Against All Odds, writing this song enabled Phil to get all of his emotions, frustrations and pain out in the open. Meanwhile, the film features an aging football star hired by a mobster to find his missing girlfriend. Whether you’re talking about recovering from a messy divorce or searching a missing person, Against All Odds symbolizes triumph over adversity.

Week 4 Theme:

The final portion of love is being open to forgiveness by giving others a second chance. Whenever you enter a relationship, you never know how it is going to turn out. Unfortunately, human nature will cause individuals to disappoint, hurt and let their significant other down. The songs for this final week of February encourage their partner to give them another shot at love.

Biblical Application:

The Lord said to me, “Go, show your love to your wife again, though she is loved by another man and is an adulteress. Love her as the Lord loves the Israelites, though they turn to other gods and love the sacred raisin cakes.” 2 So I bought her for fifteen shekels[a] of silver and about a homer and a lethek[b] of barley. 3 Then I told her, “You are to live with me many days; you must not be a prostitute or be intimate with any man, and I will behave the same way toward you,” Hoshea 3:1-3.

Exegesis of Against All Odds:

How can I just let you walk away,
Just let you leave without a trace?
When I stand here taking every breath with you, ooh ooh
You’re the only one who really knew me at all

Phil felt like he had to intervene, unwilling to let his wife walk away without a fight. Phil realized that his first wife is the only woman that he has ever been with that has truly known who he is.

How can you just walk away from me
When all I can do is watch you leave?
‘Cause we’ve shared the laughter and the pain
And even shared the tears
You’re the only one who really knew me at all

Phil sees how much he has poured into this marriage. They have shared too much together to abandon this relationship without trying to salvage it.

So take a look at me now
Well there’s just an empty space
And there’s nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your face
Ooh, Take a look at me now
Well there’s just an empty space
And you coming back to me is against the odds
And that’s what I’ve got to face,

Living without his wife has left a hole in his heart. Despite the odds for reconciliation, Phil is still not giving up hope on his marriage.

I wish I could just make you turn around
Turn around and see me cry
There’s so much I need to say to you
So many reasons why
You’re the only one who really knew me at all

Phil wants to express to his wife how much he misses her. He has never been vulnerable like this with any other woman.

So take a look at me now
Well there’s just an empty space
And there’s nothing left here to remind me
Just the memory of your face

All that now remains from his first marriage are the memories.

Now Take a look at me now
‘Cause that’s just an empty space
But to wait for you is all I can do
And that’s what I’ve got to face

Phil is waiting for her to change her mind.

Take a good look at me now
‘Cause I’ll still be standing here
And you coming back to me is against all odds
It’s the chance I’ve got to take
Take a look at me now

Phil is willing to wait on restoration, holding out hope against all odds to get back together.

Final Thoughts:

I was listening to a couple share their 42-year journey together a few weeks ago. At one point they decided to separate for a few years. each marrying another person. Yet each still possessed feelings for one another. Once they started going to church with their children. When God changed their hearts, reconciliation was made possible. The next time you sense your chances for saving a marriage are against all odds, turn to God in prayer so that the Holy Spirit can manufacture a miracle called forgiveness.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 18

Posted on February 18, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Always and Forever:

Members of the Heatwave wanted to create a love song that would stand the test of time to make their mark in music history. The initial goal was to compose a ballad with the emotions of devotion and commitment. Song writer Rod Temperton captured this vision within the lyrics of Always and Forever. Decades after Always and Forever was first released; my high school made this our theme song for Concord’s senior prom.

Biblical Application:

I urge, then, first of all, that petitions, prayers, intercession and thanksgiving be made for all people— 2 for kings and all those in authority, that we may live peaceful and quiet lives in all godliness and holiness. 3 This is good, and pleases God our Savior, 4 who wants all people to be saved and to come to a knowledge of the truth. 5 For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, 6 who gave himself as a ransom for all people. This has now been witnessed to at the proper time. 7 And for this purpose I was appointed a herald and an apostle—I am telling the truth, I am not lying—and a true and faithful teacher of the Gentiles, 1 Timothy 2:1-7.

Exegesis of Always and Forever:

Always and forever, each moment with you
Is just like a dream to me that somehow came true
And I know tomorrow will still be the same
‘Cause we’ve got a life of love that won’t ever change and

Rod is envisioning the ideal relationship; something out of a dream. While skeptics may claim this is too good to be true, Rod has a strong belief that this relationship will continue to grow, lasting a lifetime.

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow together
(Always forever love you)
And I’ll always love you forever
(Always forever love you) Forever

This opening chorus sounds like a prayer to be adorned, loved and appreciated. Deep down in his heart, Rod believes that this is the woman for me.

There’ll always be sunshine when I look at you
It’s something I can’t explain just the things that you do
But if you get lonely phone me and take
A second to give to me that magic you make and

Rod is singing about a love that never gets old as it appears that this couple continues to study one another, becoming more intimate as they grow old together.

Everyday love me your own special way
Melt all my heart away with a smile
Take time to tell me you really care
And we’ll share tomorrow together
(Always forever love you)
I’ll always love you ever
(Always forever love you) and ever

Rod sings about a relationship void of doubt or jealousy. Breaking up isn’t even a distant thought.

Loving you (Always forever love you) is the thing that I’ve planned
For a very long time (Always forever love you)
Me with you, you with me, we as one
Love together (Always forever love you) for a very long time
Loving you

The planned comment at the beginning of this stanza suggests a shared vision to be married for a lifetime.

Always, forever love you
Always, forever love you
Ever, forever
Forever, ever
Ever
Forever loving you, loving you

This vision has created a special bond and will to love one another forever, till death do us part.

I said, “Forever love you, love you”
Forever (Always forever love you)
Forever

These lyrics express a type of marriage that God intended human beings to enter into.

Final Thoughts:

Learning to dance as a sophomore in high school was like breaking a chain of depression that consumed my life. While I experienced more pain in my initial high school relationships by being dumped, dancing freed me from being the shy boy sitting in a chair watching everyone else dance. Subsequently, when ballads like Always and Forever cleared the dance floor for couples, I eventually overcome my fear of stuttering to ask girls to a slow dance. Always and Forever bring back fond memories of high school, especially the friends that I still hold dear.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 17

Posted on February 17, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Glory of Love:

The inspiration for Glory of Love came to Peter Cetera while working on the soundtrack for Karate Kid II. The producers of this film wanted Peter to write a theme song centered around courage and honor. Peter collaborated with his wife at this time, Diana Nini and producer David Foster. This is how the powerful lyrics of Glory of Love were created.

Biblical Application:

So whether you eat or drink or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God. 32 Do not cause anyone to stumble, whether Jews, Greeks or the church of God— 33 even as I try to please everyone in every way. For I am not seeking my own good but the good of many, so that they may be saved, 1 Corinthians 10:31-33.

Exegesis of Glory of Love:

Tonight, it’s very clear
‘Cause we’re both lyin’ here
There’s so many things I wanna say
I will always love you
I would never leave you alone

There are moments of clarity within a relationship. Sometimes this involves humility, realizing that you haven’t been yourself lately. This clarity might conceive conviction, honesty or inspiration. Yet, before you speak, make sure you are going to carry out and fulfill the words that you speak.

Sometimes I just forget
Say things I might regret
It breaks my heart to see you cryin’
I don’t wanna lose you
I could never make it alone

Peter is reflecting upon the times in his marriage where he wasn’t very loving. Seeing Diana crying consumed Peter’s heart with guilt, wanting to change.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’re dreamin’ of
We’ll live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

This stanza is geared toward Karate Kid II. If this was focused on Diana, Peter and her wouldn’t have gotten a divorce.

You keep me standing tall
You help me through it all
I’m always strong when you’re beside me
I have always needed you
I could never make it alone

While the lyrics seem to be meant for a couple. Karate Kid II uses these words to highlight the mentorship between Mr. Miyagi and Daniel. Relationships that last are grounded in a mutual desire to be there for another in their time of need.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero you’ve been dreamin’ of
We’ll live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

Fighting for honor involves doing the right thing with integrity. In a relationship, fighting to keep love alive can be exhausting, similar to Bruce Willis’ character in the Last Boy Scout. To pursue the glory of love, you must desire greatness, looking beyond the past scars of broken people to find intimacy.

It’s like a knight in shining armor
From a long time ago
Just in time, I will save the day
Take you to my castle far away

This stanza provides old dreams of a man in shining armor who swoops a woman off their feet, living the rest of their lives like a fairy tale, happily ever after.

I am a man who will fight for your honor
I’ll be the hero that you’re dreamin’ of
We’re gonna live forever
Knowin’ together
That we did it all for the glory of love

This is where Hollywood dreams are shattered as many men don’t treat a significant other like she is a queen. Words are useless if they are void of love.

We’ll live forever (we’ll live forever)
Knowin’ together (knowin’ together)
That we did it all for the glory of love
Ooh-ooh-ooh-ooh, ooh-ooh-ooh
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love
We did it all for love

While Glory of Love was a great addition to the Karate Kid II soundtrack, this song lost it’s true meaning for me when I discovered Peter and Diana got divorced.

Final Thoughts:

The glory of love in the spiritual realm is a shining example of a godly and loving marriage. This marriage is enhanced by children of character, prosperity and taking the torch for the glory of love into their own marriage. Unless vows of marriage are lived out with acts of love, the glory of love turns into shame.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 14

Posted on February 14, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Higher Love:

Higher Love was co-written by Steve Winwood and Will Jennings. The source of this higher love comes from childhood flashbacks of sinning Christian hymns in church. The goal for Higher Love was to create a modern-day hymn that would resonate with the spiritual condition of his generation. Steve isn’t looking for an earthly feeling that is temporary. Rather, he is searching for an eternal love that will last the test of time.

Biblical Application:

They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved, Acts 2:42-47.

Exegesis of Higher Love:

Think about it, there must be higher love
Down in the heart or hidden in the stars above
Without it, life is wasted time
Look inside your heart, I’ll look inside mine

Steve and Will are searching for a higher power. Whether this exists inside your heart or in the skies above, life without this higher love is a waste of time. Each begin this quest to find a higher power.

Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair?
We walk blind and we try to see
Falling behind in what could be

When you look around, this world seems to be falling apart. The blind often leads the blind, falling behind the ideal life where a higher love exists.

Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?

Steve is thinking about growing up in church as a child. Now as an adult, the absence of this higher love is fading from his memory.

Worlds are turning, and we’re just hanging on
Facing our fear and standing out there alone
A yearning and it’s real to me
There must be someone who’s feeling for me

The world is changing as most people are hanging on by a thread. Facing these fears alone, Steve is yearning for a higher love that is real.

Things look so bad everywhere
In this whole world, what is fair?
We walk blind and we try to see
Falling behind in what could be

The chorus points to current events filled with bad news. This lack of fairness makes the world blind from what is really going on with most failing to reach their full potential in life.

Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?

This stanza serves as a prayer to God for higher love.

Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
I could rise above on a higher love

Access to this higher love would make a difference in life.

I will wait for it
I’m not too late for it
Until then, I’ll sing my song
To cheer the night along, bring it

Love doesn’t happen immediately. You have to wait for it. Until this arrives, stay hopeful.

I could light the night up with my soul on fire
I could make the sun shine from pure desire
Let me feel that love come over me
Let me feel how strong it could be

Steve points to a spiritual event where God ignited his soul with passion. This excitement filled Steve’s life, overflowing and making him stronger in his faith.

Oh-oh, bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
Where’s that higher love I keep thinking of?
Alright

Since Steve knows higher love exists, he is praying for this higher power to return to his life.

Bring me a higher love
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love
Oh, bring me a higher love, oh

This is what Steve’s soul craves.

Bring me a higher love (yes, I know, bring me a higher love)
Bring me a higher love, oh (bring me a higher love)
Bring me a higher love (yes, I know, bring me a higher love)
Bring me a higher love, oh

Steve is persistent in his request for higher love.

Bring me a higher love (yes, I know, bring me a higher love)
Bring me a higher love, oh
Bring me a higher love (yes, I know, bring me a higher love)
Bring me a higher

Steve is searching for a spiritual spark.

Thank you, thank you so much
Thank you

Steve appears to be thanking God in advance for answering his prayer.

Final Thoughts:

Most of my encounters with God as a young person was either a youth group or on retreats. This is where I was first introduced to the concept of a living God. During events in college, this living God began to dwell in my heart, bringing me joy. Yet like Steve, we all experience spiritual dry spells, longing for this higher power to return, John 10:10. May this February revive your soul and bring you into fellowship with a higher love, Romans 10:9-11.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 13

Posted on February 13, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Greatest Love of All:

The song Greatest Love of All was first recorded in 1977 by George Benson. The lyrics of Greatest Love of All were co-written by Michael Masser and Linda Creed. Michael wrote this as a love song to Linda who battled breast cancer throughout her life. The lyrics were fueled by Linda’s own experiences of resilience and determination to stay alive. However, Whitney Houston’s interpretation of Greatest Love of All in 1986 steered this song in a new direction, reaching new heights as one of her top songs ever recorded.

Biblical Application:

In those days Hezekiah became ill and was at the point of death. The prophet Isaiah son of Amoz went to him and said, “This is what the Lord says: Put your house in order, because you are going to die; you will not recover.” 2 Hezekiah turned his face to the wall and prayed to the Lord, 3 “Remember, Lord, how I have walked before you faithfully and with wholehearted devotion and have done what is good in your eyes.” And Hezekiah wept bitterly. 4 Before Isaiah had left the middle court, the word of the Lord came to him: 5 “Go back and tell Hezekiah, the ruler of my people, ‘This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. On the third day from now you will go up to the temple of the Lord. 6 I will add fifteen years to your life. And I will deliver you and this city from the hand of the king of Assyria. I will defend this city for my sake and for the sake of my servant David,’” 2 Kings 20:1-6.

Exegesis of Greatest Love of All:

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be

The lyrics reference the wisdom of King Solomon in Proverbs 22:6. When children learn to see the good inside of human hearts and souls, this world will become a better place. Give kids opportunities to lead, but allow time to laugh, reminding adults of how simple life was as a child.

Everybody’s searching for a hero
People need someone to look up to
I never found anyone who fulfilled my needs
A lonely place to be
And so I learned to depend on me

This world is eager to find someone to follow. A trustworthy individual who you believe in. During Whitney’s life, she never found someone who fulfilled her needs. Despite being lonely, Whitney become self-reliant, turning toward rugged individualism.

I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone’s shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I’ll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity

Whitney decided to be a leader long ago, never following. Any failure was on her, following her beliefs and convictions in life. Whatever people think about her, they can’t steal her dignity.

Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
It is the greatest love of all

The chorus points to a place in life where Whitney became content with who she was. Instead of beating herself up with criticism, she learned to love and forgive herself. This is Whitney’s interpretation of the greatest love of all.

I believe the children are our future
Teach them well and let them lead the way
Show them all the beauty they possess inside
Give them a sense of pride to make it easier
Let the children’s laughter remind us how we used to be

This repetitive stanza points to Whitney ‘s belief that human beings should invest their time in children as they are the world’s future.

I decided long ago
Never to walk in anyone’s shadows
If I fail, if I succeed
At least I’ll live as I believe
No matter what they take from me
They can’t take away my dignity

Whitney has no regrets about the decisions and paths she has chosen in life.

Because the greatest love of all
Is happening to me
I found the greatest love of all
Inside of me
The greatest love of all
Is easy to achieve
Learning to love yourself
Is the greatest love of all

Learning to love yourself is not easy if you come from a broken home. Perfectionists and individuals verbally abused as a child are often self-critical and have a hard time of accepting who they are. Reaching a stage in life of being content and loving who you are takes time.

And if, by chance, that special place
That you’ve been dreaming of
Leads you to a lonely place
Find your strength in love

This closing stanza serves as a clause, “what if you never learn to love yourself?” If your dreams in life don’t turn out as you expect, find strength in love.

Final Thoughts:

I disagree with Whitney about the greatest love of all. This love is described by the apostle Paul in Romans 5:6-8. Jesus dies for all the errors, failures and mistakes made by mankind. This love is expressed by Jesus in John 3:16-17 and reinforced by the words of 1 John 5:11-13. This is the greatest love of all.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 10

Posted on February 10, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind the Power of Love:

Huey Lewis had a desire to create a song that would capture the essence of love as a transformational force. The composition of the Power of Love became a collaboration between Huey and two members of the News: Chris Hayes and Johnny Colla. These 3 men aimed to craft a song that would fit into the upcoming film Back to the Future. Subsequently, themes of adventure, human connection and travel were engraved into the lyrics.

Biblical Application:

This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters. 17 If anyone has material possessions and sees a brother or sister in need but has no pity on them, how can the love of God be in that person? 18 Dear children, let us not love with words or speech but with actions and in truth, 1 John 3:16-18.

Exegesis of the Power of Love:

The power of love is a curious thing
Make a one man weep, make another man sing
Change a hawk to a little white dove
More than a feeling, that’s the power of love

Love alters the actions, behaviors, and choices of individuals. Love brings a wide range of emotions. Love can transform a predator into a gentle and innocent human being. Love is more than a feeling. Love has the power to transform you.

Tougher than diamonds, rich like cream
Stronger and harder than a bad girl’s dream
Make a bad one good (mm), make a wrong one right
Power of love that keeps you home at night

This stanza reminds me of the old onion analogy. People can be rough on the edges, but when you start peeling off layers, you’ll be surprised by what you will find. The power of love keeps a married man home at night.

You don’t need money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, and it’s cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life
That’s the power of love
That’s the power of love

While superficial love may be bought in the early stages of a relationship, real love rises above fame and fortune. Love can be cruel, strong or unexpected, but the power of love can alter your life.

First time you feel it, it might make you sad
Next time you feel it, it might make you mad
But you’ll be glad, baby, when you’ve found
That’s the power makes the world go ’round

When love is confused with lust, you’ll be sad. Love may be jealousy as well. Yet, when you find the person of your dreams, you’ll be glad that you waited. A loving relationship brings the best out of people.

And it don’t take money, don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
It’s strong, and it’s sudden, it can be cruel sometimes
But it might just save your life

True love can’t be forced or manufactured. You have to let love happen naturally.

They say that all in love is fair
Yeah, but you don’t care
(Ooh) but you know what to do (what to do)
When it gets hold of you
And with a little help from above

Love can make people do the craziest things. Yet, when you meet the person that God created you marry, its amazing.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Can you feel it?
Hmm

The power of love is displayed through individuals who have been transformed by God and through a loving relationship.

It don’t take money, and it don’t take fame
Don’t need no credit card to ride this train
Tougher than diamonds and stronger than steel
You won’t feel nothin’ ’til you feel
You feel the power, just feel the power of love
That’s the power, that’s the power of love

When the right person comes along, you’ll know for sure if you know what you’re looking for.

You feel the power of love
You feel the power of love
Feel the power of love

The power of love is finding a soul mate for life.

Final Thoughts:

In a leadership class that I taught for Juniors and Seniors in high school, one unit was entitled Finding Your Soul Mate. This unit began with a section on Self-Discovery. This involved creating a checklist of activities, hobbies, personality traits, and qualities students were looking for in a significant other. While there were other building blocks, the ultimate goal was for students to have a good ideal of people that they wanted to date in college. One of my former students, Dallas Saylor, who ended up as the valedictorian of his graduating class, used this information to find his wife in college. For me, this is the power of love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 3

Posted on February 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind It Must Have Been Love:

Gessle wanted to convey a message within a song with Roxette that love may be lost, but it is never forgotten. It Must Have Been Love was a perfect fit for the film Pretty Woman starring Richard Gere and Julia Roberts. This song addresses the theme of love and loss, especially when human beings become vulnerable by opening up about past failures in life. This timeless classic resonates with individuals who have endured the painful reality of lost love.

Biblical Connection:

If I speak in the tongues[a] of men or of angels, but do not have love, I am only a resounding gong or a clanging cymbal. 2 If I have the gift of prophecy and can fathom all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have a faith that can move mountains, but do not have love, I am nothing. 3 If I give all I possess to the poor and give over my body to hardship that I may boast,[b] but do not have love, I gain nothing, 1 Corinthians 13:1-3.

Exegesis of It Must Have Been Love:

It must have been love
But it’s over now
Lay a whisper
On my pillow
Leave the winter
On the ground
I wake up lonely
There’s air of silence
In the bedroom
And all around
Touch me now
I close my eyes
And dream away

Whenever a relationship ends, there is a noticeable difference. You grow so accustomed to being together and having someone in your life that you forget what it’s like to be alone. The lyrics in the opening stanza illustrate this eerie silence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow

The feeling of love vanished when this significant other left ia brought up. This relationship seemed like true love, but was lost for some unknown reason.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out

The love this song is referring to is based upon emotions, focused too much on the physical aspect of a relationship.

Make believing
We’re together
That I’m sheltered
By your heart
But in and outside
I turned to water
Like a teardrop
In your palm

Sometime a relationship can begin like a Hollywood movie, too good to be true. When the honeymoon period is over, you have to work at a relationship to keep it going. If you don’t, everything you dreamed of can fall apart.

And it’s a hard
Winter’s day
I dream away

Dreaming is getting her through his absence.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows

Love requires action. Anyone can say, “I love you,” but true love is lived out like the analogy shared by the apostle Pail in 1 Corinthians 13.

It must have been love
But it’s over now
It must have been good
But I lost it somehow
It must have been love
But it’s over now
From the moment we touched
Till the time had run out
Yeah, it must have been love
But it’s over now
It was all that I wanted
Now, I’m living without
It must have been love
But it’s over now
It’s where the water flows
It’s where the wind blows
It must have been love
But it’s over now

This extended chorus is searching for answers to why this relationship ended.

It must have been love
But it’s over now

Perhaps, watching Pretty Woman will provide further insight into the complexities of love.

Final Thoughts:

I had to write a research paper for a Philosophy class in college on Pretty Woman. I had to use philosophical terms to explain why a woman would turn to prostitution. While I don’t recall my final conclusion, I do see a lack of genuine love lived out by members of society. Instead of being doers of the Word of God by emulating the love of Jesus, too many people are all talk and no action. May today’s blog inspire you to demonstrate acts of love daily to give hope to others who have given up on love.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-February 1: Theme for Week 1 – Overcoming the Pain of Love

Posted on February 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Just Once:

James Ingram was searching for a perfect moment in a relationship where love lasts. Based upon the lyrics of Just Once, James never found what he was looking for. James was longing for an emotional connection that endured the test of time, hoping that his love for one woman would move beyond just a feeling. Finally, James conveys the sadness of love where two individuals can’t get on the same page, eventually going their separate ways.

Week 1 Theme:

Although Valentine’s Day is celebrated throughout the world, many people struggle to overcome the heartbreak of a failed relationship. The next 7 days will highlight the barriers, obstacles, and pain associated with falling in and out of love.

Biblical Application:

We love because He first loved us. 20 Whoever claims to love God yet hates a brother or sister is a liar. For whoever does not love their brother and sister, whom they have seen, cannot love God, whom they have not seen. 21 And he has given us this command: Anyone who loves God must also love their brother and sister, 1 John 4:19-21.

Exegesis of Just Once:

I did my best
But I guess my best wasn’t good enough
‘Cause here we are back where we were before
Seems nothin’ ever changes
We’re back to bein’ strangers
Wonderin’ if we ought to stay
Or head on out the door

Human effort only takes you so far in a relationship. No matter how hard you try to love someone, the other person must have a mutual interest. While the easy way out is to suggest, “if this was meant to be, we’d still be together.” Yet, love is much more complicated. As individuals change, they either grow closer or further apart. This is how the first stanza ends. When couples don’t share common goals, ideals, and interests, daily conversations become superficial and fade away.

Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong?
Why we never last for very long
What are we doin’ wrong?
Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one night?
If we could just get to it
I know we could break through it

James is referring to someone he is dated more than once. This on again off again relationship is taking an emotional toll on James. This connection appears to be built upon the physical. Subsequently, the magic of one date doesn’t last. Perhaps, due to a lack of vision for the future, this couple falls into the same unhealthy patterns that led to their initial break up.

Hmm-hmm

I gave my all
But I think my all may have been too much
‘Cause Lord knows we’re not getting anywhere
Seems we’re always blowin’
Whatever we’ve got goin’
And it seems at times with all we’ve got
We haven’t got a prayer

When you want something so badly, you try to become the person whom you love wants you to be. Then when the true you is revealed, there is resistance. If you’re honest with yourself like James, you’ll realize that the two of you aren’t compatible. This may explain the comment “we haven’t got a prayer.”

Just once
Can we figure out what we keep doin’ wrong?
Why the good times never last for long
Where are we goin’ wrong?
Just once
Can’t we find a way to finally make it right?
To make the magic last for more than just one night?
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it

James is doing everything in his power to save this relationship, hoping for some sort of spark to reignite love. The only question is do both sides want to fight and save this relationship?

Just once
I want to understand
Why it always comes back to goodbye
Why can’t we get ourselves in hand
And admit to one another
We’re no good without each other?
Take the best to make it better
Find a way to stay together

When you are about to get dumped, these are the thoughts of someone who doesn’t want to let go of love. Common sense doesn’t work in relationships when the other person has already made up their mind.

Just once
Can we find a way to finally make it right?
(Whoa!)
Make the magic last for more than just one night?
I know we could break through it
If we could just get to it
Just once

Whoa-oh
We can get through it
Just once

This final portion of the lyrics is like saying a Hail Mary, hoping that God will somehow salvage and save your relationship.

Final Thoughts:

Just Once is part of one of the saddest movie endings. In the final scene of the 1982 film The Last American Virgin, a high school student finds his girlfriend making out with another boy. As he abruptly leaves this party in tears, Just Once plays as he drives home. Unless you’re a rock star or super model, this one scene demonstrates the pain of love that James sings about and most human beings have personally endured.

by Jay Mankus

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