Tag Archives: freedom

The Message Behind the Music-July 7

Posted on July 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Neil Diamond’s America

Inspiration Behind America:

Neil Diamond’s America was spawn from real-life immigration stories of his grandparents. The storm mentioned in the lyrics are symbolic of persecution and hardship in Eastern Europe they faced which conceived a desire to seek a better life in the United States. In a world of darkness, despite the negative remarks from politicians seeking to divide this nation. America remains a beacon of hope to the less fortunate scattered throughout the globe.

Biblical Application:

Then they cried out to the Lord in their trouble, and he brought them out of their distress. 29 He stilled the storm to a whisper; the waves of the sea[b] were hushed.30 They were glad when it grew calm, and he guided them to their desired haven, Psalm 107:28-30.

Exegesis of America:

Far,
We’ve been traveling far
Without a home
But not without a star

Diamond appears to be referring to World War II in Europe when families fled to displaced persons’ zones to seek refuge. The star was the hope of migrating to America.

Free,
Only want to be free
We huddle close
Hang on to a dream

Freedom fueled this journey, Families stuck together as they hung onto this dream of coming to America.

On the boats and on the planes
They’re coming to America
Never looking back again,
They’re coming to America

This dream was about to become a reality.

Home
Don’t it seem so far away
Oh, we’re traveling light today
In the eye of the storm
In the eye of the storm

This quest for a new home wasn’t easy, facing trials along the way.

Home
To a new and a shiny place
Make our bed and we’ll say our grace
Freedom’s light burning warm
Freedom’s light burning warm

This home was the beginning of the American dream. God is thanked for having a place to rest. This is the experience of freedom, far different from the lives they left behind.

Everywhere around the world
They’re coming to America
Ev’ry time that flag’s unfurled
They’re coming to America

The American dream is not dead. People around the world view America as a beacon of hope. This is why they come.

Got a dream to take them there
They’re coming to America
Got a dream they’ve come to share
They’re coming to America

When a member of one family arrived in America, this inspired other relatives to follow them.

They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
They’re coming to America
Today, Today,
Today, Today, Today

Immigrants come to America searching for a better life, even now 45 years after this songs’ release.

My country ’tis of thee (today)
Sweet land of liberty (today)
Of thee I sing (today)
Of thee I sing
Today, Today, Today
Today, today, today….

Using a snippet of a patriot song to drive home why people still want to come to America.

Final Thoughts:

In the last 2 years of my father’s life, he began to tell me how my grandfather helped him escape Lithuanian during World War II. This improbable journey coincides with struggles of Neil Diamond’s grandparents. When you have nothing as you flee for your life, freedom is a driving force to keep you going. This is the power of America, a dream that still exists throughout the world.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-July 3

Posted on July 3, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Veterans of the USA – The Goads

Inspiration Behind Veterans of the USA:

This Goads song formed out of a heartfelt tribute to the men and women who have served in the U.S. Armed Forces. The goal of Veterans of the USA was to honor the sacrifices, courage, and dedication of veterans, ensuring their stories and contributions are remembered. This inspiration conceived the lyrics which point to the meaning of the American flag as well as the blood that each shed to make freedom and independence possible.

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 Veterans of the USA:

“I PLEDGE ALLEGIANCE TO THE FLAG OF THE
UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND TO THE
REPUBLIC FOR WHICH IT STANDS, ONE
NATION UNDER GOD, INDIVISIBLE, WITH
LIBERTY AND JUSTICE FOR ALL.”

Children recite this pledge as if beginning another day in school.

We haven’t forgot the price you have paid. You have given us the freedom that we enjoy today. And every day I thank my God for sending those like you. You cared for the petty child and for the dreams of me and you.

A reflection of what it means to serve in the United States military. Today’s existence is based upon the sacrifices from men and women in the past. These brave human beings did this for future generations.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

The America flag is compared to bloodshed and bruises from previous battles. The white stars represent former members of the armed forces. The chorus serves as a call for gratitude and praise for all veterans.

We thank the families who gave their precious gift the cause was greater than all your fears. And when the flag raised high, oh yea, our hearts are filled with pride, you’re the reason that America is still alive.

Military families are often forgotten, especially when a daughter or son dies while serving. Despite the fear of losing a child, the cause was greater. The bravery of these veterans should elicit American pride and thanksgiving.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

Perhaps, this comparison of the American flag is referring to a military funeral where a family is given a flag by one of the active members of their military branch.

And I know that there are so many of you standing with all of those today so we take this moment to say thank you for freedom in the USA, YEA.

Supporters of the Armed Forces, taking a moment to remember and celebrate the individuals who have made American freedom possible.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

This song concludes with back-to-back choruses. Expressing gratitude and praise.

The red is for the blood, the blue is for the bruise, white is for the eyes who have fought for me and you. So we lift our hearts today filled with gratitude and praise for the Veterans of the USA.

This chorus gives the American flag a new meaning and appreciation.

Final Thoughts:

I discovered Veterans in the USA while in college. I believe I bought this at a Christian music outlet in Ohio. Since my father was a captain in the Army during the Vietnam War, this song holds a special place in my heart. As America celebrates July 4th tomorrow, may the lyrics of the Veterans of the USA moves you as it has touched my heart.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 19-What You Play For

Posted on January 19, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2008 film “The Express: The Ernie Davis Story”

Bible Verse of the Day:

It is for freedom that Christ has set us free. Stand firm, then, and do not let yourselves be burdened again by a yoke of slavery, Galatians 5:1.

Biblical Connection:

Ernie Davis became the first African American to win the Heisman Trophy. However, the Express focuses on the relationship between Ernie Davis and Ben Schwartzwalder, his football coach at Syracuse University from 1958-1962. While the United States will celebrate Martin Luther King Day tomorrow for his work fighting for Civil Rights, athletes like Ernie Davis became one of the first to break color barrier in football. The attached final scene points to what Ernie Davis played football for: to share his God given talents and to make it easier for black football athletes to play the game that he loved.

Just as Ernie Davis fought for future African American athletes who wanted to play college football, the apostle Paul wanted to see Christians live in freedom from a spiritual yoke of slavery. A religious sect known as the Judaizers infiltrated the Galatian Church. These Jewish Christians sought to alter the teachings of Christ. The Judaizers disregarded Moses’ words in Deuteronomy 4:2, forcing non-Jewish Christians to become circumcised. The Judaizers sought to make Christianity more Jewish by adding rigid practices of Judaism. This is the yoke of slavery that the apostle Paul addresses in today’s Bible verse.

Closing Song:

When you do fail in life, don’t beat yourself up. Rather, lean on the promises of the Bible which will lead you to freedom in Christ, Lamentations 3:21-23.

by Jay Mankus

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When God Comes Looking for You

Posted on March 25, 2023 by expressyourself4him

There are 42 parables of Jesus recorded in the Bible. However, when you consider that Jesus spent the last three years of His life on earth preparing 12 disciples to become spiritual leaders of the church, Jesus told many more, John 21:25. One of the most famous parables is found in Luke 15 where 3 separate stories build upon one another. God goes after a lost sheep, searches for a valuable family heirloom and waits on the front porch for a prodigal son to come home.

Then the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together and made themselves apronlike girdles. 8 And they heard the sound of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day, and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God among the trees of the garden. 9 But the Lord God called to Adam and said to him, Where are you? – Genesis 3:7-9

The first two residents on earth lived in paradise, calling a lush garden watered by tropical springs their home. Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before Eve pressed her luck, seeking to go beyond the boundaries set by God in Genesis 2:15-17. Having just one rule to abide by sounds like freedom, but a serpent planted a seed within Eve’s mind that God was holding them back. Justification and rationalization led the way to eat from the forbidden tree.

 He said, I heard the sound of You [walking] in the garden, and I was afraid because I was naked; and I hid myself. 11 And He said, Who told you that you were naked? Have you eaten of the tree of which I commanded you that you should not eat? 12 And the man said, The woman whom You gave to be with me—she gave me [fruit] from the tree, and I ate, Genesis 3:10-12.

The moment this couple took their first bite, innocence was lost. Conviction, guilt, and shame consumed each of their souls, causing Adam and Eve to hide from God. This is when God comes looking for you, hoping that you may come to your senses quickly. Yet, rebels often learn the hard way, too proud to be seen in their current condition. If you find yourself slip sliding away, drifting further and further from the Lord, God will use others to gather a search party so like the lost sheep and prodigal son, you too will return soon.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 253: Free

Posted on October 12, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Freedom has been a constant struggle for lower class citizens, peasants and slaves through history. Israel spent 400 years under the oppressive rule of Pharaohs in Egypt. Yet, when Moses finally led Israel out of this state into the wilderness, it didn’t take long for bickering, complaining and grumbling to begin. Ginny Owens sings about joy the freedom brings in her hit song Free,

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

Ginny is best known for her song “If You Want Me To.” Meanwhile, she also recorded a song called Blessed with Cindy Morgan which also gained national recognition. Despite these songs, I decided to select Free as all Christians wrestle with some sort of unhealthy addiction, bad habit or sinful craving. May Ginny’s song and the apostle Paul’s advice in Galatians 5:7 help you to finally break free to a better place in life.

by Jay Mankus

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An Eagle’s Perspective on Life

Posted on August 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

As someone who grew up 30 minutes from South Philadelphia, whenever an eagle is brought up, I immediately think of the National Football League franchise “the Philadelphia Eagles.” Meanwhile, the bald eagle became the iconic emblem of the United States on June 20th, 1782. While the eagle represents freedom in America, the Bible provides an eagle’s perspective on life.

Even youths shall faint and be weary, and [selected] young men shall feebly stumble and fall exhausted; 31 But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired, Isaiah 40:30-31.

Prior to the invention of drones, eagles would provide a bird’s eye of the earth. One Old Testament prophet compares the Lord to a mature eagle. Although young Christians become exhausted, tired and weak, the power of the Holy Spirit will rise you up by renewing your strength. The above passage serves as a promise from God whenever you feel like you don’t have the energy to take another step in life.

Then I [looked and I] saw a solitary eagle flying in midheaven, and as it flew I heard it crying with a loud voice, Woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth, because of the rest of the trumpet blasts which the three angels are about to sound! – Revelation 8:13

Yet, the title of today’s blog comes from a vision from John the Revelator. Following the 4th of seven tribulations in the book of Revelation, John sees an eagle flying solo. After scanning the devastation from the first 4 tribulations, this eagle cries out in a loud voice. Like a news video after a natural disaster, this eagle’s perspective on life serves as a cautionary tale of the troubling times ahead in the end of days.

by Jay Mankus

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S.A.N.S. Episode 179: Freedom

Posted on July 30, 2022 by expressyourself4him

In their prime, Mylon & Broken Heart had a little bit of Elvis Pressley in their music, dress and hairdo included. Mylon R. LeFevre was one of the pioneers in Christian music which likely explains his induction into the Gospel Music Hall of Fame. As a teenager in the 1980’s Mylon & Broken Heart served as a good transitional band to go from listening to secular music to Christian artists.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

The attached video is from an old concert where Mylon speaks from his heart about freedom that comes from entering into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ. While some of Mylon’s classic tunes haven’t aged well, the biblically based lyrics still speak to my heart. I could have chosen from a dozen songs to share, but freedom in Christ is life altering that everyone needs to experience.

by Jay Mankus

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Not Just a Holiday

Posted on July 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The first official federal holiday in the United States was not enacted until 1870. This initial legislation recognized four holidays: Easter, Independence Day, Thanksgiving, and Christmas. Due to secularism and the modern interpretation of the separation of Church and State, these religious holidays have been watered down over the years. July 4th was declared a day of prayer and thanksgiving for being free.

In [this] freedom Christ has made us free [and completely liberated us]; stand fast then, and do not be hampered and held ensnared and submit again to a yoke of slavery [which you have once put off], Galatians 5:1.

The Chinese were the first to invent fireworks, sometime between 960 and 1279 AD. The original intent of fireworks was to ward off evil spirits. Yet, the Chinese set off fireworks to celebrate the Emperor’s birthday and other major holidays. This tradition was embraced by the United States on July 8th, 1776, following America’s Declaration of Independence. July 4th, 1777 was the first official Independence Day highlighted by the firing of guns, cannons, bonfires and fireworks in Philadelphia which was America’s first capital.

For [if we are] in Christ Jesus, neither circumcision nor uncircumcision counts for anything, but only faith activated and energized and expressed and working through love. 7 You were running the race nobly. Who has interfered in (hindered and stopped you from) your heeding and following the Truth? – Galatians 5:6-7

The Bible speaks of a different type of Independence Day in Romans 10:9-11. In the passage above, the apostle Paul writes about the external and internal forces that limits a Christian’s spiritual freedom. Paul goes on to blame this on human nature, pointing the finger on sinful desires of the flesh, Galatians 5:16-18. As you turn out to watch fireworks ceremonies throughout the nation, don’t neglect the freedom that can only be found in Jesus Christ.

by Jay Mankus

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There’s No Need for Disinformation

Posted on June 4, 2022 by expressyourself4him

The Department of Homeland Security recently announced news of a new Disinformation Governance Board. When an old Tiktok video of the individual selected to oversee this board surfaced, the credibility of this Disinformation Board was immediately put into question. Meanwhile, a tweet by Jeff Bezos called out President Biden for his own disinformation about a false statement on Covid-19 vaccines.

I have no greater joy than this, to hear that my [spiritual] children are living their lives in the Truth, 3 John 1:4.

According to one of Jesus’ former disciples, the Bible has its own plan for dealing with disinformation. At the beginning of one of his last recorded letters, John’s greatest joy as a Christian is to see people, he spiritually mentored to live their lives in the truth of the Bible. Since the Bible contains supernatural power as a living document, Hebrews 4:12, disinformation is exposed by the light of God’s Word.

So Jesus said to those Jews who had believed in Him, If you abide in My word [hold fast to My teachings and live in accordance with them], you are truly My disciples. 32 And you will know the Truth, and the Truth will set you free, John 8:31-32.

Years earlier, John was present when Jesus told his disciples that spiritual truth will set you free. While disinformation, gossip, and rumors continue today, Christians who shine the light and love of Jesus will convict the hearts of those trying to control your speech. Despite the algorithms designed by social media sites that favor progressive ideas, living your life in the Truth will expose disinformation as its espoused.

by Jay Mankus

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It Takes Two to Tango

Posted on July 30, 2021 by expressyourself4him

The tango dance originated in lower-class districts of Buenos Aires, Argentina and Montevideo, Uruguay. Dances from the candombe ceremonies hasve influenced this popular style of ballroom dancing. As a teenager, whenever I got in trouble at school, one of my teachers used the expression “it takes two to tango.” While I knew nothing of the song written by Al Hoffman and Dick Manning and sung by Pearl Bailey, she was referring to my partner in crime.

And it was not Adam who was deceived, but [the] woman who was deceived and deluded and fell into transgression, 1 Timothy 2:14.

Apparently, the apostle Paul used a similar expression while writing a first century letter to a teenage pastor. In the passage above, Eve is blamed for original sin. According to Paul, Eve was deceived and deluded prior to taking a bite of this forbidden fruit. Adam is portrayed as an innocent bystander, persuaded by his wife to join her. Instead of reminding his wife of God’s only rule in the Garden of Eden, Adam goes with the flow by taking a bite too.

For if because of one man’s trespass (lapse, offense) death reigned through that one, much more surely will those who receive [God’s] overflowing grace (unmerited favor) and the free gift of righteousness [putting them into right standing with Himself] reign as kings in life through the one Man Jesus Christ (the Messiah, the Anointed One). 18 Well then, as one man’s trespass [one man’s false step and falling away led] to condemnation for all men, so one Man’s act of righteousness [leads] to acquittal and right standing with God and life for all men, Romans 5:17-18.

In another letter to the Church at Rome, Adam doesn’t escape justice. As the spiritual leader of his house, Adam failed. Despite having nearly unlimited freedom in this beautiful land, Adam was willing to God. Subsequently, Adam’s mental lapse ruined God’s initial plan to live forever. As soon as Lucifer gained authority over the earth, Ephesus 2:2, God’s master plan is laid out in Genesis 3:15. This prophecy was fulfilled by Jesus as sin often takes two people to tango.

by Jay Mankus

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