Tag Archives: life

The Message Behind the Music-January 11

Posted on January 11, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Go:

The lyrics of Go express self-discovery during times of uncertainty in life. As this world is constantly changing, sometimes human beings need to be nudged in the form of a call to action to avoid feelings of regret. Meanwhile, Go addresses the topics of being caught in between a series of emotions. Instead of giving into apathy and procrastination, the writer wants listeners to make a decision by stop wasting precious time.

Biblical Application:

In the same way, faith by itself, if it is not accompanied by action, is dead. 18 But someone will say, “You have faith; I have deeds.” Show me your faith without deeds, and I will show you my faith by my deeds. 19 You believe that there is one God. Good! Even the demons believe that—and shudder, James 2:17-19.

Exegesis of Go:

Dig for victory, go for gold
I don’t wanna die before I get old
And I wonder where I’m going to
There’s some way out, there’s some way through

Seize the moments that you have while you are young. If you chase after your dreams now, you won’t have any regrets when you are older.

But I’m lost, I’m lost, I’m down again
My direction is changing, which way
Which way can I go?

Failure has a way of derailing hopes for greatness in life. If you decide to quit or stop pursuing a goal in life, uncertainty will consume your soul.

Get up and go

Stop wasting time. Make a decision and move on.

You start me up, you slow me down
No one can deny, you get around
When you’re hot, you’re cold, you’re in between
Keep asking myself, what does it mean?

This stanza addresses distractions in life. Whether this is a relationship that is on again and off again or words of discouragement, this is what you should expect if you want to succeed.

And I walk that tightrope, you should know
I’m losing my balance, maybe
Maybe I should go

Don’t hang on to your past. Make up your mind so you can press on with your future.

Get up and go
Just go
Get up and go

Stop hesitating and just go to pursue your next phase in life.

Face to face in sympathy
But now you turn your back on me
Turn a card and win, but you may lose
Fate only has that right to choose

Life isn’t fair. Some people are lucky, others get good breaks. The average and less gifted have to work harder than anyone else to reach their desired destination.

If you’re right, leave me here, I’ll die alone
You’ve got the time, you’ve just got time
You’ve got the time, just go

You’ll never know an outcome until you try. Don’t be afraid of failure. Face your fears and go.

Get up and go
Just go

Another call for action.

Get up and go
Just go
Just go
Get up and go

As Nike once said, “Just do it!”

Final Thoughts:

Asia was one of my favorite bands in Junior High School. Despite entering high school at 5 feet tall and 100 pounds soaking wet, I never let this interfere with chasing my dreams as an athletic. Although I didn’t reach all of my goals, I kept working to reach new heights. Go was an inspirational song that kept me improving as an athletic and now as a person.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 9

Posted on January 9, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Here I Go Again:

The lyrics of Here I Go Again were conceived out of David Coverdale’s personal experiences following the breakup and subsequent divorce from his first wife. While staying in Portugal, loneliness and depression led David to compose a song about resilience and self-discovery. While reflecting upon this emotional journey, Here I Go Again has become an anthem for anyone facing adversity in life.

Biblical Application:

But we have this treasure in jars of clay to show that this all-surpassing power is from God and not from us. 8 We are hard pressed on every side, but not crushed; perplexed, but not in despair; 9 persecuted, but not abandoned; struck down, but not destroyed, 2 Corinthians 4:7-9.

Exegesis of Here I Go Again:

I don’t know where I’m going
But, I sure know where I’ve been
Hanging on the promises
In songs of yesterday
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wasting no more time
Here I go again
Here I go again

David has finally made a decision to let go of his first marriage. Rather than continue to dwell on what he lost, he’s ready to move on, stop wasting time and start a new relationship.

Though I keep searching for an answer
I never seem to find what I’m looking for
Oh Lord, I pray
You give me strength to carry on
‘Cause I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

David is tired of being alone. After a time of healing and reflection, he is ready to start over again. With God’s help, David will be able to follow the dreams that he has put on hold for now.

And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I’ve ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wasting no more time

David doesn’t mind being single. Possessing a strong sense of individualism, he’s a leader who has a certain way that he wants to live his life now.

I’m just another heart in need of rescue
Waiting on love’s sweet charity
And I’m gonna hold on for the rest of my days
‘Cause I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

David acknowledges that his heart isn’t fully recovered from his divorce. David wants to wait on love rather than force himself into another relationship.

And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I’ve ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wasting no more time
But here I go again

The chorus repeats David’s decision to move on.

Here I go again
Here I go again
Here I go

Despite being single, David is going to press on with his life.

‘Cause I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

There is a certain stubbornness that rock stars exhibit. Despite being alone, David is going to keep on living life like he did before getting married.

And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I’ve ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone
And I’ve made up my mind
I ain’t wasting no more time

David is tired of wasting time.

And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I’ve ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone

David has accepted his current situation.

‘Cause I know what it means
To walk along the lonely street of dreams

Waiting for your dreams to come true can be frustrating.

And here I go again on my own
Going down the only road I’ve ever known
Like a drifter I was born to walk alone

David accepts being single and doesn’t mind doing and going where he wants.

Final Thoughts:

Although the end of Here I Go Again contains repetitive lyrics, this song explores recovering from a divorce. Being out on tour traveling the country and world keeps your mind busy. Yet, the key to a full recovery is making sure you’ve done everything in your power to salvage a relationship. Once you’ve done all that you can do, this is in God’s hands. From here it’s time to heal and move on.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: April 9-Giving to a Friend in Need

Posted on April 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1993 film “Sandlot”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Whoever is kind to the poor lends to the Lord, and he will reward them for what they have done, Proverbs 19:17.

Biblical Connection:

As a former baseball player and coach, Sandlot is one of those classic baseball movies to pass down to the next generation of ball players. While James Earl Jones plays Mr. Mertle, he is the owner of Hercules, the baseball eating dog who the boys in Sandlot refer to as the Beast. After Scotty Smalls accidentally takes his father’s ball signed by Babe Ruth to play with the boys, it ends up in Mr. Mertle’s backyard which sets the scene for today’s video clip.

The older I get, the more I realize that I don’t need the things that I have amassed and collected over the years. As I’m about to move for the second time in three years, I find myself willing to give away some of my collections. Perhaps, this is what went through James Earl Jones’ mind playing Mr. Mertle. Realizing the trouble that Scotty was in with his father, Mr. Mertle was willing to let go one of his prized possessions. In return, all Mr. Mertle requested was companionship talking baseball.

Closing Song:

When you give out of the goodness inside your heart, there’s not many better feelings like this in life. While the Bible, church and your parents may have encouraged you to give, this I something that I’ve learned through the tugging on my heart. The next time you have the opportunity, give to a friend or stranger in need.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: March 11-For Better or For Worse

Posted on March 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Trailor from 2019 ESPN 30 for 30″For Better or For Worse”

Bible Verse of the Day:

 In your struggle against sin, you have not yet resisted to the point of shedding your blood. 5 And have you completely forgotten this word of encouragement that addresses you as a father addresses his son? It says, “My son, do not make light of the Lord’s discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you,6 because the Lord disciplines the one he loves, and he chastens everyone he accepts as his son,” Hebrews 12:4-6.

Biblical Connection:

I had close friends who lived in the suburbs of Detroit, Michigan when Dennis Rodman played for the Pistons. As a rookie on the team that became labeled the Bad Boys of the National Basketball Association, Dennis took on the persona of teammate Bill Laimbeer. In his early years, Dennis was a scrappy player who cared more about getting loose balls and rebounds than scoring. This defensive minded mentally allowed Dennis to become the perfect spark off the bench to ignite this team. Dennis’ high energy led the Pistons to back-to-back NBA titles.

Years later, I was running Michael Jordan’s Golf Shop in O’Hare International Airport when Rodman joined the Chicago Bulls. While attending Willow Creek Community Church, Lee Strobel began a sermon series on What Would God Say to Famous People? Dennis Rodman was one of these individuals. Strobel revealed that Dennis was never disciplined by anyone in his life until he stole something from a host family in college. Dennis cried like a baby as no one ever loved him enough to explain to him right from wrong. This is the backstory to ESPN’s For Better or For Worse.

Closing Song:

When individuals follow their human nature throughout life, they end up living a colorful life like Dennis Rodman. However, if you want to avoid the pain of making poor decisions day after day, reach out to help a friend to keep them from the error of their ways like Dennis, James 5:19-20.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: January 2-Avoid Repeating the Mistakes of Your Past

Posted on January 2, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 2000 film “Remember the Titans”

Passage of the Day:

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did, 1 Corinthians 10:6.

Biblical Connection:

The context of today’s video takes place in dormitories near Gettysburg, Pennsylvania. The T.C. Williams High School football team is the middle of training camp, away from their home in Alexandria, Virginia. This decision was made to avoid the distractions of desegregation taking place in the early 1970’s as T.C. Williams began the integration process. An all-black school and all-white school were consolidated to become one, T.C. Williams High School. As Coach Yoast played by Will Patton is demoted from head to assistant coach, this only increases the racial tension as Denziel Washington, Coach Boone, is elevated to the top position. The early morning jog followed by Denziel’s emotional plea is designed to bring his team together before racial divide tears it apart.

The Biblical connection to this video comes from the apostle Paul who wrote letters to the Church at Corinth. These first century epistles were sent to help new churches grow or get back on track if Paul received news of Christians reverting back to their former way of life prior to entering into a personal relationship with Jesus. The context of 1 Corinthians 10:1-5 is a brief history of past errors, mistakes and sins committed by the nation of Israel. Just as Denziel Washington addresses bigotry, hatred, and stereotypes in his speech, each choice that you make leads to either life or death, Deuteronomy 30:15-18. As 2025 begins its second day, strive to learn from your past mistakes. Don’t continue down a path of self-destruction. Rather, take a lesson from the dead, learn from their past failures so that living the abundant life that Jesus promised is possible this year.

Closing Song:

An interactive blog to engage our culture in 2025 by Jay Mankus.

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S.A.N.S. Episode 96: How You Live

Posted on May 7, 2022 by expressyourself4him

Point of Grace started out as a female quartet in 1991. The current trio consists of Shelley Breen, Denise Jones, and Leigh Cappillino with Terry Jones leaving in 2003 to spend more time with her family. Point of Grace had a run of success as one of the top female Christian bands for a decade. While I don’t own many of their albums, Life, Love and Other Mysteries is by far my favorite.

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 [b]overflows), John 10:10.

Today’s featured song How You Live reminds me the words of Jesus in the passage above. When you’re feeling down and need a little something to boost your energy, many turn to music for inspiration. Like my ride home from work on a Friday afternoon, blasting the radio as high as possible is a great way to blow off steam. May the lyrics of How You Live encourage and motivate you to draw closer to Jesus.

by Jay Mankus

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I’m Sick of It

Posted on April 18, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Every once in a while a song will speak to me.  The timing is perfect, preparing you for the lyrics about to be sung.  Whether its a coincidence, divine intervention or fate, this message connects with your soul.  Such is the case of Skillet’s song Sick of It.

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy. I came that they may have life and have it abundantly, John 10:10.

The opening stanza speaks to people struggling with life.  This appeals to those who keep trying to make there life better without any signs of improvement on the horizon.  Like a boxer on the verge of giving up training for a big fight, progress will determine if you continue.  Anyone who is tired of losing often throws in the towel before letting things play out.
His divine power has granted to us all things that pertain to life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us to his own glory and excellence, 2 Peter 1:3.
In the film Shawshank Redemption, Andy Dufresne played by Tim Robbins has a I’m sick of it moment.  Frustrated by the injustice he has endured, Dufresne finds himself at a crossroads in life with one of two choices to make.  “Either get busy living or get busy dying.”  This same question must be addressed by anyone sick of their current situation.  May you choose life.

by Jay Mankus

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Just Another Part of Life

Posted on April 10, 2017 by expressyourself4him

Christopher Bullock was one of the first Americans to coin the phrase, “there are 2 certainties in life: death and taxes.”  In a letter written by Benjamin Franklin following the creation of the United States Constitution, Franklin relayed this painful reality in 1789.  Thus, every April Americans scramble to collect paperwork to meet the filing deadline.  Yes, taxes is just another part of life.

And the dust returns to the earth as it was, and the spirit returns to God who gave it, Ecclesiastes 12:7.

Modern quotes have added one more element: life, death and taxes.  Unfortunately, death is one of those topics most people shy away from talking about.  The idea of never being able to see or talk to someone for the rest of your life is scary.  This fear places future conversations on hold until accidents, illness or old age arrives unexpectedly.  Funerals force the issue as human beings return to the same dust from which God created Adam.

And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also, John 14:3.

The older you get, it seems like weddings are replaced by funerals, bringing the reality of death to the forefront.  Yet, if you listen to the clergy who perform these ceremonies, there is an assumption that everyone goes to heaven.  I guess celebrating eternal damnation doesn’t draw a large crowd so the other choice is a better option.  While death is a certainty, heaven is not guaranteed.  Therefore, before you leave this earth, make sure your reservation is secured, Romans 10:9-10.

by Jay Mankus

 

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A Constitutional Crisis

Posted on March 31, 2017 by expressyourself4him

“We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal, that they are endowed by their Creator with certain unalienable Rights, that among these are Life, Liberty and the pursuit of Happiness”

The words above were crafted by the founding fathers of the United States of America.  Unfortunately, as times have changed worldviews have challenged citizens to reconsider their beliefs.  Subsequently, a constitutional crisis has arisen.  Do you hold to the originalists of the the past or view the constitution as a living document, open to interpretation?

When the Spirit of truth comes, he will guide you into all the truth, for he will not speak on his own authority, but whatever he hears he will speak, and he will declare to you the things that are to come, John 16:13.

This current dilemma is creating a divide, splitting people into one of two categories.  Individuals either seek to uphold the law and do what’s right in their own mind.  This progressive mindset is causing some representatives within cities, counties and states to embrace illegal aliens, trying to establish sanctuary areas.  Although the motives may be pure, these leaders are actually aiding and abetting some criminals in the name of social justice.

In those days Israel had no king; everyone did as they saw fit, Judges 17:6.

Any time laws and regulations are seen as optional, chaos often ensues.  This sort of arbitrary enforcement can lead to confusion, favoritism and loopholes.  In some cases, police officers are viewed as the enemy, an obstruction to freedom.  If this social climate spreads, hope for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness fades.  As America struggles to get back on track, may God help us all before a constitution crisis destroys the future of this land of opportunity.

by Jay Mankus

 

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Slowing Down to Serve

Posted on July 20, 2016 by expressyourself4him

The concept “eye of the tiger” was introduced by the Rocky Series of movies.  Meredith Burgess plays Mick, Sylvester Stallone’s boxing trainer.  When Rocky becomes focused, he develops an eye like a tiger on the prowl.  Thus, in the 1982 film Rocky 3, the group Survivor creates a theme song that highlights this concept.  Unfortunately, I find myself way too often in the zone like this song’s lyrics.  Obsessed with a project or task at hand, this state prevents me from slowing down to serve others.

A priest happened to be going down the same road, and when he saw the man, he passed by on the other side.  So too, a Levite, when he came to the place and saw him, passed by on the other side, Luke 10:31-32.

One day some religious leaders had a busy schedule to keep.  There were places to go, people to meet and lives to touch.  During their travels, some bystanders were overlooked, passed by and skipped over.  Thus, the beggar on the street corner was neglected again, not willing to change their course.  While Jesus refers to a priest and a Levite in the passage above, I see myself as a weekly offender, too busy to recognize the Samaritan in need of help.

But a Samaritan, as he traveled, came where the man was; and when he saw him, he took pity on him.  He went to him and bandaged his wounds, pouring on oil and wine. Then he put the man on his own donkey, brought him to an inn and took care of him, Luke 10:33-34.

The other night at work, I listened to the conviction of the Holy Spirit.  In the hour that followed,  I was amazed at the opportunities that God brought my way.  Before I knew it, I helped an associate with a scanner problem; then another with a question about life, love and marriage.  On any other evening, I wouldn’t have noticed these people.  However, whenever you slow down enough, its much easier to see how God can use you to serve others.

by Jay Mankus

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