Tag Archives: poetry

The Message Behind the Music-April 4

Posted on April 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Eurythmics, Annie Lennox, Dave Stewart – Here Comes The Rain Again (Remastered)

Inspiration Behind Here Comes the Rain Again:

The Eurythmics use rain to explore the human emotions of sadness and love. The saying “when it rains it pours” dates back to the 18th century. This analogy applies to sadness and love as well. The lyrics to Here Comes the Rain Again explores a desire for being connected to someone, longing for intimacy. The act of “wanting to dive into your ocean” highlights a yearning for emotional depth despite the daily turbulence of life.

Biblical Application:

Have mercy on me, O God, according to your unfailing love; according to your great compassion blot out my transgressions.2 Wash away all my iniquity and cleanse me from my sin, Psalm 51:1-2.

Exegesis of Here Comes the Rain Again:

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion

This stanza begins like a Deja vu experience. The falling rain triggers a new emotion.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

This new emotion is a desire for intimacy, walking hand in hand in the open wind. Sharing deep conversations, eager to know the other, asking do you have similar feelings.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

Open up to me. Don’t be afraid to be vulnerable.

Here comes the rain again
Raining in my hand like a tragedy
Tearing me apart like a new emotion

This next shower is a rainstorm that points to a trial, cutting like a knife

I want to breathe in the open wind
I want to kiss like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

She wants to take this relationship to the next level, asking, “do you feel like I do?”

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do
Walk with me
Like lovers do
Talk to me
Like lovers do

She is looking for a deeper commitment.

So baby, talk to me
Like lovers do

Tell me how you feel. Open up.

Ooh, yeah
Here it comes again
Ooh-ooh
Rain, rain, rain, rain, rain

This short stanza has a sexual tone. Not sure if this rain draws them together.

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like a new emotion
Here it goes again, here it goes again

Like the opening of this song, this woman is smitten by love, wanting more.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you? (Ooh, here it comes again)

She is honest about how she feels, waiting for a response.

Here comes the rain again (I said)
Falling on my head like a memory
Falling on my head like e new emotion (ooh, ooh yeah)

The more it rains, the greater her desire for intimacy.

I want to walk in the open wind
I want to talk like lovers do
Want to dive into your ocean
Is it raining with you?

Do you feel what I feel?

Here comes the rain again
Falling on my hand like a memory
Falling on my hand like a new emotion (hey)

If the timing is off in a relationship, she may move on before he realizes what he had.

Final Thoughts:

From my life experiences, the best relationships happen naturally. Whether it’s friendships that immediately emerge or people you click with, forcing the issue has never worked out for me. While people do change over time, leaning back on common interests can help maintain a relationship. Yet, when you do take a risk by becoming vulnerable as this song suggests, the end result may conceive a bond that lasts a lifetime.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-March 4

Posted on March 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Wasting Away:

The lyrics to Wasting Away would have fit into making New Year Resolutions, but this song addresses how people put off following their dreams. Instead of taking a chance to risk failure, fear is preventing action causing individuals to become idle. Tonight Alive attempts to inspire listeners to press beyond their emotional struggles to make their dreams comes true. This journey begins by setting daily goals that will lead an individual toward the desires on their heart.

Biblical Application:

Therefore, I urge you, brothers and sisters, in view of God’s mercy, to offer your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to God—this is your true and proper worship. 2 Do not conform to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is—his good, pleasing and perfect will, Romans 12:1-2.

Exegesis of Wasting Away:

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

The lyrics begin with a moment of reflection. This quickly vanishes as the fast pace of life is preventing time to dream. But the reality of this situation is the act of procrastinating.

Don’t tell me it’s too hard
You were never there from the start
I’m not about to give this up
Giving up was never enough, no

Excuses aren’t productive. You can’t say it’s too hard as you just got here. I’m not listening to your negativity. Giving up my dreams was never an option.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

This extended chorus urges listeners to stop standing around and start following your dreams.

And I never wished for anything more
Than to find what I’ve been looking for
And I swore to myself, I wouldn’t lie to myself
How could I let this happen?
So I pull myself aside
Take the time you tell myself it’s alright
‘Cause you weren’t there to dry my eyes

Dallas is talking about a friend, family member or partner who hasn’t been with her as she has tried to follow her dreams.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky, it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

Don’t just watch as your dreams are falling apart. Do something now, get involved and avoid useless excuses.

I’m wasting, wasting away
I’m wasting, I’m wasting away

Talking about wasting time isn’t helping your situation.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away

Slow down, set goals and start facing your fear of failure.

And so the sky becomes a dream
I never dreamt, because I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
And so the sky it watched my dreams
Fall to pieces right in front of me
‘Cause I’m just too busy
Waiting for nothing and wasting away
Wasting, wasting away, away

Insanity is doing the same thing over and over again yet expecting a different result. Wasting away in idleness isn’t going to make your dreams come true. Stop feeling sorry for yourself and start taking action.

Final Thoughts:

I am a big believer in following your dreams. I’ve written 4 screen plays and have an outline for a fifth. Meanwhile, I am creating an outline to turn one of these movies into a book. While I may not find a producer or publisher in my lifetime, at least I can say I accomplished these works of art. Don’t be an observer; be an active participate.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-February 16

Posted on February 16, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Endless Love:

Luther Vandross was searching for a song that would communicate profound, timeless and romantic love where you continue to discover the love of your life. Luther wants to acknowledge that he isn’t a player in these lyrics. Rather, this love is singular, investing his time and energy on the love of his life with the ultimate goal of having this love last a lifetime.

Biblical Application: (a duet of words between 2 people in love)

I am a rose[b] of Sharon, a lily of the valleys.

He

 Like a lily among thorns is my darling among the young women.

She

3 Like an apple[c] tree among the trees of the forest
    is my beloved among the young men.
I delight to sit in his shade,
    and his fruit is sweet to my taste.
4 Let him lead me to the banquet hall,
    and let his banner over me be love.
5 Strengthen me with raisins,
    refresh me with apples,
    for I am faint with love., Song of Solomon 2:1-5.

Exegesis of Endless Love:

My love, there’s only you in my life
The only thing that’s right
My first love (yeah), you’re every breath that I take
You’re every step I make

The opening stanza serves as a declaration of Luther’s love. Mariah responds with a mutual consent claiming that this is her first love. You are what I live for, always on my mind.

And I (and I)
I want to share all my love with you (hey, you)
No one else will do (mm-mm), you know it
And your eyes (your eyes, your eyes)
They tell me how much you care
Oh, yes, you will always be my endless love

Sometimes you reach a point in life when you find the right significant other. When you do, no one else compares to this special person. In this case, the feelings are mutual.

Two hearts, two hearts that beat as one
Our lives have just begun
And forever (forever)
I’ll hold you close in my arms
I can’t resist your charms
(No-no-no, no-no-no)

This couple is on the same page, sharing common goals, interests and a vision to be together. This bond has led to a special intimacy.

And love (and love)
I’ll be a fool for you
I’m sure (honey, I’m sure) you know I don’t mind
(Oh, you know I don’t mind)
‘Cause baby (baby, baby, baby)
You mean the world to me
Oh, I know I found in you my endless love

This relationship is unlike any that they have experienced. The fool comment is symbolic that I’m yours for a lifetime, I don’t care what anyone else says or thinks.

Oh, and love (love, love, love)
I’ll be that fool for you (for you, baby)
I’m sure (I’m so sure)
That you know I don’t mind
(You know, I don’t mind, I don’t mind) oh
And yes, you’ll be the only one
‘Cause no one, no one can deny
This love I have inside
And I’ll give it all to you

This stanza could serve as part of a marriage vow that declares a commitment to love for as long as they live.

My love
My love, my love (my, my, my)
My endless love
(Mm-mm) my, my

Words can’t express the love I have for you in my heart.

Final Thoughts:

The term generational sins are first introduced in the Bible by God in the Ten Commandments in Exodus 20:5. These commandments are centered around 2 calls to action. The first 5 center around loving God. The final 5 focus on loving others as a civil call to love outside of your home. When parents, grandparents or great grandparents make decisions to give up on love by seeking a divorce, you become more likely to follow in their footsteps. Subsequently, previous wrong actions from family members provide an escape clause to also abandon love. However, if divorce has not occurred within your family history, you’ll be more likely to perserve in your own marriage. When a couple decides to commit to endless love, divorce rate will decline. Yet, growing in love is hard work, messy and requires perseverance. May today’s blog inspire you to embrace endless love.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-January 25

Posted on January 25, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind My Generation:

After his Packard was towed, Pete Townsend reflected upon his life experiences growing up in Great Britain. The lyrics were inspired by the Queen Mother of England and by the Moses Allison song Young Man’s Blues. At the time My Generation was composed, Townsend was lost, struggling to find his place in this world. These are the emotions that spawned My Generation.

Biblical Application:

I took you from the ends of the earth, from its farthest corners I called you. I said, ‘You are my servant’; I have chosen you and have not rejected you. 10 So do not fear, for I am with you;  do not be dismayed, for I am your God. I will strengthen you and help you; I will uphold you with my righteous right hand, Isaiah 41:9-10.

Exegesis of My Generation:

People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we g-get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete is frustrated by the oppression he is experiencing. He doesn’t like the direction society is heading. Wishing to die before he grows old.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby

This is a microscopic depiction of Pete’s generation.

Why don’t you all fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
And don’t try to dig what we all s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to cause a big s-sensation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Questioning what’s going on in society is taboo. Authority figures see this as a sign of pessimism and rebellion. Don’t make such a fuss about current events. This is a glimpse of Pete’s generation.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby

This is how Pete sees his generation.

Why don’t you all fade away (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
And don’t try to dig what we all s-s-s-say (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m not trying to cause a big sensation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
I’m just talkin’ ’bout my g-g-g-generation (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete feels like society is trying to silence him. Perhaps, Pete is referring to the mentality, lets just sweep things under the rug and hope everything goes away instead of dealing with it.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My, my generation
My, my, my, my generation

The repetitive chorus underscores Pete’s perspective of his generation.

People try to put us d-down (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Just because we g-g-get around (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Things they do look awful c-c-cold (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)
Yeah, I hope I die before I get old (Talkin’ ’bout my generation)

Pete feels like he is being held back, stopping cultural progress. This is how he sees things.

This is my generation
This is my generation, baby
My, my, my, my g-g-gen-generation

Talkin’ about my generation
My generation
This is my generation, baby
My generation

This is my generation
This is my generation
This is my generation

The final 3 stanzas are an extended chorus. Pete is a voice singing about how other people his age see what is going on within his generation.

Final Thoughts:

As an individual part of Generation X, my thoughts on society are that work ethic is dying. Whether this is due to apathy, a lack of discipline or widespread egocentrism, most people would rather talk than work. Despite this current trend, I still believe that work ethic can be saved if individuals are held accountable and pushed to reach new heights.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-January 15

Posted on January 15, 2026 by expressyourself4him

The Inspiration Behind Dream On:

Steven Tyler’s father was a classical musician. Subsequently, when you are exposed to artists such as Bach and Chopin as a child, this influences how you want to create and compose modern-day music. This creative process began within a house in Foxboro, Massachusetts as band members from Aerosmith worked on their debut album. Steven had a vision for Dream On to include an orchestra arrangement with a dramatic progression to pick of the pace. The chorus for Dream On was conceived from Steven’s thoughts about life and desire to become a lead singer.

Biblical Application:

This is what the Lord says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my good promise to bring you back to this place. 11 For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the Lord, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. 12 Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. 13 You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. 14 I will be found by you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back from captivity.[b] I will gather you from all the nations and places where I have banished you,” declares the Lord, “and will bring you back to the place from which I carried you into exile,” Jeremiah 29:10-14.

Exegesis of Dream On:

Every time when I look in the mirror
All these lines on my face getting clearer
The past is gone
It went by like dusk to dawn

Steven is reflecting upon staring into a mirror, likely to practice singing. Whether as a child or aspiring lead singer, this time has passed, vanishing so quickly.

Isn’t that the way?
Everybody’s got their dues in life to pay, yeah

Sometimes people have to work in other areas of interest in life just to pay their bills before being able to pursue their dreams.

I know nobody knows
Where it comes and where it goes
I know and everybody sin
You got to lose to know how to win

Steven appears to refer to life as a series of trial and error to figure what they truly want to do in life as well as ascertaining right from wrong. You have to fail before you learn how to succeed.

Half my life’s in books’ written pages
Live and learn from fools and from sages
You know it’s true
All the feelings come back to you

Either Steven refers to life as a book in progress or half of his life is now history. As you live and learn from your past, you want to make sure you don’t keep making the same mistake over and over again.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Nobody knows the future. You may have a sense of what lies ahead tomorrow, but for now enjoy the present. If today is your last day on earth, make the most of it.

Well, sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

By repeating the chorus, Steven is inviting the audience to live in the moment.

Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true
Dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream until your dream come true

Don’t give up on your life’s aspirations. Don’t settle for what others what you to be. Rather, strive for the dreams, hopes and goals that God created you to fulfill in life.

Dream on, dream on, dream on, dream on
Dream on, dream on, dream on, ah!

Don’t ever give up on your dreams.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow, the good Lord will take you away

Seize the moment; enjoy this concert by singing with me.

Sing with me, sing for the year
Sing for the laughter and sing for the tear
Sing it with me, if it’s just for today
Maybe tomorrow the good Lord will take you away

Use singing as a vessel for healing.

Final Thoughts:

Everyone’s life is on a certain trajectory. You may be pleased with the direction you or currently going in or want to use 2026 as a year to transition in a different direction. Wherever you are in life, don’t settle for mediocracy. Instead, don’t be afraid to pursue your dreams and passions in life. While you may not succeed, you’ll never know if you don’t try.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

The Message Behind the Music-January 7

Posted on January 7, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Every Breath You Take:

Sting wrote Every Breath You Take while staying at Ian Fleming’s estate in Jamaica. Sting had just gone through a difficult divorce with Frances Tomelty. Based upon the lyrics, it appears that Sting did not want this relationship to end. When you are the individual who still holds out hope, you are eager to check to see if a second chance is possible. Unfortunately, when someone is unwilling to let go of a relationship, jealousy rears its ugly head. These are the emotions and feelings which conceived Every Breath You Take.

Biblical Application:

Stone is heavy and sand a burden, but a fool’s provocation is heavier than both. 4 Anger is cruel and fury overwhelming, but who can stand before jealousy? 5 Better is open rebuke than hidden love, Proverbs 27:3-5.

Exegesis of Every Breath You Take:

Every breath you take and every move you make
Every bond you break, every step you take I’ll be watching you
Every single day and every word you say
Every game you play, every night you stay I’ll be watching you

Sting appears to be obsessed with his former wife. When you miss someone so much, you can become irrational. This possessive nature conceived a stalker mentality.

Oh, can’t you see you belong to me?
How my poor heart aches with every step you take
Every move you make with every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake I’ll be watching you

Like any loving husband, Sting misses his former wife. Sting vents his frustration through his lyrics as a root of bitterness has filled his heart.

Since you’ve gone, I’ve been lost without a trace
I dream at night, I can only see your face
I look around, but it’s you I can’t replace
I feel so cold, and I long for your embrace
I keep crying, baby, baby, please

Sting can’t keep his former wife off his mind. He thinks about her so much that she is becoming part of his dreams at night. Sting is unable to let go of her, crying for and hoping she returns.

Mm, mm, mm, mm
Mm, mm

Oh, can’t you see you belong to me?
How my poor heart aches with every step you take
Every move you make and every vow you break
Every smile you fake, every claim you stake I’ll be watching you
Every move you make, every step you take I’ll be watching you

Depression fuels the lyrics. This obsession leads to surveillance and a desire to stay in control of this relationship.

I’ll be watching you (every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take) I’ll be watching you
(Every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay) I’ll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I’ll be watching you (every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay) I’ll be watching you
(Every breath you take, every move you make)
(Every bond you break, every step you take)
I’ll be watching you (every single day, every word you say)

Love has a way of making people crazy. Loneliness and frustration is leading Sting to bear his soul.

(Every game you play, every night you stay) I’ll be watching you
(Every move you make, every vow you break)
(Every smile you fake, every claim you stake)
I’ll be watching you (every single day, every word you say)
(Every game you play, every night you stay) I’ll be watching you

At some point in time, you have to let go of the past and move on. The time this take varies depending upon the individual and their situation.

Final Thoughts:

I had my heart broken on numerous occasions in high school. This led me to only date individuals in college that I could see myself marrying. Unfortunately, time changes everyone, sometimes for the better and others for the worse. This is why this vow is adopted into most Christian weddings. Nonetheless, if you do endure a divorce like Sting, ask God for healing and understanding. Once this is complete, you can begin to move on in life in a more constructive and positive manner.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Engaging Our Culture: February 13-The Language of Love

Posted on February 13, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1989 film “Dead Poets Society”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything, except to be thrown out and trampled underfoot.14 “You are the light of the world. A town built on a hill cannot be hidden,” Matthew 5:13-14.

Biblical Connection:

Dead Poets Society was filmed at nearby St. Andrews School in Middletown, Delaware while I was a student at the University of Delaware. As a former Poetry teacher at the High Scope Institute for Ideas in West Virginia, this movie holds a special place in my heart. Robin Williams is John Keating who returns to the prestigious boarding school that he attended. Rather than teach from a book, Keating leaves these hallowed halls to instill poetry as a way of life. Keating’s cutting edge active learning techniques inspire some of his students to restart the legendary Dead Poets Society.

Today’s scene urges students in Keating’ Poetry class to reflect upon what verse of poetry do they want to leave behind as their legacy. Jesus teaches a similar concept to a first century audience. However, the Sermon on the Mount begins with attitudes and qualities valued by God. When these beatitudes are demonstrated and lived out, God blesses those individuals who encapsulate specific biblical traits. Today’s featured Bible passages serve as a transition in Jesus’ sermon. As the salt of the earth and light of the world, love should naturally flow out of a Christian’s life. If a mouth speaks out of the overflow of one’s heart, Luke 6:45, let your heart be filled with God’s love.

Closing Song:

As you prepare for Valentine’s Day, take some time to fill your heart with God’s Word so that the love of Jesus will begin to naturally flow out of your heart via encouraging and uplifting words.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

Engaging Our Culture: January 23-Seize the Day

Posted on January 23, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Scene from the 1993 film “Rudy”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, 16 making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. 17 Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord’s will is, Ephesians 5:15-17.

Biblical Connection:

Daniel Eugene “Rudy” Ruettiger spent two years of his life studying and working harder than ever before. At this point in the movie, Rudy had gotten his GPA up high enough to be accepted at the University of Notre Dame. Upon arriving on campus, Rudy punishes his body day after day, making the football as a walk on. Yet, Rudy’s life didn’t turn out the way he had planned so he quit his lifelong dream. This sets the stage for a mentor to speak truth into his life. Charles Dutton plays Fortune who shares advice to encourage Rudy from making the same mistake as he did in the past.

In a letter to the Church at Ephesus, the apostle Paul is trying to impress upon first century Christians a sense of urgency. The Greek word Paul uses in verse 16 translates into redeeming time. Although Carpe Diem, seize the day, is not found in this passage, Paul alludes to this principle. Every day human beings are faced with choices and decisions that need to be made. According to Moses, choices either lead to life or death, Deuteronomy 30:15-17. Therefore, don’t let emotions dictate your decisions. Instead, be wise by keeping in step with the Holy Spirit to see God’s will out.

Closing Song:

As you renew your mind with the words of the Bible, Romans 12:2, God’s will for your life will begin to come into focus. Resist the urge to quit as progress in your faith journey is the process of arriving.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

S.A.N.S. Episode 6: Carry On

Posted on February 9, 2022 by expressyourself4him

If you are old enough, everyone has the favorite time of their lives. For me this was 1993 as I ventured west from Delaware to Minnesota to attend a youth ministry trade school. This 7-week intensive training program transformed my life and gave me an inner confidence that I could do anything. The friendships that I made along the way were a blessing. When my initial interview at a church in Rapid City, South Dakota didn’t go well, I spent a semester teaching at a boarding school in West Virginia.

O give thanks unto the Lord, call upon His name, make known His doings among the peoples! 2 Sing to Him, sing praises to Him; meditate on and talk of all His marvelous deeds and devoutly praise them, Psalm 105:1-2.

Little did I know that teaching Communications and Poetry would ignite a desire to write. I created an album entitled A Simple Confession with 12 songs and wrote a book of poems. Before the year was over, I was offered a full-time youth ministry position in Indiana and met Leanne, my wife at a national convention. Before leaving Minnesota, I came across an obscure band named Shadow Wings. After listening closely, I discovered Pat Benatar is a lead vocalist on the Carry On Album. While the attached link isn’t the greatest, I wanted to introduce you to the song Carry On by Shadow Wings.

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.

What a Will to Love Can Do for You

Posted on November 25, 2020 by expressyourself4him

Twenty five years ago I was initiated into a large family. At a Thanksgiving Dinner of nearly 100 relatives, I was a target of those who attended. “Wondering who is this guy who is going to marry Leanne,” I was introduced, interviewed, and grilled by complete strangers. After several hours of intense conversations, I passed this final test two days prior to our wedding.

Be gentle and forbearing with one another and, if one has a difference (a grievance or complaint) against another, readily pardoning each other; even as the Lord has [freely] forgiven you, so must you also [forgive], Colossians 3:13.

A quarter of a century ago, God was just beginning to reveal a special gift in me. This talent was first unveiled while teaching poetry at a boarding school in West Virginia. Thus, as I was finishing up the final details of our wedding, I wrote a paragraph about what love meant to me. After a couple of edits, this appeared in our wedding bulletin. This statement served as a testimony about the importance of the will to love in marriage.

And above all these [put on] love and enfold yourselves with the bond of perfectness [which binds everything together completely in ideal harmony]. 15 And let the peace (soul harmony which comes) from Christ rule (act as umpire continually) in your hearts [deciding and settling with finality all questions that arise in your minds, in that peaceful state] to which as [members of Christ’s] one body you were also called [to live]. And be thankful (appreciative), [giving praise to God always], Colossians 3:14-15.

The best way to define a will is something that you are bound to. In the context of marriage, this is a covenant that you enter in, promising “til death due us part.” Meanwhile, the Greek word for charity is φιλανθρωπία. The apostle Paul writes an entire chapter devoted to love in 1 Corinthians 13, a common Bible reading for weddings. Yet, if you want your marriage to last a lifetime, a will to love is the secret to maintaining my marriage for the past 25 years. Wishing my wife Leanne a Happy Anniversary. I love you!

by Jay Mankus

Leave a comment

Posted in Truth and tagged , , , , , , , , , , . Bookmark the permalink.
← Older Posts
→