Tag Archives: writing

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

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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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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

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The Message Behind the Music-January 5

Posted on January 5, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration Behind Changes:

While drummer Alan White wrote the passage at the beginning of Changes and led singer Jon Anderson contributed some lyrics, Trevor Rabin is the main composer. Changes is essentially the journey that Trevor experienced trying to break into the music industry. This South African songwriter, guitarist, and producer bounced around with Cinema, Foreigner and Yes, with many telling Trevor what they wanted him to do. After moving to America, Trevor was depressed as these emotions are expressed within this classic Yes song.

Biblical Application:

I do not understand what I do. For what I want to do I do not do, but what I hate I do. 16 And if I do what I do not want to do, I agree that the law is good. 17 As it is, it is no longer I myself who do it, but it is sin living in me. 18 For I know that good itself does not dwell in me, that is, in my sinful nature.[c] For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out, Romans 7:15-18.

Exegesis of Changes:

I’m moving through some changes
I’ll never be the same
Something you did touched me
There’s no one else to blame

Trevor could be referring to an opportunity that he passed on. Members of the band Foreigner wanted him to write songs that fit the genre and style of their band. Despite rejecting their offer, perhaps Trevor began to realize that he had potential and a bright future in America.

The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
We’ve given up pretending
As if you didn’t care

Trevor is either referring to a past relationship in South Africa or about former band members prior to his departure.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

Trevor had 3 opportunities with bands: Cinema, Foreigner and Yes. As one member is asked to leave, this opens the door for a new member to take their place. Perhaps, this is the good fortune that Trevor is writing about.

I look into the mirror
I see no happiness
All the warmth I gave you
Has turned to emptiness

The tone of this stanza reflects the depression that Trevor was dealing with when he wrote Changes. The lyrics suggest a lack of happiness within the band or within his own life.

The love we had has fallen
The love we used to share
You’ve left me here believing
In love that wasn’t there

Trevor appears to be referring to a relationship with another woman. Then again, the remark about you left me here believing could be a promise a band made to him that was never kept.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word can bring you round
Changes

Trevor mentions the concept of becoming grounded. I’m not sure if he’s thinking about staying humble, realistic or if he’s referring to the principle you reap what you sow. While you endure changes in your life, watch what you do or say so that you don’t regret this.

But when I look into your eyes
And try to find out how
There’s no way to save it now
And everything I feel
Changes
Keep looking for
Changes, changes

Changes can be good and healthy for you as long as you learn from your past mistakes.

For some reason you’re questioning why
I always believe it gets better
One difference between you and I
Your heart is inside your head

Trevor sings about a relationship where this individual is emotionally unstable, wearing their emotions on their sleeves. Trevor is learning about himself during this time of transition.

One word from you, one word from me
A clear design on your liberty
Who could believe when love has gone
How we move on like everyone

Relationships change as people change. When someone wants their freedom, Trevor has reached a point in his life where he’s willing to walk away by moving on with his life.

Only such fools
Only such jealous hearts
Only through love changes come

Jealousy and immaturity has a way of ending relationships. Yet, the love inside of one person can alter the course of a relationship, holding things together.

Change, changing places
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes

Seize the moments and opportunities that you have in life.

One road to loneliness
It’s always the same
One road to happiness
It’s calling your name
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Capitalize on this good fortune
One word can bring you round
Changes
Change, changing places, changes
Root yourself to the ground
Word to the wise
Well, you get what’s coming
One word, one word can bring you round
Changes

As you go through changes in life, you can become depressed or develop a more positive outlook on life. The choice of how you handle change is up to you.

Final Thoughts:

At the start of any New Year, it’s important to take an assessment of where you are in life. During this time of reflection, you may feel compelled to reach out to someone from your past either to apologize or just catch up with. As C.S. Lewis once wrote, “success is the process of arriving, not actually arriving.” Maintaining this outlook on life prevents apathy and overconfidence. Change is good as long as you continue to evolve by drawing closer to God,

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 4

Posted on January 4, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind Free Fallin’:

The lyrics of Free Fallin’ coincide with the first time Tom Petty stepped away from his band the Heart Breakers in 1988. As Tom begins his first attempt at a solo career on his own, the words to Free Fallin’ express the emotions of steeping away from the stable structure of the Heartbreakers. Free Fallin’ is the first song completed on Tom’s Full Moon Fever album. Petty viewed Free Fallin’ as a map for everything that follows on this album.

Biblical Application:

For the director of music. A psalm of David. When the prophet Nathan came to him after David had committed adultery with Bathsheba. 1 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.3 For I know my transgressions, and my sin is always before me.4 Against you, you only, have I sinned and done what is evil in your sight; so you are right in your verdict and justified when you judge, Psalm 51:1-4.

Exegesis of Free Fallin’:

She’s a good girl, loves her mama
Loves Jesus and America too
She’s a good girl, is crazy ’bout Elvis
Loves horses and her boyfriend too

Petty uses symbolism in Free Fallin’ to compare his own actions of leaving the Heart Breakers to a man breaking up with his girlfriend for selfish reasons.

And it’s a long day livin’ in Reseda
There’s a freeway runnin’ through the yard
And I’m a bad boy, ’cause I don’t even miss her
I’m a bad boy for breakin’ her heart

Either Tom is reflecting upon a recent relationship where he broke a woman’s heart or he’s blaming himself, calling himself a bad boy for ditching the Heart Breakers.

And I’m free
Free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Now on his own, Tom doesn’t have his old band members to fall back on for support. Rather, Tom expresses his fears of failure as well as the emotional toll this decision has taken on his soul.

And all the vampires walkin’ through the valley
Move west down Ventura Boulevard (Ventura Boulevard)
And all the bad boys are standin’ in the shadows
And the good girls are home with broken hearts

The Vampires are likely symbolic of the greedy members of the music industry who have a history of feeding on vulnerable band members, singers and songwriters. Whoever these evil indivudals are, they are hiding in the darkness to pounce on their next victim. These actions break the hearts of men and women.

And I’m free
I’m free fallin’
Yeah, I’m free
Free fallin’

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m

Being in unfamiliar territory as a solo artist, Petty is in a free fall, unsure of the future or where he may land after his first solo album post the Heart Breakers.

I wanna glide down over Mulholland (oh-ah)
I wanna write her name in the sky (oh-ah)
I’m gonna free fall out into nothin’ (oh-ah)
Gonna leave this world for a while (oh-ah)

Tom refers to cities or towns from his past, hoping for a smooth landing. Yet, Tom hints at reuniting with the Heart Breakers sometime in the future.

And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Yeah, I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)

Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Yeah, I’m free, free fallin’

Oh! (Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
And I’m free (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’) oh! (Now I’m)

Being on your own can be scary especially when you’re unsure that you made the right decision. These are the emotions that Tom Petty endured as he thought about his future.:

Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m)
Free fallin’, now I’m free fallin’, now I’m
Free fallin’ (free fallin’, now I’m free…)

Like anything in life, sometimes you have to hit rock bottom before you change your mind.

Final Thoughts:

If you haven’t seen Tom Petty’s documentary, it’s worth the watch, similar to the ordeals highlighted in Straight Out of Compton. Facing the future can be scary on your own. However, with God in your life, you have an advocate and friend to guide you along the way, 2 Peter 1:3-4. Yet, when you do stumble and fall like today’s Bible lesson, immediately seek reconciliation like David. However, if pride gets in the way, you’ll find yourself free falling like Tom Petty’s chorus.

by Jay Mankus

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The Message Behind the Music-January 1

Posted on January 1, 2026 by expressyourself4him

Inspiration behind New Year’s Day:

Bono was following the oppressive Polish government in the 1980’s. After declaring martial law throughout Poland, Nobel Peace Prize winner Lech Walesa challenged this decision. On July 22nd, 1983, Martial law in Poland was lifted, opening the door for democracy the following year. Using these current events to guide his lyrics, the music video highlights a war-torn country.

Biblical Application:

I remember my affliction and my wandering, the bitterness and the gall.20 I well remember them, and my soul is downcast within me.21 Yet this I call to mind and therefore I have hope: 22 Because of the Lord’s great love we are not consumed, for his compassions never fail. 23 They are new every morning; great is your faithfulness.24 I say to myself, “The Lord is my portion; therefore I will wait for him.” 25 The Lord is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him; Lamentations 3:19-25.

Exegesis of New Year’s Day:

An exegesis is a critical explanation accomplished by analyzing what an author is trying to communicate. This thorough interpretation of a text is often applied to verses of the Bible. However, this exegesis over the next year will seek to extract the message behind each song.

All is quiet on New Year’s Day
A world in white gets underway
I want to be with you, be with you, night and day
Nothing changes on New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day

A winter storm has blanketed the landscape of Poland, silencing the sound of war.

Bono is referring to a family member or significant other who he wants to be with every moment.

This desire hasn’t changed as the calendar changes to commence a new year.

I will be with you again (oh-oh)
I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

Bono vows to keep his promise to see this special individual on New Year’s Day.

Under a blood-red sky
A crowd has gathered in black and white
Arms entwined, the chosen few
The newspaper says, says

The blood red sky is a symbol of passion and vitality or a majestic sunset, the sign of a new day.

A nation of all races is waiting to see if anything changes on New Year’s Day.

The signs of martial law still exist as a chosen few control the media trying to suppress the truth.

Say it’s true, it’s true
And we can break through
Though torn in two
We can be one

As the Polish people wait for democracy, they are waiting for a sign of hope, that change is possible.

Despite what has happened, the citizens of Poland desperately want to become united once again.

However, Bono could be speaking of a relationship that has separated him due to martial law.

I, I will begin again (oh-oh)
I, I will begin again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

Yeah, oh
Oh-oh-oh

Ah, maybe the time is right
Oh, maybe tonight

I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)
I will be with you again (oh-oh, oh-oh)

New Year’s Day is a time for fresh starts, to begin again with a clean slate.

And so we’re told this is the golden age
And gold is the reason for the wars we wage
Though I want to be with you, be with you, night and day
Nothing changes New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day
On New Year’s Day

Repeating the same expression again, Bono believes that things will change this year.

Making up his mind, Bono will make this happen. Being reunited will happen this year.

Final Thoughts:

Nearly 40 years have passed since the song New Year’s Day was released. The one line in Bono’s lyrics that rings true today is that a chosen few dictate what is passed on through the media. Until journalists stop being pawns for their media outlets, truth will continue to be suppressed and withheld. My prayer for 2026 is that God will raise up fearless writers that won’t stop until the truth of what is going on behind the scenes is finally unveiled.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: October 9-Misunderstandings about Love

Posted on October 9, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 1994 movie “Forrest Gump”

Bible Verse of the Day:

“If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea. 7 Woe to the world because of the things that cause people to stumble! Such things must come, but woe to the person through whom they come! “- Matthew 18:6-7

Biblical Connection:

Forrest Gump is considered a cult classic from the 1990’s. Yet, the most horrifying aspect of this film is that Jenny was sexually abused as a child. Even as an adult, Jenny still has not recovered from her virginity lost and stolen as a child. When Forrest finds Jenny working at a strip club, he tries to save her from this decision. Unfortunately, Jenny is the one who doesn’t understand love.

According to a recent statistic, 63,000 children were sexually abused in 2024. Since many keep this to themselves, the numbers are likely much higher. Either way, a child is sexually abused every 74 seconds in the United States. When Jesus touches on this subject in the first century, modern statistics highlight how life altering it is when an adult causes harm to a child like Jenny.

Closing Song:

May today’s blog help you to see the real horror occurring to children across the United States and throughout the world. May you become a catalyst for healing this October, assisting and leading others to professional help. The real-life Jenny’s need support to clear up their misunderstandings about love.

by Jay Mankus

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Engaging Our Culture: September 11-Have You Forgotten What Happened?

Posted on September 11, 2025 by expressyourself4him

Video of the Day: Clip from the 2006 movie “World Trade Center”

Bible Verse of the Day:

Now these things occurred as examples to keep us from setting our hearts on evil things as they did. 7 Do not be idolaters, as some of them were; as it is written: “The people sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.”[a] 8 We should not commit sexual immorality, as some of them did—and in one day twenty-three thousand of them died. 9 We should not test Christ,[b] as some of them did—and were killed by snakes. 10 And do not grumble, as some of them did—and were killed by the destroying angel. 11 These things happened to them as examples and were written down as warnings for us, on whom the culmination of the ages has come. 12 So, if you think you are standing firm, be careful that you don’t fall!  – 1 Corinthians 10:6-12

Biblical Connection:

I was an Independent Contractor when I received the news that the first plane hit the World Trade Center. Moments later I received a phone call telling me to stay home as I serviced a bank across the street from the Liberty Bell in Philadelphia. I also serviced a computer company, dropping off expedited orders to the Wilmington Airport on my way home each night. Today’s scene recounts what it was like for first responders on September 11th, 2001.

The apostle Paul provides a quick summary of the nation of Israel to the Church at Corinth. Unfortunately, many Jews lost faith on their way to God’s promised land. Subsequently, the 40 years living in the wilderness took a toll on the patience of many. While some events like September 11th are hard to comprehend 24 years later, there are self-inflicted wounds that occur. May you learn from history so that mankind doesn’t repeat the mistakes and sins of the past.

Closing Song:

The original lyrics to Have You Forgotten have been altered slightly due to political correctness. Yet when you do your own research, you’ll find that knowing history prevents repeating historical blunders, errors and trespasses.

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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