Find a Spark By Hannah Sweet
2021 is now in full swing, and well it doesn’t feel all that different from 2020. In fact, some might say that it feels even worse. In these trying times it is only natural to try to find things that remove us from our reality – like books, music, nature, television and film. For me, I have found immense comfort in the Netflix original series Julie and the Phantoms. The story centers around themes of loss, friendship, perseverance, and most importantly self-discovery, not only through the use of expert story telling but through infectious songs. Many of the themes in the songs talk about living up to your potential, living in the moment, and living life to the fullest; themes that apply to everyone, regardless of age, race, or social status. In a time in history where it feels like people have never been more at odds with each other or themselves, I find the narrative and thematic elements of this program, admittedly geared toward tweens, to be one that I can’t shake. Much like one of my favorite Bible verses, Philippians 4:13 – I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me – I find that the lyrics to the songs instill in me the same sort of confidence, and I am sure that is no coincidence. As with much of the secular material I ingest, I am always open and searching for Christ; He makes Himself known to us through means not always obvious to us. With that in mind, let’s take a look at lyrics from a couple of the songs and see how we can apply them to our lives with a Christian mindset.
First up we have Edge of Great, the song itself is talking about being yourself and chasing your dreams, even if you stumble.
We all make mistakes But they’re just stepping stones To take us where we wanna go It’s never straight, no
With those words in mind look at the words of James 3:2:
For we all stumble in many ways.
When we stumble, we must turn to God to help pick us back up and look to him for guidance. He knew we were going to mistakes, and that we would stray, but He sent us a reason to embrace the freedom of mistakes. He sent us His Son, Jesus, so that through Him, despite our failings and fallings we could live forever with Him in Heaven.
Next, we are going to talk about Bright. Like many of the songs from the show, you could be mistaken in thinking this is just another catchy pop song, but let’s look a little deeper.
And when I feel lost and alone I know that I can make it home Fight through the dark And find the spark
And times that I doubted myself I felt likе I needed some help Stuck in my hеad with nothing left I feel something around me now So unclear, lifting me out
Now let’s turn to Deuteronomy 31:6 to find our Godly wisdom:
6 Be strong and courageous! Do not fear or tremble before them, for the Lord your God is the one who is going with you. He will not fail you or abandon you!”
Where you go, so too goes God. I’d be a liar if I said there weren’t times of doubt and panic, but after the panic subsides the comfort of the Lord covers me like a blanket. Like the lyrics of the song, I feel something around me, lifting me out. God is all around us, if only we are open to the message, for as long as there is hope in an ever-darkening landscape, God will prevail. He will prevail in you and He will prevail in me. We must remember to endeavor to simply have the courage to be kind, for through our earthly kindness can someone see the love of the Lord.