Several months ago a letter to the editor initiated a campaign to have Christian music included in the selections played in local businesses. The results of that initiative have been beyond expectations. Praise God!
The owner of our local Pizza Inn was the first businessman to support the effort by having Christian selections included in their juke box. I believe he owns other restaurants and added gospel selections in them as well. The local Pizza Hut included Christian selections in their juke box and I am told the entire Rocky Mount Pizza Hut region has also. I believe that includes every "Hut" east of Rocky Mount. The Skate Trak often plays Christian music. I have since noticed that Wal-Mart is playing some contemporary Christian music in their system. I am told this local effort had nothing to do with that. God is awesome. If you know of others please let me know.
In order to keep the best of these selections, and even to add to them, Christian music must be recognized as the most popular music alternative for a significant number of customers. The selections that are played the least are replaced. If replaced, Christian music may not be replaced with other Christian music, though that is typical with other types of music. Much of today's Christian music has many of the popular sounds and recording quality as any pop, rock, country or folk music but with encouraging messages of hope and love. If given the opportunity I believe most kids will choose music with a positive message.
Still, there are those that would silence this music at any opportunity. We are all aware that deceptive imitations exist too. The group Creed, with it's CD "Weathered", is promoted by the music industry as it's token gospel group and as being a hard rock "Christian band". The group has publicly denied being a Christian group, as well they should with lyrics that are discouraging with hopelessness, desperation, loneliness, violence and even suicide. I believe this represents one of the most dangerous deceptions our kids face today. Everything labeled Christian is not ok. And some things that are mislabeled as Christian are tailor made to destroy our kids' joy, life and soul as well as our families. This group is played on local radio stations and has been on the local juke boxes for some time. Since the lyrics cannot be understood, your kids may not know what they are supporting when they select this group. Parents beware. The group's webpage is easily found and has the lyrics.
The help of all people and churches is needed to support the real Christian music effort in our community. Play today's gospel music. Tell management of these Christian friendly businesses "thank you" for this musical option. And ask other businesses to include Christian music in their background systems to support our united belief that, so far, by His grace we still remain one nation under God.
