Real Talk

"But those who wait for the Lord [who expect, look for, and hope in Him] shall change and renew their strength and power; they shall lift their wings and mount up [close to God] as eagles [mount up to the sun]; they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint or become tired."
-Isaiah 40:31 (NKJ Amplified)

At church a couple of weeks ago, pastor gave a powerful message based on this passage. In particular, he emphasized the importance of being eagles, and the implications that being "eagle people" has for our lives. He mentioned that the strength of their wings and the fact that they fly alone. With regards to their wing strength, it is important to always be aware of our own weaknesses as individuals, and that it is only through the power of the Holy Spirit that we are able to triumph ("soar") in a given situation. In terms of flying alone, pastor just as eagles fly alone, we as Christians, because we are in the world but not of it, must sometimes stand alone and face ostracism (i.e. there are just some things that, because we know Christ, we can no longer get down with). Although we may feel alone, however, we are never actually alone because God is and will always be with us. He is the very reason we fly.

While realizing the importance of being "eagle-minded" and what the eagle symbolizes, I couldn't help but think of

Nelly's "Flap Your Wings"

The more I thought about it, the more I realized that song's purpose, content, and images are the antithesis of what the pastor was talking about with regards to being "eagle-minded." As Christians, flying high as eagles means that we walk in authority knowing that we are children of God. One of the most important components of "flying high" means that we have respect for ourselves, as well as confidence knowing that God made us "the head and not the tail." However, "Flap Your Wings" tells women to "drop down," while dancing in a degrading manner. I know the value of freedom of expression, but I have a problem with "expressing" themes that do not build up the self. I'm not trying to hate, but then I am. We have to be careful of the images we put forth and the themes we promote. More times than not, the implications of our words and actions extend past our immediate surroundings, sometimes taking on a life of their own.

What are your thoughts on Isaiah 40:31, and on what it means to be an eagle?
What do you think of the "Flap Your Wings" video?
Any connections between the two?

Stay blessed and until next time, speekonit...

Labels: Christ, Christians, degrading, degrading lyrics, eagle, eagle-minded, Flap Your Wings, fly, God, hip-hop, Holy Spirit