The Taylor Swift Effect: Relatability
In your relationships with one another, have the same mindset as Christ Jesus: Who, being in very nature God, did not consider equality with God something to be used to His Own advantage;
Rather, He made Himself nothing, by taking the very nature of a servant, being made in human likeness. And being found in appearance as a man, He humbled Himself…
Phillipians 2:5-8 (NIV)
Come to Me, all who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest. Take My yoke upon you, and learn from me, for I am gentle and lowly in heart, and you will find rest for your souls.
Matthew 11:28-29 (ESV)
Swift’s words and melodies unlock our hearts. They break down our mighty wall of defense and erase the lies Satan’s been spinning…
That we’re alone and nobody “gets” us,
That we’re unworthy of friendship or love,
That we’re imposters in our own bodies,
That nobody understands how we’re feeling,
And why are we feeling it, anyway?
One article (with quotes) puts it this way:
“Many people, especially young women, can relate to this desire for unconditional, reciprocated love. Swift verbalizes these feelings using vividly descriptive lyrics, touching the heartstrings of her fans, and revealing truths they may have previously concealed – even to themselves.”
“ ‘She’s able to put into lyrics feelings that I don’t know how to put into words,’ says lifelong Taylor Swift fan and 11th grader, Abigail Gottesman. 10th-grade fan, Julia Godwin, feels similarly, adding ‘any scenario I’m feeling, I can relate back to her music, I know exactly how she feels…and she knows how I feel.’ ” *
Actors, models, and talent for Christ:
I realize these words sound dramatic, but I am dramatic, so here they come: Mournfully and catastrophically, Christians have nursed the king of con’s deceits– among themselves and those “on the outside.”
Through pride and ‘holier than thou’ judgments,
They push their teens to church conformity, discouraging dreams that don’t match their own.
They condemn insiders and outsiders, who dare to ask questions or be unique.
Here’s the hypocritical bottom line: many don’t practice what Jesus preached: LOVE!
Churches have become “unrelatable”. The result? Lost sheep are still wandering… hoping to find unconditional love, seeking a shepherd– and finding Taylor. They could do worse, but… WHAT ABOUT JESUS???
I’m beyond thankful that you’re in this field. You’re the King’s stand-ins: His ambassadors.
One never-to-forget resolution?
Like Taylor, who’s done so many things right, be AVAILABLE and RELATABLE! Never, ever be ‘Holier than thou.’
The Taylor Swift Effect: Relatability (Part 10)
NOTE: God is my Ghostwriter. If what I write is good, it’s from God. You may see notes to 'Actors, Models & Talent for Christ.' If you think you're not in show business, think again. Shakespeare said, 'All the world's a stage and all its men and women merely players.’ Mostly true. But you're not merely players. You are messengers and ambassadors for the King of kings.
LINKS, NOTES & THINGS TO CONSIDER
* Why the youth is leaving the church in huge numbers (I agree with this article): Why young Americans are ditching church, not values
First 2 quotes at the beginning of this Devotion: Why Do People Love Taylor Swift? – The Gallery
Another great article on Taylor’s relatability, and how so many of us are drawn to it: Taylor Swift's Highly Relatable, Hidden Longings