The Six Paths: A Playlist

Belief: We Believe by Newsboys

We Believe is a powerful song of profession of faith. It seems cliche because of the song title, but I think it embodies the experience of faith. It is perfect, but a unique journey for each person. “So, let our faith be more than anthems. Greater than the songs we sing. And in our weakness and temptations. We believe.”

Confusion: Carry on Wayward Son by Kansas

This song is something that almost anyone could sing along to in the car, but if you really listen to the lyrics, it talks about worry and confusion. The word wayward describes someone who maybe finds it difficult to fit in and goes his/her own way. “Carry on my wayward son. For there’ll be peace when you are done. Lay your weary head to rest. Don’t you cry no more.” God tells us it is okay to be confused and not understand, but not to worry. He will provide. I didn’t even realized, but the song even includes this lyric: “Now your life’s no longer empty. Surely heaven waits for you.”

Disbelief: The Age of Not Believing by Angela Lansbury of Disney

It seems strange that a Disney song would fit this category. It talks about searching for answers, but no longer having an imagination to make them true. You must face all your doubts before you can believe again. “You’re at the age of not believing. And worst of all you doubt yourself. You’re a castaway where no one hears you. “When you rush around in hopeless circles. Searching everywhere for something true. You’re at the age of not believing. When all the make-believe is through.“

Independence: Breakaway by Kelly Clarkson

I chose Breakaway because Clarkson is not necessarily denying all practices, but she just needs to get away and explore her other options. Independence separates oneself from the organized religion, but does not lose all faith. “But I won’t forget the place I come from. I gotta take a risk, take a chance, make a change.”

Return: Home by Daughtry

I chose the song Home by Chris Daughtry because I grew up listening to this song and it always gave me a warm feeling. He says “I’m going home.
Back to the place where I belong. And where your love has always been enough for me.” God is always a place we can go back home and know that he is enough.

Exploration: Try Everything by Shakira (another Disney song)

This song is a little too upbeat for my version of exploration, but the lyrics fit. In faith, we should explore the other traditions that may not be familiar to us. I relate to the motivation in the song. She keeps falling down, but gets back up to try everything. Not everything will work out in our favor and we might not like everything. However, there is always more out there. “I wanna try everything. I wanna try even though I could fail.”