"My Chemical Romance saved my life." A phrase repeated often in the blog sections of fans in the MCRmy. (pronounced army) Despite any personal opinions of the band, it's undeniable that they are doing something in the lives of their devoted fans much deeper than writing catchy radio tunes for the masses. The crowds singing along to their music in amphitheaters across the U.S. and the world have found something to grab onto in the lyrics of Gerard Way, and who could blame them. With subject areas as deep and wide spread as depression, suicide, even cancer, they offer hope in the darkness with lines like, "I am not afraid to keep on living. I am not afraid to walk this world alone." These words, and others like them, are not exclusive to My Chemical Romance, either. There has been a surge of issue minded bands trying to make a difference, and right behind them are their mass of fans, backing their band to the end. In all of this noise, there is something to be realized as Christians trying to make sense of it all; the youth of today are searching for something. The reason why so many can take these songs to heart is that they see something real portrayed in the mascara covered eyes of Way when he's on stage singing, it seems, almost solely to them. This generation is so desperate, so hungry for something to believe in, that at the first sign of life, they will devote themselves to a band or a cause with complete abandon because they've found something bigger than themselves. As Christians, how often do we put our passion on display like this. The word says, "For this is what the Lord has commanded us: " 'I have made you a light for the Gentiles, that you may bring salvation to the ends of the earth.' " It's the light inside us that attracts people. Have you been letting that light be seen through you? If not, maybe you could take some hints from people who are lighting up the world. To be effective, we need to be real. We need to meet people where they are. We need to care for people who the world has cast aside, as well as those doing the casting! How great will it be when instead of "(insert band here) saved my life", we'll be hearing, "Jesus Christ saved my life!" Let's go about our lives in a way that can make this day a reality!
