Free to Be Me

My daughter, Abigail, loves music.  Particularly Pop music, Christian or otherwise...  She's not particularly fond of traditional church music, much to my disappointment.  For years, I have tried to push her that way, hoping she would develop an appreciation for it.  Maybe she will, maybe she won't...  But I have realized that I need to be careful of defining her position before God by legalistic standards of "holiness" -- even though we so often experience this in the church. She does understand that the content of the song matters, and she doesn't like icky subject matter to any degree. 
 
Today we were discussing some of her favorite Disney Channel/Radio Disney stars...in terms of  which ones seem to be struggling with personal & emotional problems, which ones seem to be the most grounded, etc.  It was a great opportunity to discuss how you cannot put your identity in anything that can be taken away:  fame, good looks, a boyfriend, etc...  It is wonderful to work up to your potential, realize successes, and make the most of what God blesses you with...but who you are in Jesus is what defines you.  Nothing less.

I think she understands and I am delighted. At 10-years-old, she is wise beyond her years in some ways...  She loves to sing and write songs, and just yesterday, she shared a song she wrote about standing up to peer pressure.  In the song, the "popular girl" in the class was pressuring her to dress a certain way, act a certain way, etc.  Instead of succumbing to the girl's wishes (and thus ensuring her popularity), she stands up to her, telling her that she is comfortable with who she is and intends to stay that way!  (Wow.  Out of the mouths of babes!  I am 40 years old, and still struggle to be comfortable in my own skin!)  I pray she is able to hold onto to her convictions when the real tests come...  I know they are just around the corner.

It's funny, now that I think about it -- one of her favorite songs is "Free to Be Me" by Francesca Battistelli.  (I love it.  Amen!)  If you have never heard it, enjoy!

Free To Be Me
Album: My Paper Heart
Artist: Francesca Battistelli

At twenty years of age I'm still looking for a dream
A war's already waged for my destiny
But You've already won the battle
And You've got great plans for me
Though I can’t always see
(Chorus)
‘Cause I got a couple dents in my fender
Got a couple rips in my jeans
Try to fit the pieces together
But perfection is my enemy
On my own I'm so clumsy
But on Your shoulders I can see
I'm free to be me
When I was just a girl I thought I had it figured out
My life would turn out right, and I'd make it here somehow
But things don't always come that easy
And sometimes I would doubt
(Chorus)
And you’re free to be you
Sometimes I believe that I can do anything
Yet other times I think I've got nothing good to bring
But You look at my heart and You tell me
That I've got all You seek
And it’s easy to believe
Even though
(Chorus)