Rebels of a different stripe

I came to an interesting observation today. There seems to be a common thread that runs through much of my preferences. I guess it came to me when i was editing my profile. I was comparing my favourite authors and musicians and i think that is when it hit me.

I like rebels. But not in the way that a rebel is usally connoted. In my opinion the worst example of a rebel is someone that does something purely to get attention. For instance, the young kid who sports all sorts of facial piercings, but gets pissed if you stare. The irony of that makes me laugh. But i enjoy a person that breaks from established rote.

Looking at my music selection - Waterdeep, Stavesacre, Proj86 and Model Engine/BES. They all have something in common. Each of these artists approach their music in a very unique way. They are people of faith, but their audience isn't solely to people of faith. They want to be excellent musicians, and want their music to reach all. Additionally all of these bands have either been hurt or disillusioned by the "Christian music" industry. In response to this they reflect it in their music. And in my opinion they will reach far more as far as spreading GOD's love than many in "Christian Music".

The thread is similar in my list of heroes. Hudson Taylor, 'Jack' Lewis, Michael Wells. These are men that lived a life of following Jesus that was and is new and refreshing. Hudson Taylor was a missionary to China in the early 1800's. Many of his contempories wanted to produce English speaking Western clones. Hudson just wanted to show them Jesus' love. He adopted their language, customs and dress. And he was looked down upon for it.

Now i don't really consider myself to be a rebel. I have piercings and tattoos, but most people wouldn't stare at me as i walk down the street. My wife remarked that it isn't something i do for show. And i guess that is reinforced by the fact that i married a prim and proper preacher's kid who will never have a tattoo.

I am praying for more of these 'rebels' in hopes that we can touch the culture we find ourselves in.