I Refuse

After all the events of the Spring 2012 MTR Selection Weekend were through, I was driving to the optional dinner that all applicants were invited to. On the way, I heard for the very time a song called "I Refuse" sung by Josh Wilson.

 Here's the video:

 

It apparently is a well-known song, but I'm fairly certain it's not on rotation on either of the Maryland Christian radio stations. It might be played, but definitely it's not one of those, "Hey, they just played that song when I was driving to the grocery store, and now I'm on my way home and they're playing it again," sort of songs.

Anyway, as I listened to the words, it really felt that the song was written for me (I along with thousands of others who make that very claim.) Specifically, the lyrics, "I could choose not to move, but I refuse." The "moving" that he is referring to isn't necessarily referring to relocating from Washington, DC to Memphis, Tennessee, but I have decided that it does. It is MY song, after all.

Here are the lyrics in their entirety. I love it. I call it my Memphis theme song.

I Refuse

Sometimes I, I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone's alright

When I know they're not

This world needs God, but it's easier to stand and watch

I could pray a prayer and just move on

Like nothing's wrong

But I Refuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I can hear the least of these, crying out so desperately

And I know we are the hands and feet of You, oh God

So if You say move, it's time for me to follow through

And do what I was made to do

And show them who You are

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse

I refuse to stand and watch the weary and lost cry out for help

I refuse to turn my back and try and act like all is well

I refuse to stay unchanged, to wait another day to die to myself

I refuse to make one more excuse

I don't want to live like I don't care

I don't want to say another empty prayer

Oh, I refuse to sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself

I could choose not to move

But I refuse