by Ricky Doc Sauceda
In 1976, Boston released their debut album "More Than A Feeling." It has always been one of my favorite albums, along with a majority of rock music fans. The lead vocals were sung by Brad Delp. He had an amazing vocal range and is one of the most unique singers of rock music history.
He is the focus of this writing. Why? On March 9, 2007 he was found dead in his Atkinson, New Hampshire home. He sealed his bathroom and laid on a pillow, while two charcoal grills were burning. He pinned a suicide note to his shirt that read he was a "lonely soul." He also left personal notes for his family members. He was found by his fiance, which would have been his third wife.
Suicide is a subject that is very critical. I had a prompting to focus on it today. This death was something that really got my attention. Boston's music is a fond memory from my teenage years. I relied on music to soothe the pain that I was enduring and would eventually overcome. As my children grew older , I introduced the music of Boston to them. They are fans of the band's music and, like me, were shocked at the death of one of their favorite singers.
For those of you who are in the public eye, you can relate how it would be possible to be famous and still feel lonely. This is caused by having too much pressure and not finding a balance with your life. Letting one thing dominate you and not making a connection with your needed faith.
Ministry has mentioned that our modern society is intellectual and reasons with itself "not" to believe in God and the Holy Bible. Our society is so smart that it is over-thinking what cannot be discovered in the intellectual realm. But, if they would only look at God with their eyes and hearts - He is alive in the words of the scripture:
Exodus 34:5-7 -- Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
Peace of Mind is one of the songs Boston recorded. It is one of their most popular songs and is still played today. How can a band and its singer record music that has no meaning to them in reality? How could Brad Delp allow himself to fall into the darkness of depression, and being alone, seal himself up in a bathroom to end it all? He was acting opposite to the lyrics in the song. The song says to get away from focusing on competition and to live for what matters...peace of mind.
Well, that is the problem in itself...consider the following verses:
Proverbs 3:5-6 -- Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight.
That is what Boston is missing in their song. How can you have peace of mind without the Lord? Time has proven it can't be done without Him. Jimi Hendrix, Jim Morrison, Janis Joplin, Kurt Cobain and Michael Hutchence were all rock stars that had unfortunate endings due to the same deficiency as Brad Delp.
It is very possible to convince one's self why not to believe in and accept God. It is very possible and it is accomplished every day. But, in truth we all believe but not all of us release the control of our lives into the hands of God. If someone has the words come from their mouth "I don't believe in God" - it is just the opposite. They do, but they are either trying to get back at God by refusing to obey Him or they are just not willing due to their desires for the ways of the world. We all believe...to one degree or another. But, getting a denier to admit they believe is like pulling a tooth from a Great White shark. In us is the life that God put there...it is what hones us in on Him. Whether we acknowledge Him or not, we are His - to test, bless, love, admonish or punish.
I will miss Brad Delp in the world for the gift that the Lord gave him...his voice. It is found that he was a charitable man. Something was lacking in his life, because a Believer does not take their life...they know it is God's. I still enjoy a Boston song now and then, but you know what I mostly focus on...faith. It is a must! I wanted to address this because it is so important to know why we need to PROCLAIM HIS NAME!
I was in one of the worst states of my life last year...I was tempted by this very thing. That is when I got on my knees and cried out to the Lord. When you have reached the end of your tolerance, He knows it. He is most likely the one that put you in that position...to bring you to Him. It is in that state that Satan will also try to get you down for the count...he is against you! So, yes there is the Lord, but there is also the evil one...Lucifer.
I hope this writing helps you with your own endeavor to reach out and get the message of Jesus Christ's gift of salvation to the hard core denier you may encounter. It is actually Satan promoting the denial, for he is the master of deception and doubt. Just as the Lord said:
Mark 8:33 - But when Jesus turned and looked at his disciples, he rebuked Peter. "Get behind me, Satan!" he said. "You do not have in mind the things of God, but the things of men."
...and also:
John 8:44 - He was a murderer from the beginning, not holding to the truth, for there is no truth in him. When he lies, he speaks his native language, for he is a liar and the father of lies.
Keep your minds on all things that are of the Lord and at all times. When you rest, Satan knows that moment. That is all he seeks...the moment you let your guard down. Keep your Armor of God on! When you do get caught off guard, pray and get it back on.
May the peace, love and blessing of the Lord be with you.