truth wears pants.

So I was listening to music today, oh unknowable universe. I finally have found, not only previews, but a full listening party of the new Damien Rice CD. The album is great. Although much different than his previous record, it is still stock full of emotion and even more so than the first. This is the springboard for which I am about to write. The album literally hits you in the face with emotion. This is no sappy singer/songwriter she doesn't love me stuff, this is the heart laid bare at its deepest despair, while finding ways to show itself in the heights of joy. The thing that draws me, and probably most fans of Damien Rice, in is this transparency that gives you a glimpse into his inner most feelings without reservation. This is art at it's most raw; expressing what can't always be expressed onto words alone. The part that saddens me is that there is, from where I stand, no one to express such inner workings from a Christian standpoint. All too often I hear Christian music that is coated with a bit of sugar, or in many cases a lot. There is this feigned heart that presents itself, because if the real heart was exposed many of us would be shunned, or persecuted, or at least given a pointed finger in the face and a good lecture. We are so scared of everyone discovering our depravity that we push it down, and instead, find an easier way to express ourselves. It is not easy, but if we were to drop our charade would more people be open to Christianity? We show little grace these days because we are ashamed at how much has truly been given to us. We are different than the world, but that does not take away our humanity. The world has grown weary of Christians who smile through fake teeth, while telling them they are wrong. Alright, I will stop and go back before I end up on a completely different subject. Art...right.
Christianity as a whole seems to paint itself as a Stepford wife. Everything always peachy and such. The truth is far from it. We all have moments where things are less than ok; where the grace of God must swoop in and save us from ourselves. The problem is that we never let anyone know and present ourselves superior because that is what is expected from a good Christian. We are left presenting ourselves shallow and unknown. How will the world know the full grace of God unless we show it's most prized work: our very own hearts.
I hope this was not too confusing. I typed and deleted a lot. I tried to stay focused, but my mind leads me to other issues for another day.