-”Mean, Mean People,” by Mark Bishop

The lyrics to Mark’s song have been rolling around in my head the last few days. Maybe it’s the stress of the holidays. I don’t know what it is, but it seems that some people allow their inner Grinch to surface around this time of year. (Although I must confess, “You’re A Mean One, Mr. Grinch” is one of my favorite kind-of-not-really Christmas songs.) Did you hear about the woman who pepper sprayed 20 people at a Walmart on Black Friday? True story. Her response when questioned by police? “I don’t care. I’m getting my TV.” Most sane, rational people hear that and think, “That’s crazy. I’d never do something like that.” Yet we sting each other with spicy words so often without a second thought.

It’s really hurtful and frustrating when those who profess to be Christians don’t always treat each other as Christ would, and we have all been guilty of that at one time or another. The Bible says that we will give an account for every careless word we have spoken (Matthew 12:36). That means every snap at your spouse or children, every “private discussion” about someone else, every Internet comment you thought was anonymous. Every careless word. (Don’t know about you, but I’m convicted.)

So what are we gonna do about these mean, mean people?

We’re commissioned by the Lord to try to do a little more
To take His love into a hurting world.

This world is hurting and looking for grace. We Christians are flawed people, but we answer to a holy God. So if you have been mean to someone, go make it right. If someone has been mean to you, bless them, pray for them, forgive them. Hurting people hurt people, but love can be the remedy, and Jesus is the cure.

May we all receive and extend grace.

(For “Mean, Mean People,” click HERE.)

For that hard-to-buy-for person on your Christmas list, I am offering an exclusive special, only available through the online store:

Stocking Stuffer Special

Autographed copy of Songs In The Night Book
Songs In The Night CD
Autographed Picture
Handwritten Christmas Greeting From Lauren

All For $25!

Only 50 Stocking Stuffer Specials are available! This exclusive offer begins today and will be available while supplies last! If someone on your list is going through a difficult time this year, you can give them a gift that will encourage them all year long and remind them that they can have peace and a song in their heart even in the most trying times. Click HERE to order your Stocking Stuffer Special, and remember, only 50 are available!

I hope you and your loved ones have the most wonderful holiday season ever. Happy Thanksgiving and Merry Christmas.

“Brian not only brings an impressive vocal ability to the group, but will add a new excitement to the stage with his proficiency on bass guitar, piano, electric and acoustic guitar and steel guitar. We look forward to showcasing his many talents on stage, but what we love most is his testimony, his heart for ministry and the impact he will have on listeners,” says Roger Talley.

Brian is an Indiana native and was raised in a pastor’s home. He has previously played piano and sung with Southern Sound, Beyond the Ashes and Tribute Quartet. Brian co-wrote Tribute’s first top 10 single, “That’s Why I Love Him So,” and was a 2009 Top 10 nominee for Horizon Individual of the Year.

More information can be found at www.talleytrio.com.

You’ll enjoy a fall festival getaway in the Great Smoky Mountains, the best barbecue, family entertainment and gospel music anywhere!

October 1-2, 2011 Pigeon Forge, TN

Saturday, October 1:

1:00 pm: Meet the Talleys at the Titanic Museum for a group tour of Pigeon Forge’s newest family attraction! Step into history as we view artifacts and ocean footage and experience life as a Titanic passenger in 1912.

5:30 pm: BBQ with the Talleys! A full course bbq dinner of ribs, chicken or pork at Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ Grill

7:00 pm: Concert by the Talleys and Tony Gore

9:00 pm: Afterglow and Front Porch Campfire Sing-Along with hot apple cider/coffee, cinnamon rolls and marshmallow roast

Sunday, October 2

10:00 am: Worship service with the Talleys

11:00 am: Optional brunch at Tony Gore’s Smoky Mountain BBQ Grill (not included in ticket price)

Tickets: Adults $70 Children: $60

Don’t miss out on fall fun in the mountains! CLICK HERE to order your tickets for AutumnFest!

[Audio clip: view full post to listen]

I want to thank each of you for your suggestions. I was so appreciative of the thought you put into your choices. I chose this single because the lyrics are a perfect reflection of my life these days. Life brings many changes, but through them God’s love is shaping us into what He wants us to be. I hope you’ll enjoy this song as background music for your journey!

(By the way, I’ll also be releasing the other prominent vote-getter in the coming months!)