It is with slight hesitancy that this blog post is written. Many times we have seen artists claim the name above every name only to find themselves not supported by others who claim the same name. My belief is that this lack of backing may be one of the reasons we have seen pop culture artists crash and burn. Any honest 21st century believer will tell you, it is not easy to DISPLAY the Christian walk in today’s anything goes culture. How much more to be a budding teen believer inside — and dominating — the music industry? The good news is, that with your help, it can be done. Justin Bieber sums it up in one word – PRAY.
Bieber rose to the top of the charts by being “discovered” on YouTube. It is virtually impossible to ignore his immense talent and popularity. And although I do not follow his career, I have kept a distant eye on him every since my niece asked me to plaster his picture on her computer desk-top a year and a half ago. After listening to a couple of his songs, I knew that he had talent… and believed that he could, would and should go the distance.
I pray for the broken-hearted
I pray for the life not started
I pray for all the ones not breathing
I pray for all the souls in need
I pray, can you give em one today?
Pattie Mallette & Justin
One of the first things to stand out in Bieber’s career has been his clean-cut approach to song selection and writing. Another standout has been his genuine humility and appreciation for his fans via interviews, Twitter and other social networks.
The clincher for me to PRAY for Bieber arrived April 2010 during a Christian conference in the inner-city of Nashville, Tennessee. Justin’s mom – Pattie Mallette – a friend and fan of this ministry, stopped by to visit and was asked to share her heart for her son. The host of the conference requested that all cameras, audio and video recording devices to be turned off. An over-sized picture of the most recent People magazine cover featuring Justin was projected on the conference stage screen. Justin’s mom approached the platform and shared her personal story of being a single teen-age girl at the time of Justin’s birth. Pattie shared the struggles of raising Justin amidst her situations and how faith in Jesus carried her through the tough times.
Pattie & Justine - The Early Years
Pattie had become a strong intercessor, praying and guiding her son’s career by calling upon heavenly help. But as any parent knows, the real mystery is… will the faith of the parent(s) be embraced by the offspring?
Justin’s mom did not volunteer whether or not her son was yet a believer in the One True God, but she did solicit our prayers for her son, particularly that she would be able to continue to guide him through the often choppy waters of the music and pop culture industry. Before Pattie left the platform, Ricky Skaggs and his wife were invited to the stage to lead a prayer on behalf of Pattie and Justin. Afterward, Pattie caught a plane to New York City where her son was rehearsing for his live appearance on Saturday Night Live.
I Close My Eyes And Pray…
Justin’s latest single PRAY released on Black Friday November 2010 and was seemingly shut-out by a cluttered Christmas music season, a time when pop stations mix holiday songs into their daily rotation. Because of this, it is possible that you may have not yet heard the song that Justin co-wrote, expressing his desire to PRAY.
Three videos are included in this post. The first is a video interview with Justin where he expresses his faith in Jesus Christ. Bieber states, “Hollywood is a scary place. There’s a lot going on, there’s a lot of bad things, but there’s also a lot of good things. I’m able to live my dream, I’m able to do a lot of good things. Basically, I don’t even consider religion. Like, I’m a Christian, I believe in God, I believe that Jesus died on a cross for my sins. I believe that I have a relationship and I’m able to talk to Him and really, He’s the reason I’m here, so I definitely have to remember that. As soon as I start forgetting, I’ve got to click back and be like, you know, this is why I’m here.”
PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM
Two more videos follow. The first is his November 2010 American Music Awards live version, complete with choir back-up and powerful on-screen images. The Bieb drops to his knees in a symbolic prayer at the end of the performance and appears stunned for receiving a standing ovation from the American Music Awards audience.
PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM
The official video here below depicts scenes of Beiber intermingled with shots of the poor, children in need and military families being reunited. The song flow is reminiscent of Michael Jackson’s Man in the Mirror, written by Siedah Garrett. Recent interviews with Bieber reveal that Man in the Mirror was part of the inspiration for the writing of PRAY.
50 Million Views
& Climbing!!
Count updated 8-8-11
PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM
As a person who understands the strong temptations the media music industry, I am proud of the choices young Bieber has been making and the role-modeling he has been setting. Is he perfect at it? No. Are you? No. Am I? No. As we approach faith, let us remember that there is only One perfect person… and he is not either me or you or Bieber.
As the Bieb continues to grow, let us also remember that he is sixteen and that fame was thrust upon him suddenly, almost overnight. He does and will continue to need our prayers.
January is Sanctity of Life Month
Let us also keep in mind that, under the circumstances Pattie Mallette was in at the time of her pregnancy, it could have appeared easier to abort Justin. Perhaps Pattie was encouraged to terminate the life within her. After all, she was just a teenager herself. But Pattie knew that there were two lives to be considered. Pattie chose LIFE for both. As such, the world has another talented musical prodigy who is making a positive difference in the lives of millions.
Let us remember this as we approach legislation for the inalienable rights of all children – born or yet-to-be-born. After all, the child you are carrying or deciding for could be another Justin Bieber, or a scientist who finds a cure for AIDS, or the creator of a new technology that replaces our dependency upon fossil fuels. Whoever he or she is, you can be sure that they are a child who simply deserves to be loved by you or by adoptive parents.
With is in mind, I humbly join Justin’s request, asking that we PRAY. Let’s pray for our President and world leaders. Let’s pray for the unborn. Let’s PRAY for Justin Bieber and others in the entertainment/media industries. Let’s pray and give thanks to God for all that He has given us.
Let’s PRAY.
Steven Joseph – Editor
promotionsforLIFE.com
Steven Joseph Media
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Bieber book news and February Bieber movie Sneek Peek follow PRAY song lyrics below. Share with shortlink http://wp.me/pGkSs-1cz or use social network buttons below.
PRAY
By Justin Bieber, Adam Messinger, Nasri Atweh, Omar Martinez
I just can’t sleep tonight
Knowing that things aint right
Its in the papers, its on the TV
Its everywhere that I go
Children are crying
Soldiers are dying
Some people don’t have a home
But I know there’s sunshine behind that rain
I know there’s good times behind that pain, hey
Can you tell me how I can make a change
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I lose my appetite, knowing kids starve tonight
Am I a sinner, cause half my dinner
Is still left on my plate
Ooo I got a vision, to make a difference
And its starting today
Cause I know there’s sunshine behind that rain
I know there’s good times behind that pain, hey
Heaven tell me I make a change
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and…
I pray for the broken-hearted
I pray for the life not started
I pray for all the ones not breathing
I pray for all the souls in need
I pray, can you give em one today?
I just cant sleep tonight
Can someone tell how to make a change?
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and pray
I close my eyes and I can see a better day
I close my eyes and I pray
I pray; I pray
I close my eyes and pray
New Bieber Movie Sneak Peek
Never Say Never 3D
Releases Valentines Day 2011
PROMOTIONSFORLIFE.COM
First Steps 2 Forever: My Story
New Book – Signing Coverage
Via Billboard & Associated Press
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Original post 01/11/11 – Updated 8/8/11
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Omg Justin Bieber is so hot his hair his eyes and his smile and oh and his persinalilty.