I believe

Just a few weeks ago, the Tony Awards for Best Musical for 2011 was awarded to The Book of Mormon, a religious satire which tells the tale of two Mormon missionaries bound to Uganda to share their scriptures.

During the Tony Awards, Andrew Rannells, who played the role of missionary Kevin Price, performed "I believe". In this song, Price reconfirms his mission, commits to God what he needs to achieve and confronts the General, a local warlord and talks him into converting to the religion.

While at one point, the musical somehow ridicules the religion, it also serves a perspective on faith and doubt that even non-Mormons could appreciate. "I believe" in itself already has a lot to offer.

Here's part of the lyrics that really touched me: (Access full lyrics here)

I must trust that my Lord is mightier

And always has my back.

Now I must be completely devout

I can't have even one shred of doubt...

You cannot just believe part way,

You have to believe in it all.

The problem is doubting the Lord's will

Instead of standing tall.

I believe that God has a plan for all of us.

I believe that plan involves me getting my own planet.

The Scriptures say that if you ask anything,

If you ask God Himself he'll know.

But you must ask Him without any doubt

And let your spirit grow...

At a time when God asks you to just believe in Him and in His plans for you, this is somehow a good song to contemplate with.

Delight yourself also in the LORD, and He shall give you the desires of your heart. Psalm 37:4

resurrection song

Easter Sunday is the day we remember that God had raised His Son, Jesus, from the dead to signify that He has overcome death for our sins.

On Easter Sunday, while I was singing in church, I was reminded of the song "I'm Alive (Reprise)" from the Broadway musical Next to Normal.

The musical tells the story of a mother who suffers bipolar after losing her son, a father who tries to make his family feel normal, a daughter who wanted nothing else but her parents love and attention, and a son, who despite dead, has been treated alive, thanks to the mother. Next to Normal stages the struggles of a family when dealing with death, psychological disorder, drugs, grief and acceptance.

"I'm Alive (Reprise)" was sung by the son, Gabriel, to express that despite his father's denial and his mother's therapy that erased him from her memory, he still lives on.

When I imagined God singing this song, I am reminded that His existence can never be denied. No matter how we dislodge Him from our thoughts, the more that He will make it known that He is more than just man's thoughts. He is and always will be alive.

I'm Alive (Reprise)
I am more than memory
I am what might be I am mystery
Come closer, come closer

I am old as time
I'm forever young
I am every song that will stay unsung 

I'll find you, remind you

Until you name me
you can't tame me
This is one old game
I can play so well

I'm alive, I'm alive
I am so alive 

The medicine failed and the doctors lied

I’m alive, I’m alive,
I am death defied!
I'm alive, So alive
I'm alive