From Charlie Gray

I’m a fan of Sheryl Crow. Breaking into the music business, she began as a backing vocalist for such acts as Michael Jackson, Stevie Wonder, Don Henley and Jimmy Buffet. She went on to win nine Grammy awards and sell over 50 million albums as a solo artist. In 1995 she was honored as the Best Female Pop Vocal Performance as well as Best Record of The Year. Her songs are rich in both catchy melodies and connective lyrical content.

One of my favorite Sheryl Crow songs is “If It Makes You Happy”. In my favorite line found in the chorus she sings: “If it makes you happy, then why the hell are you so sad”? That’s a deep dive of a question but somehow so relevant in today’s world. Sadness is a normal human emotion often triggered by loss, disappointment or general life challenges.

With all the reasons to be sad, I would suggest that, to some extent, being sad is a choice. The song seems to question the listener as the source of sadness even in the presence of happiness. Jesus taught that true happiness is derived through our faith not from external circumstances or fleeting pleasures.

Sadness and depression is on the rise in our modern world. Be reminded each day of Philippians 4:4 and choose to “Rejoice in the Lord always”. We all have our experiences and know that’s certainly not always easy. But try to believe and be reminded, that regardless of our circumstance, our faith undergirds our freedom to decide. Sadness or joy? Choose joy.