... we prayed for the leaders of a subculture that is often lost? The same culture I mention time and time again in blogs and notes on Facebook. Those rejected by the world, by "Christians". Those that don't fit in, so they unite in their differences. Their weaknesses make them strong. Musical influences like Nine Inch Nails and Marilyn Manson command leadership positions in a growing [and constantly rejected] society. Millions of teenagers are led by these people because they feel they understand what they're going through. Their lyrics preach to fight, to resist, to rebel, to unite with those like you - the rejected. Christ called us to save these people, but since many Christians don't like to hear things about saving these people, I propose we pray for the leaders. Pray for Trent Reznor. Pray for Marilyn Manson. Pray for all those that take advantage of the weaknesses of teens and are commanding an army. They are not to blame. We are. But we can at least start to fight back. We can at least START to acknowledge the people lost simply due to musical preference. Millions of souls are lost without a fight because Christians refuse to accept a style of music. I'm not asking you to buy the CDs or spread the good news of N.I.N. I'm asking you to understand what is appealing. Please note the flesh wrapped around their souls, much like your own, and look past whatever it is that freezes your heart to these people.

I am one of these people. I used to be. I still am. And now being a Christian, it's ridiculous the 'yellow tape' you have to go through to get a fellow Christian to consider saving people like me. People who are "out there"; who have been rejected by their community/school/church/etc. If it weren't for a few chosen people that taught me about unconditional love and God, I would still be one of these people. Without hope. Without your help.

Please acknowledge the people we are letting slip through our hands. We buy playgrounds for churches, expand our parking lots, bulldoze trees and parks to plant a holy flag we call a church... yet we all turn away when we hear of real people needing real help. Current members of your church don't need new swings, a bigger building, or a new youth wing. Millions need to hear the Good News. Not of your prestige and financial stability. To take away rejection, excommunication, judgement, and hatred, takes away 80% of the lyrics in Manson and NIN's music (which is aimed towards Christians, Christianity, and those who have been rejected by both). If we stop rejecting, stop being so judgemental, and start accepting more, we take away the power we've given these people.

Ugh. I have to stop mid-rant. I could go on all day. Pray for the leaders of these bands. Pray for today's Christians that refuse to see their own faults. Pray for me.