I Am My Brother's Keeper

Last night America witnessed one of the greatest speeches ever delivered, made by a man with integrity, respect, and compassion for a country that so desperately needs change. I'm convinced that Barack Obama has the philosophies, morals, and commitments to reclaim the American promise that we all long for. He's a man who deeply cares about all the hard-working middle class Americans, which is refreshing considering the last 8 years.

His speech hit every note on the scale - everything from the failures of the last 8 years to his plan for taxes, oil independence, education, health care, and most importantly - his plan to end this war responsibly. Thank you Barack Obama - it's about time for change.

He referred back to John F. Kennedy's concept of "intellectual, moral strength" and the idea that we all have to do our part to make this world a better place. Changing this world isn't about one man standing on a podium and making claims of change: changing this world is about all of us reclaiming the Golden Rule (which first came from the ultimate revolutionary: Jesus) and all of us living lives of self respect, hard work, and love for one another. Programs won't automatically make this world a better place, people will.

We need a president with fresh ideas, with humility to admit when he's made a mistake, and with a belief that there is more to this world than what we actually see. We need a president who is willing to take a stand for the average American and still holding onto the morals that our country was originally established on.

Last night, Obama said, "We must restore our moral standing, so that America is once again that last hope for all who are called to the cause of freedom, for all who long for lives of peace, for all who yearn for a better future..."

He also mentioned that we can all agree that we need to reduce the amount of unwanted pregnancies in this country, that we can uphold the 2nd Amendment while keeping guns out of the hands of criminals and people who are capable of producing the shootings similar to Virginia Tech, and that gays and lesbians should be able to live lives free of discrimination.

We may disagree about the methods to get there, but at the end of the day, all of these issues must be improved in our country. Both Democrats and Republicans should all be able to disagree on these issues without questioning the character and patriotism of each other. Patriotism does not have a party. We need to stop bringing each other down and start working together as a unit to make this world a better place. We all need to reclaim our sense of common purpose to experience the American promise.

Obama continued, "This election is not about me, it's about you! We cannot turn back now, we must march forward and hold firmly without wavering to the faith that we profess..."

Wherever you find yourself on the political spectrum, do yourself a favor and be responsible with the words you use regarding this election. This is the only "political" post you'll hear from me. I just really sense that Barack Obama is the start of something positive in this great country that we live in. Be sure to vote on November 4, 2008. Stand up for what's right but also pray for the grace to cover us when we're a little off.

Obama 08. KL.

Heart's Catching Up...

I've been really reflective the last few weeks.

My mind feels like it needs to slam on the brakes so my heart can just catch up a little bit. I lay in bed with thoughts constantly running through my head. Thoughts of contentment, thoughts of vulnerability, thoughts of love.

I've been distracted by this idea that people walk in and out of our lives and before we know it, we never see them again. In the blink of an eye, everything changes, and there's no prerequisite that could prepare you for this course. You never thought you'd lose them but here you are, years later, missing them more than you ever imagined.

But I have this hope, this monumental belief, this deep thought racing through my mind that carries me from one day to the next:

"I believe that my life's gonna see the love I give return to me." -JM

I'm just going to keep loving, no matter what. Love's the only thing in life you can't over-indulge in. You can have too much ice cream, too much of "self", too much money. You can have too much of almost everything - except love. And without love, we have absolutely nothing to live for. So please don't stop loving one another because with it, life can be experienced in its fullest potential.

Now it may not be returned tonight, and that's alright. It doesn't have to be. I'm just going to trust that at the end of my life, as long as I stay where the light is, it will all be returned to me.

And I can rest in that hope, just give me a second for my heart to catch up.

KL

Heart in my Hands...

I've been torn but not broken. I've been through the furnace but not burned. I've taken some hard punches but now I'm ready to throw a couple jabs of my own. Hope you're ready.

You thought you knew me, but you had no idea. If you saw me now, you wouldn't recognize me - because I'm bigger than my body gives me credit for.

I'm better than I've ever been (like Kanye said), tougher than I've ever been, and more progressive than I've ever been. All of which are leading me to where I've always wanted to be. But I assure you, it's not going to fall into my lap. It never has and it never will. I've accepted that and moved on.

I've had to make it happen for myself - for the most part, you will too. So now I continue the journey of making it happen for myself, regardless of the cost.

Change is right around the corner, meanwhile I'm gonna stand on the steps with my heart in my hands.


KL.

Say What Ya Need To Say

Isn't it about time I start being authentic, regardless of what it involves? Isn't it time I choose truth, no matter what the cost?

This week I've been reminded that plans don't always work out as we think they will.

This week I've had many opportunities to be honest and it felt so good to be sincere with myself and with other people. I've tasted independence, freedom, and self-sufficiency for some time now and it resembles a King Size Snickers bar. For so long I avoided these concepts because of my fear of loneliness. And then I met someone who reminded me that one doesn't always invite the other.

Someone can be an amazing person, a beautiful individual, an intricate personality - but different people have different lives. It's more important to end a relationship with integrity than waste someones time. I'm all about simplifying, identifying the most efficient method possible, and waiting for the right timing when it all feels like a dream.

I've met so many people who would do anything to escape a current relationship but haven't the stability to actually go through with it - so they settle in and become static. They forsake truth for comfort, real love for empathy, freedom for control.

Sometimes truth is the negative conversation we need to go through to arrive at our peaceful destination.

I want us to be honest beginning a relationship and honest concluding it. I want us to stop burning bridges. Say you want to just be friends and mean it. Act on it. Check on each other. Treat others the way you would want to be treated.

Be quick to forgive, slow to speak, and even slower to anger. Think about your words before you use them. Everything happens for a reason, please don't ignore the signs. When you feel it, you'll know. But until then, just enjoy the heart of life...

And never forget that these concepts are beautiful ways to live.

And that Jesus came up with them long before I did. KL.

Balance

Most people are either on one side of the spectrum or the complete opposite. Believe me when I say I was too (and still am from time to time) but I'm searching for something that can change it all. Something that brings consistency, contentment, and ultimately happiness.

I'm searching for balance, for equilibrium, for something to hold onto.

We can either be too straightforward or too passive. Either too rational or too impulsive. Either too cold hearted or too sensitive. Either too serious or too nonchalant.

So slow down and think about where you find yourself on the continuum.

Keep on loving, we're almost there. KL.

From Nothing to Something

I just finished one of the most depressing/optimistic testimonies out there these days. Eric Clapton was a man who was full of addictions of all sorts: music, sex, fishing, collectables, and the most deadly of all, hard drugs. Even though this would seem to lead to his downfall, it's what made him one of the greatest guitarists to ever strap in to play. He never did anything half-assed and I can respect that.

He describes his addictions and explains how devastating it was for his friends and family to witness. The first forty years of this man's life were filled with disappointment, death, abandonment, confusion, insecurity, and lonliness - and that's not an exageration by any means. He got to the point where he couldn't go a few hours without some sort of drug to get him through. He was drinking 2 bottles of vodka a day. It got extremely ugly.

And then the straw that broke the camels back slapped him in the face. Conor, his 4 year old son, fell 53 floors out of a high-rise apartment to his tragic death.

And it's in these moments where you see the character of an individual.

It's in these moments where God does His most magnificient work...

"At that moment, almost of their own accord, my legs gave way and I fell to my knees. In the privacy of my room I begged for help. I had no notion who I was talking to, I just knew I had come to the end of my tether, I had nothing left to fight with. Then I remembered what I had heard about surrender, something I thought I could never do, my pride just wouldn't allow it, but I knew that on my own, I wasn't going to make it, so I asked for help, and getting down on my knees, I surrendered.

From that day until this I have never failed to pray in the morning, on my knees, asking for help, and at night, to express gratitude for my life, and most of all, for my sobriety.

I choose to kneel because I need to humble myself when I pray, and with my ego, this is the most I can do.

If you are asking why I do this, I will tell you...because it works. It's as simple as that. In all this time I've
been sober, I have never once seriously thought of taking a drink or a drug."

And that's straight from a man who spent forty years disregarding the presence of God. That's straight from a
man who has been to hell and back. That's from a man who has been completely humbled by the grace of God.

It's such a beautiful story because something so self-defeating became something that has changed thousands of lives. Eric Clapton started the "Crossroads Centre" in Antigua which is a rehab treatment center for all kinds of addictions. It exists to help individuals and their families whose lives are controlled by alcohol, drugs or other compulsive behaviors – helping them to make the changes necessary to find new health, a new sense of well-being and a new life of recovery.

It's a beautiful thing when God takes something ugly and makes it wonderful again. Check out Eric Clapton's Autobiography and you'll see what I mean.

KL.

Reign of Love

Hold on.

Be good to one another.

Spend time with your thoughts in surround sound.

Don't worry about yesterday.  The sun will rise tomorrow.

Don't recycle revenge.  Stop it with you.

No one will fire if you wave the white flag and put the weapons down.  Whether it's a thought or a word - please be peaceful.

Don't "wait" for the world to change, you be the change you want to see in the world.  Realize it starts with individuals deciding they want a different life, a different vibe, a different world.

Listen more and talk less.  

Engage those who appear lost.  Listen to their story.

See more shows - art shows, concerts, galleries, etc.  Appreciate someone else's talents.  Root for them.

Seek truth and realize you will never have it all nailed.  

Travel and admit that there's a much bigger world out there than you.

Much love to all.  KL.

Got Your Back

What really does it mean to say "I love you?"

I've asked myself this question countless times. Love is such a beautiful concept and I often wonder what it really means. I wonder if we minimize the term when we say "I love Subway" or "I love that black polo"...What does it mean to love something, or perhaps someone?

Lately I've been thinking about this:

"I've got your back."

Think about what that means.

It means no matter what you do, I'm behind you. No matter what you say, I'm in your corner. No matter what, I got your back. I can't think of a more appropriate image of love.

I got your back.

So from now on, I'm going to show love by my actions and say that I've got your back. I've learned talk is cheap and that it means absolutely nothing until you back it up with movement, with progression, with rhythm. It's so easy to just settle in and become static with relationships but it's time we all start thinking about what we mean when we say "I love you..."

So please, say it more often. But more importantly, back it up with action. KL.

Hilarious

Check out this story. His picture says it all...

http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/americas/7526628.stm

KL.

Rhythm

If you've ever watched a band play live, you know what this is. The drums, the bass, and the guitar must all be in rhythm to be able to play something that resonates to the core of the audience. The original word for rhythm comes from the Greek word "rhythmos" which means any measured flow, movement, or progression.

This is about fighting off the "vultures" to eventually find RHYTHM.

This is about celebrating life when things just seem to flow and rising above the disappointment when they don't. This is about never throwing in the towel, no matter what. Anyone can collapse when the rain picks up but it takes courage to walk through the storm to the other side (and here's the important part): holding your head high through the entire journey.

This is about choosing freedom over resentment, choosing patience over instant gratification, choosing the hard-fought victory over the easy way out. This is about actions speaking louder than words. This is about the girl who steps into her new shoes and begins to understand why they feel so sweet - because she didn't fall hard to the temptation of giving up, she doesn't believe in the white flag. She instead walks through the door labeled "persistance", which then quickly takes her to the most beautiful place a person can experience: harmony, uninterrupted happiness, and ultimately, peace.

This is about being persistant in the moment but also realizing that it's not the last hurdle to overcome. This is about the guy who sets out to run 3 miles but runs 4 instead because he's preparing for tomorrow.

This is about accepting who you are today and finding someone who will love you through the liabilities.
This is about the college student who changes her major a half a dozen times and still has no clue where she wants to be. But she doesn't stop pushing herself; she tries new things and eventually finds exactly the career she was looking for. This is about waiting for what you want but proactively seeking it.

This is about caring more about others than about ourselves.

This is about ending this war and bringing our troops home where they belong. This is about peace. This is about Obama's ideas on changing things.

This is about the pursuit of harmony, the expression of creativity, and the appreciation of unknown waters.

This is about all of us wanting to become more than we are.

This is about rhythm. KL.

From Deep Down...

I've had a crazy last few days. I drove 6 hours north to Niagara Falls and saw the most beautiful waterfall ever, drove another hour and a half north to Toronto to see John Mayer, and last night I went with some friends to see him again in "Dirty" Jersey. I sit here with my coffee feeling more inspired than I've ever been in my entire life - and it feels amazing.

I realize my bias here; I've been a fan of JM for years. I have rooted for him and I (probably) always will root for him - I say probably because "always" is a word I've learned to be very careful about. Anyways, back to the point.

The first may be something that you don't want to think about (I don't either, but it leads to something very important) and what we want to hear and what we need to hear usually feel very different. There's a reason for that.

It's about judgments, assumptions, and stereotypes - it's about the most dangerous drug we can experiment with. There's the appetizer, here's the entree.

If you think about what judgment is at it's core, it's essentially someone saying that they have some sort of standard that isn't congruent with yours. It's when things are not in harmony, the exact oposite of "shalom". Judgment can be anything; something as simple as "Your shoes suck!" or "You listen to John Mayer?!? He's such a douche." A sense of judgment originates with arrogance and here's where it turns toxic:

Judgment leads to self-consciousness, which then inevitably leads to a level of insecurity that has permeated our culture and has become extremely poisonous to every single one of us. I realize there's dark and there's light. I need to be clear here; I'm referring to preferences, not morals.

But negativity never frees the captive, it only enslaves them longer and brings about more injustice. So think about your words and always remember that sticks and stones will break your bones but words will always do more damage (yes, I know I said "always"). Enjoy who you are tonight, not who you would be if you changed this or that - and that means accepting the insecurities and the talents. Push yourself to be the best you can be? Absolutely. But always make sure you have plans Friday night for fear of sitting alone in your room? Not anymore. I'm done with that approach.

Don't tear others down in an attempt to build yourself up. Root for others. Celebrate with them when they work hard to succeed and take them out to dinner when they're "covered in rain" because things didn't quite go as planned.

I truly believe love can set us free, we just have to let it. KL.

Keep Moving

There is just so much to say and so little time; but I need to share some truth with you. I unfortunately have come to realize that life is shorter than we expect or ever truly comprehend. People talk so much about "mid-life" crisis but I'm feeling more like there's an inevitable "quarter-life" crisis that hits around your mid-20's. Almost every adult I know between the ages of 18-25 are frustrated with where they are because this sobering question won't go away, "Is this all there is?"

From the time we were running around carrying Super Mario lunchboxes, we were told that we could become anything we want. Really? Anything? There's two things I've always wanted to be: the 2nd baseman for the Philadelphia Phillies (if it wasn't for that Chase Utley fellow) or a performer of some sort - preferably a singer.

After arriving in Niagara Falls, I met one hell of a Canadian who had hair down to his back and a smile that went from ear to ear. Perhaps one of the most laid back people I've met, he ushered us out to his porch and we were instantaneoulsy in a different world - a beautiful world. I went from hearing loud noises in the city to hearing the quiet of the country. I went from wondering where I was to kicking my feet up on a chair without a care in the world.

If you're not careful, you'll miss these moments. They walk by us so often without warning but on this day, I knew I was going to stop to listen, to sit on the porch, to relax. I had to - mainly because when truth hits our existence and coincides with our "belief" systems, we can't help but slow down and inhale. And hopefully smile ear to ear.

Life rarely fits perfectly in the picture frame (the way we originally thought it up) but it's important, and even essential, to keep moving - to refuse to settle for becoming static. You'll see if you just give it time, you'll find what you're looking for. I know I did and it's so much better than the original drawing ever would've been. But I wouldn't have known that if I didn't keep moving.

So keep moving, find a new interest. Decide to learn something new everyday. Don't ever settle for the status quo. If it feels good right away, you haven't bought a big enough canvas. Pick up an instrument you've never played and find a melody that resonates deep within your being. And when you finally hit that note, realize that no one can ever take that away from you. No matter what.

Want what your heros want, not what your heros have. KL.

I'm Not Together But I'm Gettin There...

"Don't give up, give up, give up." KL.

If You Love Me, Won't You Let Me Know?

I've never really found it advantageous either for myself or for others to hold my cards close to my chest and expect others to read my two pair, ace high. Growing up in a home where both my brother and I were taught to tell others how we felt has allowed me to reject this notion our country has - that men are forbidden to express feelings, especially feelings of emotion, vulnerability, and love. It breaks my heart to hear someone tell me, "My dad never told me he loved me" or "My brother never hugs me"...that's about the point in the conversation where I hug them tight and tell them they are loved.

Now before I come across as being overly sentimental, I realize there's a time to show composure in a moment of weakness. I strongly believe in the man being solid emotionally. Fair enough, but I think it's gotten a little out of hand.

The typical American father spends more time working toward the promotion than teaching him about the right way to treat people (especially women). We're more concerned with buying the addition to the house than sitting down with her and asking her about herself. We care more about buying the new jet ski than instilling grace, honesty, and ultimately love.

My mom recently told me about someone she knows who has devoted his entire life to his career. He drives a sweet car, lives in a big house, and pretty much can afford any vacation he wants. However, his son once told him that he'd trade his time for his gifts anyday of the week. Interesting.

It's time to condense the post for the reader...

It all comes down to priorities.

What's important to you? What's important to your family? What if our country cared more about family than materialism? How would our families look different? How would our children look different?

I have a deep sense of hope for the future of families in America. I urge you, the reader, to stop and think about someone you love. Perhaps it's your aunt, your spouse, or your child. When's the last time you hugged them? When's the last time you told them they were beautiful? When's the last time you said "I love you"?

Don't hold back any longer. Kiss her when you leave for work and see the difference it makes when you get home. Send her flowers for no reason at all; not because it's Valentine's Day or because you screwed up. Do it without any ulterior motives or without hidden expectations of getting "play" after a glass of wine. Do it because you love her with every inch of your being and you couldn't think of a better way to spend a couple bucks. And finally, please...

Say "I love you" more often

And mean it. KL.

Go Up Against the Wall of What You Don't Know

This must be said, whether you're into them or not:

Check out Coldplay's new album "Viva La Vida or Death and All His Friends". It's very different, but it will blow you're mind away. It's authentic, deep, and at some points, spiritual. 

Never be afraid to try new things. KL.

Just Because I'm Losing, Doesn't Mean I'm Lost...

I was reminded of an important lesson last night that must be shared:

Never, ever ever give up.

Ever since I could walk, I've been in love with the game of baseball. I remember falling asleep with a baseball hat on while holding my glove - and waking up feeling like a complete dork. Even to this day, there's nothing better than spending an afternoon making diving stops at short or turning double plays with a base runner bearing down on your ankles - spikes up.

I'm playing on a fast pitch softball team and even though I love being out there, we're like the 1992 Phillies. Only 2 out of 14 guys played in high school and we're majorly undersized compared to the other teams. I've never been on a team that lost more than 4 games in an entire season. Before last night, we were 2-7. It's been quite humbling.

But last night was different. We walked up to the field with a "swag" that I haven't seen all season. We were playing the biggest team in the league, the team who everyone talks about as being "unbeatable." They walked onto that field undefeated, cocky, and talented. We walked onto that field with nothing to lose.

The game was back and forth. 2-0 us, 3-2 them, 4-3 us, 5-4 them. And then the last inning came...

With one out and a runner on second, I stepped up to the plate. Now I'll be honest with you, I've struggled this season at the plate. It's been tough adjusting to the close distance, the release point, and the movement on the pitches. But I walked up to the plate and thought to myself, "Never, ever ever give up."

The first pitch was a fastball that I fouled off. The second pitch was high. 1 ball, 1 strike. I was sitting on a fastball and when I saw it, my eyes lit up and I ripped a line drive into the right-center gap. The funny thing is the guy on second is a little overweight but I've never seen someone pump his arms as fast as he did rounding 3rd base. He ended up scoring the tying run and I slid head first into third base. It felt so damn good to stand up, dust the dirt off, and begin to feel the sense that Rocco Mediate sometimes comes out on top. Two batters later, a long drive off the left field fence brought me to the plate where I was met by all my teammates...

A few lessons that I learned:

1) It doesn't matter if they don't believe in you, you must believe in you.

2) Never fear failure. It's better to try and struggle than to give up and live wondering, "What if?"

3) If you strikeout in the first inning, focus on the next at-bat. Forget the past and move on. Regret never changed what already happened.

4) Never, ever ever give up. Regardless.

I love the taste of perseverance, especially in baseball. KL.

The Beauty of June 13

Today I can't help but reflect on the last 365 days.

It's been a long year. A mixture of the worst and the best year of my life.

But I'm so thankful for June 13 because it marks the beginning of something new, something fresh, something right. If it didn't happen, I wouldn't be able to give what I can today.

But storms happen for a reason. Without a little rain, we'd never be able to fully appreciate the sunshine. Even though we may not always see the end of the downpour, we just have to keep walking until we see clear skies.

KL

Love Wins

After sweating through sound check yesterday, I had the opportunity to meet David Ryan Harris. Without trying to be the typical 16 year old fan who goes crazy when meeting a musician, I felt like that little kid inside as I contemplated what to ask this social icon. You may not have heard about him (he's huge on the west coast) but right when you hear his music, you immediately feel something deep within your soul. It's quite beautiful, really.

We talked about what touring with JM is like, the difference between the east coast and the west coast, and where he gets his material. I asked him where he finds his inspiration for his music and he said "Well, musically - Stevie Wonder, lyrically - my wife."

I want that to be my inspiration too.

Have you ever watched couples interact in public? It's actually really funny if your timing is perfect. I was in the supermarket the other day and heard a couple arguing about grape vs. strawberry jelly. The wife asked what he liked more and after he said grape, she said "But we always have grape! I want strawberry" and it was in that exact moment I knew I had to tune in. After the wife argued more for the strawberry, I heard the husband yell "I don't even like jelly!!"

As funny as it is for me to watch couples fight, something needs to change. It seems to me that couples argue about the most trivial things and they don't realize how insignificant their fights become. So stop fighting about the jelly, and the "right" way to get to your friends house (when there's really many ways), and the restaurant where you go out to eat dinner. Life's too short.

Love wins. KL.

Life is so Damn Great

Starting over has become my motivation, my inspiration, my life - and I've developed a deep sense of progression within me. It's quite refreshing to open up your hands and your heart to something (or perhaps someone) new. When you discover the method that works, all the others that didn't no longer matter.

It's so exciting to look back and see the big picture. To see the reason why it all happened and to believe that you are more today than you were yesterday. The journey is absolutely amazing.

So slow down. Take deep breaths. Spend a night with your thoughts and feelings in surround sound. Wear your heart on your sleeve and love others more everyday. Exercise patience with those who love you and those who don't. Don't be afraid to admit when you're wrong. Be peaceful, be compassionate, be kind.

When you feel disappointed, tell someone who cares. When your turned on, hug them tighter than you ever did before - and don't let go. When you're in love, smile from ear to ear and don't ever let anyone take that away from you.

Life is so damn great. KL.

Top 100 Guitar Songs of All-time (Notice #84)

Check out this link:

http://www.rollingstone.com/news/coverstory/20947527/page/2