I grew up surrounded by music. At the time it was rock but as I got older rock turned more into heavy metal. One of my favorite bands in high school was KoRn. They are very much on the darker side but I think a lot of music is about a person's perception. I also believe that music can reach so many people on so many different levels. It's amazing. Junior high/high school was a dark period in my life so it was fitting that my music matched my mood.
Brian Welch is the lead guitarist from KoRn. After a friend invites Brian to church he gives his life to Jesus and his world is turned upside down. He quits KoRn, his meth addiction, and that heavy rock lifestyle and focuses on Jesus and being a single dad to his young daughter Jennea. With My Eyes Wide Open is Brian's life as a new Christian, starting a solo career, being a dad, and eventually his reuniting with Korn after nine years to reach people for Christ.
KoRn is not a satanic band, but I believe Brian had to separate himself from that lifestyle to get himself straight and to become stronger in his faith. Becoming a Christian is not easy as many people think and Brian saw that first hand. He went through many up's and down's and compares his journey to Joseph, the man that was sold into slavery by his brothers but eventually became one of the greatest men in Egypt in the book of Genesis.
"The trials that Joseph had to endure were far worse than anything I had been going through, and yet through it all he never once wavered in his faith-never once! He understood everything that happened to him was part of the divine plan to prepare him for greatness. So instead of getting mired in depression or self-pity (like yours truly), Joseph viewed each setback as an opportunity to grow closer to God and to let his power strength him. Me? I wasn't quite there yet. But I wanted to be."
I could completely relate to all the trails that Brian endured. The hardest part for me to read was about him finding out about his teenage daughter cutting herself. During a dark time in my life I too was a cutter and it all hit so close to home. But that's another story for another day. Being the amazing dad that Brian is he got his daughter help and now they are both doing great.
Throughout the book Brian wrestles with returning to KoRn until he comes to this realization...
"So why not go back to KoRn and hang out with these people? Did Jesus leave all his perfection and beauty from his spiritual paradise at home as a King on his throne to come to the earth to hang out with us dirty, lying, cheating, messed-up, selfish humans? Are any of us better than the fans at KoRn concerts? No! Every single human being on the planet is just as in need of God's love as the next. We all need Jesus, and my mind has been thoroughly blown away by the fact that I was chosen for this extremely unique call into the metal scene."
Now Brian, with his bandmate Fieldy (Reginald Arvizu), talk and pray with people at their concerts. It's amazing! God truly does "cause everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose for them. (Romans 8:28)"
To Brian, I say ROCK ON BROTHER! To you, my reader, I say to read this book! To hear Brian's story is amazing. He is so real and pure and I admire his transparency.
Be sure to check out Brian Welch in his I Am Second video as well as his website for more about his other books, KoRn, and his solo band, Love & Death.
I received a complimentary copy of this book in exchange for an honest review
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