An Illustrated Song: Russ Lee's "Live What I Believe" with George W. Bush (VANITY)

me

[lawgirl]

Welcome to (as far as I know) Free Republic’s first “Illustrated Song”. Some songs just naturally bring certain images to your mind, and as I listened to this song, the following images came to the forefront of my mind and reminded me that you can see President Bush’s words and beliefs coming to life in his face. Hopefully you will agree with me that the photos illustrate the song well.

This song was recorded by Christian artist Russ Lee, and this version came out right after President Bush’s inauguration. Russ Lee took W’s words and interspersed them into his own song. When I first heard this song, I was moved to tears. This song is about taking a stand as a Christian, which our President has done. This song kicks off with President Bush’s reply at the Iowa Republican primary when asked to name the philosopher that had the greatest influence on his life: “Christ, because he changed my heart”, and uses words from, mostly, President Bush’s first major speech as President-Elect from the Texas House of Representatives in December 2000. He was talking about unity and his vision for our country, and I think a lot of it is still very relevant in our post 9/11/01 world.

I put this together as a tribute to our President. It’s no mystery around here how I feel about President Bush. What a blessing he has been to this country, and to me. His leadership, devotion to faith, and his willingness to allow us to glimpse his heart and see Christ shining through are an inspiration to me. He has reminded me that, no matter who you are, Christians have no excuse for hiding their faith. He has taken heat for his faith, and has remained faithful. I pray God blesses his example.

Below, President Bush’s words are in blue, and the song lyrics are italicized. The song is copywrited by Sparrow Records and was written by Russ Lee and Doug McKelvey. It can be found on Russ Lee’s album “Words in Time” and the original is a little bit different than this version. I encourage all of you that have this song, to pull it out and listen to it as you look at the pictures and read the thread—that makes it best experience IMO.

I hope you all enjoy this illustrated song. May God bless our wonderful President George W. Bush and may God Bless America!

"Live What I Believe" – Russ Lee with President George W. Bush
by Russ Lee and Doug McKelvey

Voiceover: When George W Bush was asked to name the philosopher that had the greatest influence on his life, this was his answer:

Christ, because he changed my heart

These are the days
For the children of faith
To stand up and be counted

I believe things happen for a reason

Now is the time
For the light in us to shine
On whoever's around it

I ask for you to pray for this great nation

One life can be the proof
Of the hope that is You

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

I will swear to not only uphold the laws of our land, I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God

The world will see God's grace
When we work and we pray
And then love like we mean it

Now it is time to find common ground
And to build consensus
To make America a beacon of opportunity in the 21st century

Well, I think we're in it
One life can be the proof
Of the hope that is You

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

So that everyone can see
It's Jesus that they need
I'm gonna live what I believe

I know America wants reconciliation and unity

There's a passion deep inside
(I’m gonna live what I believe)

I know Americans want progress

For my life to testify

And we must seize this moment and deliver

Lord, let me be used
As a witness for You
With faith and conviction

Together guided by a spirit of common sense, common courtesy, and common goals
We can unite and inspire the American citizens

(Live a life)
Gonna walk that line
(Live what I believe)
(Live a life)
I'm gonna stand for what is right
(Live what I believe)

I ask for your prayers for leaders from both parties
Hey, it's Jesus that they need

I'm gonna live what I believe
I'm gonna walk that line
If it costs me everything
I'm gonna stand for what is right

So that everyone can see
It's Jesus that they need

I'm gonna live what I believe

I thank you for your prayers for me and my family

I ask for you to pray for this great nation

And if it costs me everything
(Live what I believe)

I will swear to uphold the honor and dignity of the office to which I have been elected, so help me God

I’m gonna live what I believe
(Live a life)
(I’m gonna live what I believe)
(Live a life)

Christ.

I want everyone to see

(Live what I believe)

Because he changed my heart
(So everyone can see)
I’m gonna live what I believe

It is more than an office
It is a charge to keep
And I will give it my all

[notpoliticallycorewrecked]

When you see him hug a child you know its genuine display of affection for that child. I'm willing to bet that he remembers those kids when he thinks about the terrorist threats directed at this country.

[patriciaruth]

Bookmarked.

Thank you so much for this Christmas gift!

[MamaB]

What a wonderful tribute to our leader. You did a fantastic job. Thanks.

[altura]

Really nice.

Thanks for doing this, lawgirl.

[MistyCA]

Wow....that is very nice! What I want to know is how you got through all those pictures without passing out??? LOL. That's one awesome looking guy!

[MistyCA]

BTW...thanks for the ping! :)

[MistyCA]

That pitch was just the best! Talk about sending a message! :)

[WVNan]

lawgirl, I don't know that I've ever been moved so much by anything that has been posted on FR. I played the song and went back through it. Inspiring. Thank you for the effort you put into it. God bless.

[goodnesswins]

How WONDERFUL....brings tears to the eyes. REALLY great, lawgirl.

[goodnesswins]

How WONDERFUL....brings tears to the eyes. REALLY great, lawgirl.

[goodnesswins]

YES, OOPS....it was worth two posts!

[tutstar]

Thank you, this is great!!

[firewalk]

Bttt

[Mo1]

When you see him hug a child you know its genuine display of affection for that child.

and those kids know it .. just look how they wrap their arms around him ..

Oh the tears are coming again ..

[Mudboy Slim]

"...is the FR victuals this Saturday in D.C. a go?"

Yep...yer ridin' up with me, right? If yer 100%, I'll flag kristinn and get him to save us a coupla seats...MUD

BTW...ya reckon our buddy EricC. would wanna join us?! The MudMobile's got the half-cab in the back, so if you call shotgun, Cantor's gotta sit back where I stuff the young'uns...LOL!!

[Mudboy Slim]

"any pics of you w/Dubya"

Actually, Dubyuh's asked me to keep all evidence of our FRiendship under wraps until after we put Slick Willie in Prison...MUD

[Mudboy Slim]

"I do think that [Russell Crowe] is the greatest actor of our time."

Poppycock and balderdash, lawgirl, that'd be Mel Gibson, with Clint Eastwood before him, and John Wayne before him!! All other's are but pretenders to the throne!!

Gotta admit, though, RC was purty decent in "Gladiator"...On My Signal, Unleash HELL!!

FReegards...MUD

[hoosierpearl]

Very well done and a beautiful tribute lawgirl. Thanks for the ping. Your choice of pictures was excellent. I'd never heard the song before and it is an inspiring song.

[terilyn]

This is absolutely incredible. It brought tears to my eyes and a smile to my face at the same time. What a beautiful collection of pictures to go with a beautiful song.

You should send a link to the White House. Honestly, it's that good!

Thank you

[terilyn]

Thank you so much for the link to the music. I hadn't heard it yet. It's a beautiful song and a wonderful tribute to our great President.