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

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Oh, my, Lawgirl! This is a beautiful tribute to a wonderful Christian man who is our President as this time of our great need by God's grace! Thanks for the effort. Tremendous!

[lawgirl]

Can you see all the pictures? I didn't want to ping anyone until I knew if you can see them all.

[Freedom'sWorthIt]

Yes, I can see all of them! You have done a wonderful thing, here. Please do ping all you can - and let's get the King of Ping here to do his thing! JH2, can you help?

[lawgirl]

Pinging all my Dose friends--this is a special project I put together as a tribute to our President. I would love it if you would check it out!

[Wait4Truth]

Oh, lawgirl, this is just beautiful and inspiring! I can tell it was a work of love for you and I thank you so much! Everyone should see this! It's just wonderful!

[mtngrl@vrwc]

What a wonderful thread this is! I can only imagine the amount of work that went into this project. You put your whole heart and soul into it and it certainly shows! ;-)

[Mo1]

Oh WOW ... BRAVO!!!!


Thanks for the ping Lawgirl ..

[McGavin999]

Beautiful. When I saw the picture of him with the fireman I was overwhelmed. That man is so sincere that it just pulls at your heart.

[jla]

That was just very nice, Lawgirl.

[Soaring Feather]

Absolutely Fabulous~ So beautifully done~

[lawgirl]

Thanks everyone!

McG--it's amazing how just watching his face you can see how much he cares about people.

[twyn1]

Wow !!

Pings should include a Kleenex Alert
for those of us who "cry at the drop of a hat"

[texasbluebell]

One word: Awesome!

[hillsborofox]

Thanks for the ping, Lawgirl. This is BEAUTIFUL!

[mtngrl@vrwc]

I just put "Live What I Believe" on while I looked at this thread and it's amazing! Looking at pictures that correspond to this song, looking and listening at the same time....what fun! It certainly adds to both the song and the thread to do them both at the same time.

I love this song...and I love your thread!

[lawgirl]

Thanks all! This took a lot of time, and I was nervous about it. I am glad you like it!

[omegatoo]

Woooo Hoooo!

O2

[swheats]

Lawgirl this is truly beautiful. For those who don't have the music.

http://www.russlee.com/html/enter.html

[Allegra]

Well done! That is beautiful...