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

[Barset]

Thank you, lawgirl. What a treat. Thanks for including me in the ping.

[Mo1]

Would we do it all over again? In a heartbeat I'm sure

YOU GOT THAT RIGHT!!!

[irish_lad]

Great job! God bless George W Bush and the United States of America!

[lawgirl]

Thanks everyone! I am so glad you liked it!

[Mo1]

Like it .. I LOVE IT!!

Going have to send this one off to my friends!!

[okimhere]

Would we do it all over again? In a heartbeat

You've got THAT right!! And now we have had a couple of years of continually unfolding confirmation of what we sensed and believed back then.

Wow! Just listened to the song - it packs a punch, doesn't it? We saw each of these pictured events as they happened but, to string them together as Lawgirl has done, shows such a sincere, effective pattern to his presidency. And Laura's constant reassuring smile in the midst of world turmoil is amazing and comforting.

Lawgirl, ya done GOOD!

[Miss Marple]

Thanks, lawgirl! This is beautiful, and perfectly matched with the music. Thank you so much for taking the time to do this!

[dutchess]

Absolutely fabulous lawgirl! You truly captured the depth of this great man's faith. Thanks for your efforts!

[swheats]

I sent feedback on the site for the song and gave lawgirl's link. It would be great to see this in video form. I know we always want more, more, more.

[Howlin]

It's outstanding. Thanks for taking all the time I'm sure it took to put this together.

Fabulous.

[mtngrl@vrwc]

I think you should print this whole thread off when it's all said and done and mail it to our wonderful president and his wife! They would love your tribute and enjoy reading the comments that are posted to it! I think it might be very heartwarming for them to know they are loved and appreciated, especially at this time of the year.

And President Bush....in case Lawgirl goes for this idea and does send this to you (lol!).....I unconditionally support you because I know you are a man of prayer. I know you have the best interest of the country at heart and want nothing but the best for America. Thank you for the sacrifices you are making to serve your country. You are in my prayers daily.

[Brad’s Gramma]

Thank you SO MUCH for putting this together. We are truly blessed by having a man (and family and administration) that is HONORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

SUCH a refreshing change. We need to remember to pray for him, all the time.

[Brad’s Gramma]

For when you return!!!!

[Howlin]

Some of my favorites:

[kitkat]

Do you know, Sweetie, that with all that's happening with the Congress, with the stock market, with the evil Clintons and their friends, I had become immersed in the details of government and NEEDED this reminder of how blessed we are to have George W. Bush and his deep faith at the helm of our country. Oh, I KNEW all the things you've illustrated, but you've brought them back to the front of our minds where they belong. God bless you, lawgirl, and God bless our country and President Bush.

[okimhere]

Hey, great idea! I went back (I hadn't left a comment) and double dittoed your thoughts. Can't hurt to ask........

[lawgirl]

ok--yes that song packs a punch. I spent quite a few hours doing this project--listening to it and seeing what photos fit best, and I think I am just now to the point where I can hear it without tearing up. We are so blessed to have his as our President.

Miss Marple, dutchess, Howlin Brad's Gramma--I am so glad you liked it!

Swheats--you left feedback on Russ Lee's site? COOL!!! I hope he sees it and really likes it. I, personally, would like to have an updated version. Adding post 9/11 clips would be fantastic---those days especially were filled with faith. I wish we could get a video for it!!! film showing W caring for people and sharing his faith would top it all!

Mtngrl: I think you should print this whole thread off when it's all said and done and mail it to our wonderful president and his wife! They would love your tribute and enjoy reading the comments that are posted to it! I think it might be very heartwarming for them to know they are loved and appreciated, especially at this time of the year.

Mtngrl---great idea! That sounds like something plausible---I will do that!! (and i love your post to the president!)

[swheats]

I love that shot of the baseball pitch. Reminds me of Angels in the Outfield.

[lawgirl]

Thank you so much for your post kitkat! It is so easy to forget what a blessing George W. Bush has been to us all. I wish he could be president forever. ;-D

Okimhere--thanks for the feedback--i would love Russ Lee to see this!

Howlin-those are great photos! I'll never forget that perfect pitch in Milwaukee.

[Brasil]

Oh, lawgirl, thank you. This is wunnerful. My tears will stop rolling sometime today.