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

[lawgirl]

Again, for those of you that don't have the song, you can hear it at:

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

Thanks to swheats for finding it for me!

[lawgirl]

I am so glad you like it! This song is wonderful by itself, but then you add President Bush's words......wow!

[jtill]

Lawgirl, what a wonderful tribute to our President and his faith. Don't need to tell you that it brought tears, do I?

Thank you for the ping.

[okimhere]

The sheer ENERGY in that photo of our young military personnel around President Bush has hit me each time I've seen it. And the symbolism of the baseball field is striking: all eyes on the lone man at center stage.

[lawgirl]

Lawgirl, what a wonderful tribute to our President and his faith. Don't need to tell you that it brought tears, do I?

Jtill- you don't have to, but I am glad you did. ;-D

okimhere-- plus he pitched a perfect pitch!!

[firewalk]

Thank you for the ping lawgirl. It's beautiful!

[okimhere]

plus he pitched a perfect pitch!!

Even more symbolism! You're right on.

[lawgirl]

You are welcome. I am glad you liked it. :-D

[lawgirl]

I just realized--I don't think I pinged you!! Oops!!

PING!

[I_be_tc]

Wow, lawgirl, thank you for this beautiful tribute and the ping to see it. It is fabulous.

TC

[Wphile]

This is an absolutely beautiful tribute to our wonderful President. You have done a fabulous job. And yes, you must send it to him. I think if you send it to the First Lady's office, you have a better chance of actually getting it to him. I'm sure Laura would love it as well.

Bottom line for me is that I TRUST this President and his administration. I often feel confused and unsure of how I feel about a given situation but then I stop fretting and remember that GW is in charge and that he will do what he believes to be the right thing. He's a politician, sure, but he's also a man of principle. Because of that, I have placed in him my confidence.

As GW would say, "good job, Lawgirl. Well done!"

[lawgirl]

As GW would say, "good job, Lawgirl. Well done!"

Thank you Wphile! I completely second your sentiments. This is a difficult time---there is so much uncertainty. When news comes that doesn't make sense to me, I always think to myself "I don't know what W knows." He's the one getting security briefings, and I know that he is going to protect us. Having a President like George W. Bush is why we can all carry on with life--I don't have to worry about bombs falling out of the sky because I know W (as well as Secretary Rumsfeld) is on duty and is watching out for us.

[right-sidedNYer]

Beautiful job, lawgirl! Thank you for the ping. And I agree - pings should have come with the Kleenex alert! :)

[mtngrl@vrwc]

I have spent this whole morning browsing Free Republic and chatting with friends (and I really need to get those lights up outside and the tree up), but I couldn't help but come back here to look at your tribute and listen to "Live What I Believe" one more time before I log off. This thread has been bookmarked LG! It's wonderful!

[Mo1]

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

THAT's IT!!! ..

I knew there was a reason I loved that picture

[CDHart]

This is wonderful. A couple of the pictures didn't come through (they had the little red X on them) but the others were fine. Thanks for posting this.

Carolyn

[texasbluebell]

I wonder where I could send it that he'd actually GET it?

Hmm, I don't know. But what if you or someone were to put it on a disk that you can mail to the Bushes--I don't know how to do that, but others would. Then maybe it would make its way to him more easily if it's something like that rather than just a link to this thread.

[Mo1]

ok--yes that song packs a punch. I spent quite a few hours doing this project--

AGAIN Lawgirl .. Thank you so much for doing this thread

I just copied your thread and passed it onto all my Family & friends ... even the liberal ones .. I just know they will enjoy this as much as I did ..

[lawgirl]

You know what? I had one other person tell me that one of the photos didn't show up for them either, but most people seem to be seeing them all (or not telling me! LOL!) I am glad you could enjoy it even a couple of photos short. :)

Texasbluebell---sending it in a disc form is a great idea--Maybe what I'll do is send the print out along with the disc. Thanks for the suggestion! I had not thought of that!

Mo1--wow I am flattered!! I sure hope they like it. Let me know what feedback you get! (You can email me at reelectW2004@yahoo.com

[Mo1]

*L* .. will do on the responses .. these liberal family members may be liberals .. but they do still have a heart

They just need to open it a bit and see just how wonderful this President really is

And I won't give up until they all see ..