This song was one of the things that saved me from suicide, or instead its better to say, that Christ worked through this song and in many other ways to save my life. He's still working on me, and I'm still learning how to die.
That is a beautiful way of saying that! Christ works through us, but also we use those gifts that have been given to us to bless others. Ultimately God is the one who is to give credit, but also we get some as well for the work and trust we live throughout our lives.
This song is a big reason why I decided to take a year off college and serve as a missionary over seas. I've never responded so emotionally to a song before, the reality that all of this life leads to our final surrender to God in death. All of our lives we live to prepare for that moment of sweet release. I got to meet Jon Foreman at a Switchfoot show, I told him how this song inspired me and then he gave me a manly bear-hug haha. Praise God!
My Aunt was diagnosed with cancer back in December. I could tell she was scared what the future held. While she waited to see what the next steps would be she encouraged me to go on a trip I had been putting off. She always encourages my singing and has told me before her diagnosis that she wants me to sing at her funeral. This song makes me think of things she would say to me if the cancer comes back.
Jon, I don't know if you read these comments, but but I wanted to thank you for this song. I think sometimes we get so caught up in what we call "living life" that we lose perspective on "learning how to die." It's not only the realization that nothing is permanent but also learning how to die to ourselves as Paul describes - the giving up of our selfish ambitions to focus on what's eternal. Your song, to me, is a great reminder of this attitude we should be carrying throughout our days on Earth.
I'm gonna miss you, I'm gonna miss you when you're gone She says, "I love you I'm gonna miss hearing your songs" And I said, "Please Don't talk about the end, Don't talk about how every living thing Goes away..." She said, "Friend, all along Thought I was learning how to take How to bend not how to break How to live not how to cry, but really I've been learning how to die I've been learning how to die" Hey everyone I've got nowhere to go The grave is lazy He takes our bodies slowly And I said "Please Don't talk about the end, Don't talk about how every living thing Goes away..." She said, "Friend, all along Thought I was learning how to take How to bend not how to break How to laugh not how to cry, but really I've been learning how to die I've been learning how to die, die I've been learning how to die"
I always come back to this song. I lost 2 grandparents in 2016, a cousin in 2017, my grandpa in 2019, and my aunt a few days ago. It's never easy, but this song is always here to ease the fear of death. Thank you for this beautiful gift Jon.
Eye-opening lyrics that show life’s purpose is beyond life itself...in fact if the purpose of life was life, that is circular logic and we would not be here. It’s awesome to know that all our ultimate deaths are not the end and our lives have meaning beyond the ephemerality of themselves.
You are such an inspiring artist! Thank you for writing and performing for us! I am praying that God keeps inspiring you and you are led by Him! He is our strength!
I'm pretty sure I was talking about breaking up with my boyfriend, whom I had been basically dating for almost 2 years at that point, seriously dating for 1 year, and after I broke up once dated for another year. He was there for me on my darkest days and encouraged me to my greatest heights, but I knew he would not nurture my relationship with Christ in the way I needed. Here I stand on the other side of the chasm I knew I was headed for, engaged to the most wonderful, Godly man I've ever met. God DOES have a plan. Trust Him and let Him lead your life towards down the path He calls.
I like this song. But then in the end his music is a kind of sell-out. For me that is a step to far. Unfortunately in today's times people are just not grounded enough anymore. He likes music, he likes playing, but all these merchandising around, I am sick of this. Therefore I prefer hardcore music. Agnostic front when they sing a song like united we stand, divided we fall. For me that is exactly the message for our time. We have to get it done, no playing around, no google, no amazon, no time for big luxury, people wake up.
