We Are The Rock (Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock, 2022)

This week we focus on the passion of Alice & Sheryl Cooper – a place where they both find purpose and meaning. A place where they can give back to their community and help make “everlasting differences” in the lives of others.

The Rock Teen Centers are located in Mesa and Phoenix, Arizona. These buildings provide a “landing place for teens.” The Rock is a place of protection – a place of strength – a place of creativity – a place of love.

“That’s the whole idea behind Solid Rock…it’s to come in, find your talent and thing work on it, nurture it. That’s what we want to do – to encourage that.” – Alice Cooper

Along with the above-listed quote, Alice asks serious questions in the video shown above. He stated, “What if there wasn’t Art?… Music?… Literature?… Dance?… What would we be?” Stop and think about those things. Do we not express ourselves best through those mediums?

Alice addresses the fact that without these forms of expression, we would most likely go insane. Wouldn’t you agree?

“For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith—and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God— 9 not by works, so that no one can boast. 10 For we are God’s handiwork, created in Christ Jesus to do good works, which God prepared in advance for us to do.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

We were created to Love. Love one another and Love our Creator. The ‘Arts’ are a viable expression of His love “ingrained in us all.” They are things that should be encouraged and cherished. They can be good works by which we share His Love.

Alice and Sheryl Cooper understand the importance of expression and have committed themselves to His purpose in the Arts – a labor of love and a mission sent from above.

Before going much further, stop and think about something. Who and what has inspired you (especially when you were a teenager)? Was it a parent? A neighbor? A family member? A teacher? A coach? A musician? Alice Cooper?

The Rock Teen Center gives teenagers access to skilled teachers and mentors that can help them unlock their true potential in many different areas. It provides inspiration and motivation helping teens explore their talents, emotions, and passion. In turn, they safely learn more about themselves.

The Rock accepts all teenagers and teaches them that all walks of life struggle with many of the same problems. It offers them a team of individuals who believe in them and care about them – a winning combination that changes lives for the better.

What a way to give back and generate awareness of a common need while bringing together the community and supplying teens with an alternative to the world’s negativity and hostility.

On a final note, Alice mentions that “God gave us creativity. He gave us a chance to express ourselves.” What a compelling statement. Take, for example, God’s Word. So much of what God wanted to say He passed on to man through literature and poems.

The Psalms, Proverbs, and Songs of Solomon are incredible examples of literary art. Also, consider the number of times the Bible mentions dancing and music.

For example, Miriam, Moses’s sister, led the women of Israel in dance before the Lord (Exodus 15:20), and David danced and sang before the Lord on many occasions (Psalm 150:3-5, 1 Chronicles 16:4-7, Samuel 6:1-23).

Humanity has used the means of art and expression mentioned above for centuries. With that in mind, Alice posed another great question, “(without expression) what would we be? Dumb animals?”

The ability to express and create comes from our Creator. Our Heavenly Father created us in His likeness and image (Genesis 1:27), and He is the Grand Artist of all things – sculpting and molding us out of miry clay in His own timing (Jeremiah 18:3, Ecclesiastes 3:11).

Creation, beauty, and art are common denominators. They connect us. We must continue to teach, nurture, and mentor each other and future generations. We must help each other to be what He has created us to be – vessels of His Love.

What better way to show the world His Love than through the Arts?

As we move into this “most wondrous time of the year,” we encourage you to find ways to give back. “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35).

With that in mind, please consider donating to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Teen Centers. More information about Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock is listed below.

That’s it for this week. Be well, and catch you next Friday!

Until then, keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!

The following link takes you directly to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock donation page.

https://www.alicecoopersolidrock.com/donate-now/