Don’t Give Up (Single Release, 2020)

This week’s song was released less than a month ago on May 15th of this year. As the COVID-19 debate and lockdown escalates, Alice issued this song as a response and a declaration of perseverance. “Don’t Give Up” uplifts, encourages, and challenges the listener to look at the bright side of struggle and strife (check out more about the single at alicecooper.com).

“In some ways, you kind of think it’s God’s way of telling everybody, ‘Slow down. Everybody get back with your families.’ … I am the glass-three-quarters-full guy. I look at things like this and go, Yeah, it’s a horrible thing. But there’s also another side to it where everybody is kind of pulling together and at the same time, families sort of being forced to live with each other and get reacquainted.” – Alice Cooper

One of the more fascinating aspects of life revolves around perspective. There are many ways to view the events that transpire in our daily lives. If you look closely, it seems there’s a silver lining in almost, if not, all of the things we experience. However, it’s the “lens” (or perspective) with which we view our experiences that make them positive or negative.

Despite the struggles of quarantine and this pandemic, Alice points out another side of the COVID-19 story. Within the death and carnage that this “cold, indiscriminate monster” has brought upon the world, there’s a bigger story being written.

It would seem there’s always something more going on. With every story and every encounter, there’s more than one angle. Other elements and unseen aspects are motivating the actions of humanity.

With faith, we must remember there is more at play then what we can see or comprehend. We aren’t fighting a battle against flesh but instead against the devices of the enemy (2 Corinthians 10:4-5).

“As we look not to the things that are seen but to the things that are unseen. For the things that are seen are transient, but the things that are unseen are eternal.” – 2 Corinthians 4:18

While the song is undoubtedly about the current state of affairs we face, there is another angle as well – a more sinister one.

We’re all hanging on by a thread
We’re all staring at the razor’s edge
But we’re not going to step off the ledge.
No!

Our enemy is a cold, indiscriminate monster
It doesn’t care if you’re old or newborn…it exists to kill
You and I are nothing to it
It has no heart or soul or conscience.

Much like that of a virus or disease, the enemy seeks to steal life – to kill and destroy. We must be mindful of that as we navigate such scenarios. We must be alert and sober-minded as the enemy seeks to devour. We must resist the urge to succumb to fear and doubt. We must resist him and stand firm in our faith (1 Peter 5:8-9).

Have you ever noticed how uncertainty, doubt, and fear breed contempt? By design, such things are used to keep us rattled, unfocused, and unwilling to seek our Creator through prayer and His Word. When stories and threats such as COVID-19, economic uncertainty, and civil unrest become the forefront, they can lead us away from Him. It is very easy to lose our step if we’re not diligent and careful within our everyday lives.

Notice how in the song, Alice speaks to one familiar premise – persistence or perseverance. We ALL endure hardship and struggle, but we have been called to rise again continually – to “Never Give Up!” (Proverbs 24:16)

“Therefore, my beloved brothers, be steadfast, immovable, always abounding in the work of the Lord, knowing that in the Lord, your labor is not in vain.” – 1 Corinthians 15:58

No matter the storm, the trial, or the struggle, we are designed to press on – to overcome. Our Creator has designed humanity and all of life to survive and persevere. History is infused with pain, suffering, and despair, yet somehow we “never give up.” We continue to endure (Hebrews 12:1).

Wrapping this up, “Don’t’ Give Up” is indeed a song about perseverance and stamina. It’s about overcoming the odds and pressing through the storm. It’s about wading through the darkness while searching for the “light.”

However, there’s more to it. “Don’t Give Up” is a narrative about the journey as well. As if to say, the destination is imperative, but don’t lose sight of your surroundings during the ascent. As we navigate the peaks and valleys of life, there’s something to be learned – wisdom and maturity are gained through experience.

We must learn to see what God is doing right before our eyes. We must remember that His Will and Way is before us. HE is in CONTROL. As events come and go, focus on what He is doing, NOT what the world is saying. Learn to focus on Him, NOT them (Colossians 3:2). Know that He and His Works are always Good (Romans 8:28).

In conclusion, 2020 has been disastrous, especially if you’re looking at it through the lens and scope of this world. However, as Alice points out above, it’s as if the Lord has given us a reprieve and a chance to take catch our breath – the opportunity to take inventory and sift through what’s essential and what’s not.

Life has a way of adapting and evolving – surviving. As the song declares, “we’re all hanging on by a thread.” We are all struggling in different ways, and all 7 billion of us have altered some aspects of our existence in order to persevere.

“While our management is working to reschedule the postponed shows, I’m going to finish work on my next album, which is nearly done. At least now, I won’t be squeezing in vocal recording sessions on days off, between shows. I don’t like a lot of time off, as anyone who sees my schedule already knows, but a little extra time at home can be re-energizing.” – Alice Cooper

Use this time to catch up, start a new project, or finish one that you’ve been meaning to complete. Use this time to seek Him and find new ways to integrate His Word into your everyday life. Keep pushing through…“we’re not going to step off the ledge.” Remember, this too shall pass (and we will undoubtedly look back and realize this time was a gift).

Hopefully, we will look back and see that this “forced timeout” was meaningful, needed, and unique (despite all the struggle and heartache). May we come to know (even if we don’t understand) that God is always good, no matter life’s circumstances (Romans 12:2).

That’s it for this week. Catch you next Friday.

‘Til then, Keep Walkin’ in Faith and Rockin’ with Alice!