How You Gonna See Me Now (From The Inside, 1978)

‘From The Inside‘ was released in 1978. An expressive, autobiographical album which delivers tales and songs recounting Cooper’s stay in a rehabilitation center to help cure his alcohol addiction. Ultimately, His Savior, our Lord, intervened in a mighty and miraculous way – removing Alice’s desire to drink completely. To this day, he admits that if a glass of whiskey and a glass of arsenic were before him, he would touch neither. They are both poisons. It’s been said he must have great discipline, yet he would admit he actually has none. God removed the want/need to drink. Alice admits, “I don’t have a sponsor, I have a SAVIOR!”

“How You Gonna See Me Now?” was a love song written by Alice to his wife, Sheryl. Prompted by the realization that she had never seen him completely sober, he wrestled with the insecurities that she may not love him for who he is, minus the alcohol. Would his sober persona be just as appealing? Would she love the new ‘man when he gets home’? Ultimately, we know this love story continues today – as strong as ever. However, this song is such a beautiful portrait of the admission of this man’s faults and apprehensions regarding how the love of his life would see him stripped to his core. A reformed soul.

The human condition leaves us tattered and torn at times. Alice does a fantastic job speaking his heart in this song. This poetic tale is so full of truth and raw emotion. The lines that read,” Straightened out my head but my old heart is still a mess” are all too familiar. It’s never easy admitting when we’ve failed. Coming to our senses, only to find the mess that we’ve made of our life and/or the lives of others around us. However, through Christ, we’ve been offered a second chance. A redemptive life. One made new. Galatians 2:20 reads, “I have been crucified with Christ and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave himself for me.” This post will focus on the transformation, transition, and our relationships in life.

Transformation.
This post has been in the works for 1-2 weeks now. What’s amazing is how God reveals himself through process and time – a somewhat unnerving yet transformational mission. As you become a new creation in Him, what you might find is a concept, thought, certain scriptures, etc. take on new meaning as the Spirit directs you. For instance, this past week our pastor spoke about fear. But it wasn’t a message you might expect to hear. It was based upon the fact that fear is more than a thought – it’s a feeling. In fact, fear was never present until sin reared its ugly head (Genesis 3:10). But it’s important to note that the enemy is the imitator NOT the creator. He stole fear and used it against us. Much like the beasts of this earth fear us (Genesis 9:2), the enemy persuades us into thinking we should also succumb to such fears as well. In turn, allowing those uncertainties to control us and our every move. However, the transformation process into a new creation, in Him, makes us different. Therefore, we should respond differently.

Continuing to use fear as a transformative example, reverence for the Lord (learning to stand in awe of Him) is part of a healthy fear. But it’s more than that. In Proverbs 27:12, it reads, “A prudent (wise) man foresees evil and hides himself; The simple pass on and are punished.” Stop and think about that passage for a second. Through transformation, a prudent, or wise, man/woman learns to hide from evil, yet one that doesn’t know any better walks right into it and suffers the consequences. Through transformation and experience (knowing who you were before vs. who you are now), fear takes on a new meaning. You don’t fear evil as being some sort of taboo, I’m scared of the boogey man sort of thing. Instead it’s a fear of life without the presence of God. Something that leads you to avoid evil, fearing you may reside once again in a place without Him. Wrapping up transformation, know that He is not looking for perfection. He only wants us to come to Him. When Adam was naked and afraid, God didn’t slay him for his actions. While Adam did pay the penalties for his sins, God did NOT desert or leave him. As your life transforms anew, don’t expect perfection. Expect something different. Expect Him to show you life in a new Light.

Transition.
A certain amount of transformation automatically takes place when one accepts Christ. Becoming new in Him and through Him. However, there’s still a certain amount of transition that has to take place. For those that are caught in the snares of sin, those that have made the conditions around them volatile, those that need a complete overhaul in their life, etc., a completely different mindset has to take place. As you transition into a life anew, you must learn to rely on His Word, His love, and His promises. Jeremiah 29:11 states, “For I know the plans I have for you,’ declares the Lord, ‘plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future.” As the old is replaced by the new, we not only have to learn to see things differently, but also trust that they will be better when walking in His Light. However, transition requires grace. Not so much His grace – that’s been provided. But grace aimed at yourself, from yourself.

Deuteronomy 31:8 reads, “The Lord himself goes before you and will be with you; He will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.” These words were spoken by Moses to Joshua. During this time, a transition of leadership from Moses to Joshua was taking place. But it was more than that, it was a transition from old to new. Seeing the mistakes made under the rule of Moses, Joshua was in a better position to rule and know how he should govern and follow the Lord’s lead. Joshua also knew of the grace the Lord had shown Moses. This was important. Walking through life with others and learning from others is a vital part of our faith. During transition, we must be willing to rely not only on our Lord, but also on others that have gone before us – knowing that they have already learned the best ways to navigate this life with Him, and the detriments of doing it without Him. This leads us to our final point.

Relationship.
Relationship encompasses so much of our life. It starts with our parents, siblings, families, friends, then spills over into our working and professional careers and/or experiences. How we handle those relationships and how we treat those in them defines much of who we are in this life. However, all other relationships stem from our relationship with our Creator. Truth is, knowing Him, embracing His plan, and striving to be like Him improves our relationship with everyone around us. In the song, Alice is apprehensive about the man he’s become. Wondering if he will still captivate the attention of his wife, Sheryl. It’s easy to be apprehensive about transformation and transition through Him. But stop and think about what that looks like. The characteristics, or fruit, of the Spirit are appealing qualities – even to the standards of this world.

Galatians 5:22-23 reads, “But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, forbearance, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control. Against such things there is no law.” As we transform, allowing Him to help us and move within us, these characteristics begin to take shape and mold us into the new creation Christ has created us to be. Think about how much more appealing this looks instead of the opposites of the fruit. While it is imperative that we rely on the Word for transformation, we must also be willing to walk, share, and learn from others as well. Don’t be afraid to mentor and minister to others when given the opportunity, but also be ready for others to mentor and minister to you as well – for even pastors need to be led not only by our Lord but by other men/women as well (Hebrews 13:17, Jeremiah 3:15).

In conclusion, our Lord is so amazing. Stop and think about the marriage of Alice and Sheryl Cooper. By all standards of this world, their marriage should have never lasted. Instead of spending 43 years of life together (celebrated this past week), they could have easily called it quits after 1-2 years. However, they decided to do things differently. By relying on Him and His Word (instead of the world), they have been blessed by Him and given the opportunity to make ‘everlasting differences’ in the lives of many they meet as well. Their lives and marriage are an example of the faithfulness God gives to those that except Him. Allow Him to transform your life (Romans 12:2). Don’t be hesitant during the transition (Proverbs 3:5-6). And surround yourself with those that will strengthen you and your walk (Proverbs 27:17).