Lost In America (The Last Temptation, 1994)

This week we discuss another song from the 1994 album, “The Last Temptation.” Interestingly enough, this album was not only a mainstream record but found its way into Christian bookstores as well. With many songs focusing on choice, temptation, and deliverance, it was easy to see why Christian teens and stores connected to the theme and message of the LP. At this point in Alice’s career, he admits that “the things that I used to make fun of are real now.” This album was the beginning of what would be a 3-part morality play that would dissect the progression (or maybe regression) of society, the world, and humanity.

“Lost in America” is an anthem of sorts. It depicts the realities of life for many teens across this nation. At the time, it was written for Generation-Xers, but the same issues still apply today. Broken families, broken relationships, lack of resources, lack of education, violence, etc. paint a picture of what it’s like for teenagers in a world that, in many ways, is stacked against them. One year after the release of “The Last Temptation,” Alice, Sheryl, and good friend, Chuck Savale, started working on the Solid Rock Foundation. Many of the songs from this record tell stories of the dark forces life poses on young people. Often times, people speak of how much worse it is today, but sin and consequence are really no different now than they’ve ever been. It’s the vessels and the availability of such vices that have ‘upped the ante,’ so to speak. However, organizations, like the “The Rock,” give these kids a positive outlet to escape or divert from those problems.

Last week’s post spoke in detail about the need for expression including Alice and Sheryl’s reasoning and purpose for starting ‘The Rock.’ Also, the “Hope in the Darkness” segment told the story of a girl that found shelter and deliverance from the darkness within the walls of the Solid Rock ‘Teen Center.’ Alice has also been quoted stating that as a Christian, he feels responsible for teens and believes it is his responsibility, as a Christian, to love them and show them grace as they find their place in this world. This is no mere gesture of love and faith – it is a calling and the road we should ALL strive to journey. The Bible often mentions our responsibilities to the widow and the fatherless. Psalms 82:3 states, “Defend the weak and the fatherless; uphold the cause of the poor and the oppressed.” This premise is repeated multiple times throughout both the New and Old Testament. While the verses are literally speaking about widows and orphans, they also take on a whole new meaning from a spiritual aspect.

We are all orphans before accepting the Love and Grace of our Father through His Son, Jesus Christ. We are unfulfilled by the things of this world – lost, oppressed, alone.  It’s incredible to see so many willing only to help and give support to those that think, look, act, and speak as they do, but we are called to something better, a higher calling. To serve and love everyone as ourselves (Mark 12:30-31) while walking humbly with our God (Micah 6:8). What’s inspiring about this is how we are wired. Our creator wired us to be inherently happy and fulfilled by such acts. Providing others with support and helping to fulfill their needs makes us feel good. In fact, one of the best weapons in fighting depression is actually found through helping and uplifting others. It’s ‘chicken soup’ for the soul. It brings us closer to our Lord and offers us a better understanding of who He is and the life He wants u to lead – a life of joy & fulfillment. He wants us to understand why we matter to Him and encourages us to share that value and love with others.

There are so many things going on during this time of year. It is very easy to get caught up in the hype, the lights, the traditions, the minutia of it all. But do yourself a favor. Step back and take a quick inventory of your life. Look at the areas where joy is found. Ask yourself why there is joy there? If you see little to no joy, ask yourself why that is? It seems like Alice is on to something here…Why would a man who seemingly has it all put so much time and resources into giving back? All while doing it with a smile on his face. Pure joy comes when we live by the principles and guidelines set before us. Doing the things we were created to do. When we are in direct conflict with our creator and the blueprint for our lives, we find ourselves stuck in misery and despair. Yet when we strive to live out His guidelines and use His Word as life’s GPS – we find that life tends to be much more harmonious. Much sweeter and more rewarding.

With that, we here at ‘Fridays with Alice’ wish you a very Merry Christmas! We will have three more posts before the New Year, and we are happy and excited that you have decided to continue on this journey with us. Please consider supporting the Solid Rock Foundation with all they do to help the teens in the Phoenix area while providing a “blueprint” for all communities across the nation. It’s time we live life to the fullest and fulfill God’s Word by showing the world His Love – a Love found in us all. Find ways to be a force for good in the lives of others. He has called us all to serve and uplift. Amen.

NOTE: The ’12 Days of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Christmas’ event is still going on. If you haven’t donated, please consider doing so. For every $10 donation, you will be placed into a drawing for chance to win some really nice ‘Fridays with Alice’ merchandise and the autographed Alice Cooper poster (shown here). Thank you and God Bless. Check out our Facebook page for more details.