Stand (Dirty Diamonds, 2005)

Dirty Diamonds is the 17^th Alice Cooper solo studio album and was released in 2005. The LP is a continuation of Alice’s return to “old-school” sound and production, much like the tracks found on the previous record, The Eyes of Alice Cooper.

“This is definitely part two. Not officially, but it’s the same theory on this one, which is write the song, record the song, put the song to bed. I’m a very big advocate, if you’re going to do an album like this, the first thing you’re getting from the band is going to be the best thing you get. Let the band be the band. When you hear the record, don’t let it be a slick, overly produced version of the band. – Alice Cooper

Focusing on the bonus track, “Stand,” we find Alice teaming up with Xzibit, actor/rapper. The song mixes the growling tones of Alice’s voice with his first-ever hip-hop collaboration. Oddly enough, the pair masterfully mix together to create an unconventional Alice track, and arguably, one of his most powerful songs.

“Stand” is a call to arms – not a militant or violent plea, but instead a mental, emotional, and spiritual cry – a “wake-up call.” An uplifting request for one to not doubt their self-worth, their beliefs, or their place in this world. The song solidifies the fact that we are all His creation.

For you created my inmost being;
you knit me together in my mother’s womb.
I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
your works are wonderful,
I know that full well.

-Psalm 139:13-14-

Ultimately, the song proclaims how important it is to stand up for yourself. For what’s right. For what’s good. The repetitive lines force you to wrestle with your own conscience.

If you don’t stand for somethin’
You will fall for anythin’
If you don’t stand for somethin’
You will fall for anythin’
Get up

The listener can’t help but continually ask themselves, “what is it that I stand for? Who am I?” Again, it’s one of the more powerful Alice songs, especially from a cognitive standpoint.

We live in a time when standing up is NOT always easy. Especially when there is something you believe that doesn’t quite fit the social norm or the world’s agenda.

Christianity, as a whole, is often faced with this problem. Society condones many things that are not Biblical, and some agendas that blatantly go against who and what we are called to be (Psalms 2). This post isn’t about those things.

It’s not a “rip and tear” piece on the world and its dichotomy from the Lord’s Will and Ways. Instead, it’s a call for you, individually, to ask yourself where you stand.

After seeking Him in prayer, studying the Word, and questioning your Heart, don’t be afraid to take a stand for your decision. Don’t be scared to follow the road less traveled (Matthew 7:14).

There are many truths to remember as you take your “Stand.” Themes to know and keep in mind as you walk in the world without becoming a part of it. We will be looking at three of those. Which are: 1) Be Respectful, 2) Be Peaceful, and 3) Be Diligent.

Be Respectful.
It’s not always easy. In fact, it can be incredibly hard to respect others – especially when that respect is NOT reciprocated. However, part of taking a stand for Christ means us being different – going against the flow of things.

Striving to make a difference often means you must do the opposite of what is done to you. Tolerating others and the harmful or disrespectful remarks they make can be seen as a weakness here on earth. However, it’s what He has called us to do.

“You, therefore, have no excuse, you who pass judgment on someone else, for at whatever point you judge another, you are condemning yourself, because you who pass judgment do the same things. Now we know that God’s judgment against those who do such things is based on truth. So when you, a mere human being, pass judgment on them and yet do the same things, do you think you will escape God’s judgment? Or do you show contempt for the riches of his kindness, forbearance, and patience, not realizing that God’s kindness is intended to lead you to repentance?” – Romans 2:1-4

It’s a bitter pill to swallow, but it’s paramount. Being respectful requires us to bite our tongue and reserve judgment. Our temptation is to measure those that disrespect us or the level of respect we give others against other people and their actions. However, we are evaluated by our Lord on an individual basis – not according to one another.

Knowing this, respect, and love others as you would yourselves (Matthew 7:12). It takes practice, but it’s powerful – and we are called to do so. It goes a long way, and don’t be surprised to find that the more respect you give, the more you receive.

Be Peaceful.
It seems we live in a world that is ready to fight about almost anything. “Reality Shows” are scripted to glorify conflict. The news is filled with strife. We ‘love’ drama, but we are called to “make every effort to live in peace.” (Hebrews 12:14) The world believes that payback is the only option – that people should pay when they commit atrocities and heinous acts/crimes. According to the law, they may serve jail time. However, on a personal level, we’ve been asked to take a different road.

“And we urge you, brothers and sisters, warn those who are idle and disruptive, encourage the disheartened, help the weak, be patient with everyone. Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

Rejoice always, pray continually, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:14-18

Basically, “two wrongs don’t make a right.” It’s another horse-sized pill to swallow, but you’ll find your life becoming less and less stressful as you choose to live with EVERYONE in peace.

Slow to anger, quick to Love. In fact, Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and as you apply it the other parts of the fruit quickly follow. Our pastor once said the fruit of the spirit is often compared to an apple, but it’s most likely an orange. Meaning each slice in the orange would represent Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23).

They are not separate fruits – but a collective. When you apply one – the rest will follow. When you choose peace, you choose love. You choose joy. You choose forbearance. And so on. When you choose peace, you are deciding to walk with the Holy Spirit.

Be Diligent.
Know the Truth. Do not take the Word out of context. Study and know what it says and live that out. Don’t be afraid to admit when and where you’ve been wrong. The Bible requires careful thought, research, and cross-referencing to digest a good portion of it properly.

It’s not always as clear cut as some make it seem. Often times, specific passages require knowing who the audience was and is, what the customs were, and other verses (from different chapters and books within) that solidify the principles and ideas found in those passages.

Be diligent about your faith and walk – knowing that “a heart of vigilance springs forth life” (Proverbs 4:23). Just when we think we know and have seen it all, the Lord often catches us off guard – showing and sharing with us that we are not quite there yet.

The fact is, we are never done learning, we are always young in the eyes of the Lord. This life is a journey. It requires our attention – attention to His Word. The proper application comes from appropriate training. Training is a never-ending task.

But through diligence and repetition, growth happens and leads you closer to Him while renewing your heart, mind, and soul (Galatians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Romans 12:2). Stay connected to the Word – knowing that His ways may not be fully revealed all at once. They often unfold over time and with practice. But staying the course is the key.

Wrapping up these points, standing with Christ is not always easy. It requires exercise and the right combination of the above-listed principles. Willingness to obey Him means we are willing to lay aside ourselves. In turn, we overlook some of the injustices the world offers us.

As your walk unfolds, remember the principles mentioned above but also learn to pray (Colossians 1:9).

Pray that He remove any malice in your heart – impure motives and anything opposite of His nature. Pray that all disrespectful things and thoughts be removed and replaced with His wisdom. Pray that all militant ideas and conflict be removed and replaced with His peace. Pray that all laziness and carelessness be removed and replaced with His will. Pray that He would remove layer after layer of self, replacing you with more of Him (1 John 5:14).

Thus, allowing you to see through His eyes and stand firm with Him and His Word.

In conclusion, Alice hits another home run. A song with a message – a song that requires action and reflection.

Where do you stand? What do you stand for? What do you stand against?

It’s okay to stand for Him while standing against the things of this world. It’s okay to not agree with events as they transpire. It’s okay to follow Christ in a world that doesn’t want you to. It’s okay to stand, even if alone, for Him.

What’s not okay is applying the principles of the world while taking that stand. We must use His principles and guidance to walk that walk and talk that talk. We must be willing to lay down our lives to further His cause. We must be willing to be advocates for His Love – even when the world has none for us.

You are NOT just a face here on earth. You are His – fearfully and wonderfully made. You’re a “Megastar.” ‘Stand up” and show the world what you’re made of – who you are made of. “Stand” up and show them Him and His Light, burning within you.

That’s it for this week. We’ll catch you next Friday.

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