Stand (Dirty Diamonds, 2005)

Released in 2005, Dirty Diamonds is the 17^th Alice Cooper solo studio album. 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 blends to create an unconventional Alice track, arguably one of his most powerful songs.

“Stand” is a call to arms – not a militant or violent plea but a mental, emotional, and spiritual cry – a “wake-up call.” It is an uplifting request not to doubt their self-worth, beliefs, or place. The song solidifies the fact that we are all His creation. These verses define that further:

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 and good. The repetitive lines force you to wrestle with your 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 you believe something doesn’t fit the social norm or the world’s agenda.

Alice, Paul Stanley (Kiss), Dee Snider (Twisted Sister), Carlos Santana, Ted Nugent, and others have come under direct fire for making statements about the oppression of children concerning the transsexual community.

Merely stating their opinion that the movement is not a place for children has placed these Rockers in some politically incorrect woodshed. While the ramifications of their views and subsequent “blacklisting” will most likely not affect them or their fan base, it’s another example of a world gone mad.

We’ve discussed this in other posts from the past, but isn’t it odd how the First Amendment is often weaponized? It’s as if to say there’s only one way to interpret things, and if your view doesn’t match the loudest one, then you’re wrong.

Christianity, as a whole, is often faced with this problem. Society condones many un-Biblical things, and some agendas 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 us to ask ourselves where we stand.

We should not be afraid to take a stand after seeking Him in prayer, studying the Word, and questioning our Hearts. We must not be scared to follow the road less traveled (Matthew 7:14).

However, many truths must be remembered as we take our “Stand.” There are things to know and remember as we walk in the world without becoming a part of it. We will look at three of those: 1) Be Respectful, 2) Be Peaceful, and 3) Be Diligent.

Be Respectful.
It’s not always easy. It can be tough to respect others – especially when that respect is NOT reciprocated. However, taking a stand for Christ means being different – going against the flow.

Striving to make a difference often means we must do the opposite of what is done to us. Tolerating others and their harmful or disrespectful remarks can be seen as a weakness. 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

Read those verses carefully. 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 who disrespect us on some scale of righteousness that we can’t uphold, yet the truth is, our Lord evaluates us on an individual basis – not according to one another.

Knowing this, respect and love others as we would ourselves (Matthew 7:12). It takes practice but is powerful. It goes a long way, and we shouldn’t be surprised to find that the more respect we give, the more we receive.

Be Peaceful.
It seems we live in a world 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 payback is the only option – people should pay when committing atrocities and heinous acts/crimes. According to the law, they may serve jail time. However, individually, 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. 15 Make sure that nobody pays back wrong for wrong, but always strive to do what is good for each other and for everyone else.

16 Rejoice always, 17 pray continually, 18 give thanks in all circumstances; for this is God’s will for you in Christ Jesus.” – 1 Thessalonians 5:15

The above-listed verses say, “Two wrongs don’t make a right.” It’s another horse-sized pill to swallow, but our life will become less stressful as we learn to live peacefully with EVERYONE.

Slow to anger, quick to Love. Peace is a fruit of the Spirit, and as you apply it, the other parts of the fruit quickly follow.

One of our pastors has always claimed that the fruit of the spirit is often compared to an apple, but it’s most likely an orange. Each slice in the orange would represent Love, Joy, Peace, Forbearance, Kindness, Goodness, Faithfulness, Gentleness, and Self-Control (Galatians 5:22-23).

The fruit of the Spirit is not separated; it is a collective fruit. When we apply one – the rest will follow. When we choose peace, we choose love. We choose joy. We choose forbearance. And so on. When we choose peace, we decide to walk with the Holy Spirit.

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

It’s not always as clear-cut as some make it seem. Often, specific passages require knowing who the audience was, 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.

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 us closer to Him while renewing our hearts, minds, and souls (Galatians 6:9, 2 Corinthians 8:7, Romans 12:2).

Stay connected to the Word – knowing that His ways may not be fully revealed immediately. 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 our walk unfolds, we must remember the abovementioned principles and learn to pray (Colossians 1:9).

Let us pray that He removes malice in our hearts – impure motives and anything opposite of His nature.

Let us pray that all disrespectful things and thoughts be removed and replaced with His wisdom.

Let us pray that all militant ideas and conflict be removed and replaced with His peace.

Let us pray that all laziness and carelessness be removed and replaced with His will.

Finally, let us pray that He would remove layer after layer of self, replacing us with more of Him (1 John 5:14).

Thus allowing us 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, one 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.

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 His Love 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!