We Are The Rock, Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock (12 Days of Solid Rock Christmas Fundraiser 2019)

This week we focus on the passion of Alice & Sheryl Cooper. In this post, we find a place where they both find purpose and meaning. Where they can give back to their community and help make “everlasting differences” in the lives of teens. This week we discuss ‘The Rock’ – a teen center in Phoenix, Arizona. A building that provides a “landing place for teens.” According to Alice, it’s a place meant for teens to focus on “finding themselves and nurturing what they find.” A place of protection – a place of strength – a place of creativity – a place of love.

In the interview that accompanies this post, Alice asks some serious questions. “What if there wasn’t Art?…Music?…Literature?…Dance? What would we be?” Stop and think about those things. Do we not express ourselves best through those mediums? Alice goes on to address the fact that without those forms of expression mentioned above, we would most likely go insane. Wouldn’t you agree? We were created to love. Love one another and love our Creator (John 13:34). The ‘arts’ are a viable expression of the love that is “ingrained in us all.” They are things that should be encouraged and cherished. Alice and Sheryl Cooper understand the importance of expression and have committed themselves to His purpose found in the arts – a labor of love and a mission sent from above.

Before going much further, stop and think about something. Who and what inspired you as a teenager? Was it a parent? A neighbor? A teacher? A coach? A musician? Alice Cooper? The Rock Teen Center gives teenagers access to skilled teachers and mentors that can help them unlock their true potential in many different areas. Did you have a place like that when you were a teen? If you didn’t, do you wish you had? A place that inspires and motivates teens to explore their talents, their emotions, themselves, and their passion. A place that safely allows them to learn more about themselves (and their peers) without the fear of rejection or shame. The Rock accepts all teenagers and teaches them that all walks of life struggle with many of the same problems. It offers them a team of individuals that believe in them and care about them. A winning combination that changes lives for the better.

This Sunday, December 1st, we will be launching our 2nd annual “12 Days of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Christmas”. The fundraiser will be administrated by the Facebook page, and you will have the opportunity to give any amount you would like to contribute to ‘The Rock’ ($1 and above). By contributing to the cause, you will help provide them with a voice and the tools to better sharpen their skills and abilities while also keeping them off the streets and away from the devil’s workshop – AKA idleness. If that’s not enough, you will also be giving back to Alice and Sheryl Cooper. Any and all donations help keep their dream and vision alive and moving forward.

On a final note, Alice mentions that “God gave us creativity. He gave us a chance to express ourselves.” What a compelling statement. Take, for example, God’s Word. So much of what God wanted to say He passed on to man through literature and poems. The Psalms, Proverbs, and Songs of Solomon are incredible examples of literary art. And think about the number of times the Bible mentions dancing and music as well. For example, Miriam, Moses’s sister, led the women of Israel in dance before the Lord (Exodus 15:20), David danced and sang before the Lord on many occasions (Psalm 150:3-5, 1 Chronicles 16:4-7, Samuel 6:1-23), and many more celebrations also included music and dance. Humanity has used the examples of art and expression mentioned above for centuries. With that in mind, Alice poses another great question, “(without expression) what would we be? Dumb animals?”

The ability to express and create comes from creation. We were created by our Father in His likeness and image (Genesis 1:27), and He is the Grand Artist of all things – sculpting and molding us out of miry clay in His own timing (Jeremiah 18:3, Ecclesiastes 3:11). Creation, beauty, and art are common denominators – connecting us to one another. We must continue to teach, nurture, and mentor each other and future generations to be what He has created us to be – vessels of His Love. What better way to show the world His Love than through the expressions of art.

As we move into this “most wondrous time of the year,” we encourage you to find ways to give back. “It is more blessed to give than receive” (Acts 20:35). With that in mind, please consider donating to our fundraiser “12 Days of Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock Christmas” starting December 1st on our Facebook Page – ALL proceeds go directly to Alice Cooper’s Solid Rock ‘Teen Center’.

That’s it for this week. Be well and catch you next Friday!

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