Background: Sarah Kelly, from Rockford, Illinois, began writing music when she was 5 and says she was born to worship. But during adolescence and early adulthood, she fell victim to self-hatred, leading to three abusive relationships. Finally Kelly broke the cycle and her self-imposed isolation. Her first two albums brought her Grammy nominations, many fans, and increasing mainstream interest. Kelly’s raw vocal style has been compared to Janis Joplin and Melissa Etheridge.
Albums: Born to Worship (2008), Where the Past Meets Today (2006), Take Me Away (2004),
What Parents Should Know: Kelly’s most recent album is more upbeat than her previous two. Born to Worship is almost like a worshipper’s journal, and listeners can hear the truth about the Savior.
What Kelly Says: “My addiction was self-hate. I didn’t ask to deal with it. It just found me, and I gave in to it. I fell into a pattern of sin, thinking poorly about myself to an unhealthy degree. I wasn’t seeing myself how God sees me.”
Discussion Questions: How do you view yourself? How does God view you? When people suffer from low self-esteem, how do you suppose that makes God feel? How might being a Christian change your perception of yourself? your attitudes? your relationships?
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musicspotlight
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Albums:
Rockferry (2008)
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Background: Welsh-born performer Aimee Anne Duffy, aka Duffy, began singing and writing lyrics at age 6. She left college to pursue music and built a following by playing in local jazz and blues clubs. Duffy, 24, signed with A&M Records last year, and her soulful vocals have drawn comparisons to Amy Winehouse. Rockferry is currently the U.K.’s top-selling album In America, Duffy is becoming a VH1 staple, and her songs have been featured on TV shows such as “Grey’s Anatomy.”
What Parents Should Know: Two songs on this album are autobiographical. “Mercy” is about sexual liberty and “not doing something somebody else wants you to do.” In “Stepping Stone,” Duffy sings about suppressing feelings for a person she fell in love with.
What Duffy Says: “People keep talking about how all the other girls in the industry are wild and cool. But I’ve seen the really dark side of addiction, so it doesn’t float my boat, you know?”
Discussion Questions: Why do many teenagers consider the “wild” lifestyle to be so appealing, despite its consequences? How might Christians be able to help change this mentality? What types of peer pressure do you think you’re most vulnerable to, and why? What are some ways you work to stand up against these pressures?
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filmwatch
Hancock (releases July 2)
PG-13 (for some intense sequences of sci-fi action and violence, plus language)
Genre: Action, Comedy, Drama
Synopsis: Hancock (Will Smith) is an edgy, unconventional superhero who’s been irresponsible with his power. Although his heroics save lives, his careless attitude and actions cause incredible damage. The public is just about ready to get rid of Hancock, when he saves a PR executive (Jason Bateman) and discovers his vulnerable side.
Discussion Questions: Is there a right or wrong way to use your God-given talents? Explain. What can happen if you’re careless or apathetic with your talents? Are you ever intimidated by the power God entrusts you with as one of his children? What are some ways to harness that power and use it for good, not evil?
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Even spiritually active teenagers are at risk for disengaging from Christianity when they become young adults. Consider these findings—and take steps now to prevent the same thing from happening to your kids:
Read Mark 2:1-12. The scene is crazy. Jesus is rock-star popular, and everyone in town is coming to see and hear him. The house he’s speaking at is jam packed, and people are lining up just to get a glimpse of him. That’s when a group of friends do something crazy. They tear open a roof just so their paralyzed friend can get an audience with Jesus. And when their friend does, he is healed!