By Alex Blackwell

I ain’t gonna live forever. I just want to live while I’m alive. – from the song It’s My Life by Jon Bon Jovi

I learned the words to It’s My Life several years ago even though I never memorized the lyrics. Instead, I allowed the song, and its meaning, to be written on my heart where it still lives today.

The song was played for me during a time when I thought I had to be perfect; when I had to be in control to find peace. The venue was a personal formation seminar. Before attending the seminar, it felt like I was renting life without any clear or explicit ownership over it. My relationships were deteriorating while my depression was increasing. I felt detached, uninvolved, and lifeless.

After allowing the song’s words... More...