I'm jammin' to my tunes again in my office and heard this song...it's from Ginny Owens' CD Without Condition and, of course, this is the title song. It made me think of someone I know who I pray for often. Well, more than one person, really.

But then, reading through the lyrics I realized that it also describes me. I don't think I'm condescending, usually, but I do tend to look away from things I don't understand rather than puzzle through them. The chorus sounds like it was written to me, and the idea of putting people in boxes is one I've thought about for a long time. It's so easy to look at people and see the things that make them different from me, and it is too easy to put them in a box and treat them according to my pre-judgments instead of accepting them as an individual with unique traits.

To label a person as a 'depressive' or an 'extrovert,' or any number of other ways that I use to describe people or deal with them is unfair to God's power in their lives, His unconditional love and work in them. Maybe I should stop and listen more. If you want to read the lyrics, click on the read more link.

Without Condition

You find this situation just a bit uncomfortable;
You'd rather stay far away from reality.
For you to understand would be clearly impossible;
So you shut your eyes and swear you can see.
Claiming there is a God, but does that mean anything?

So condescending to those that you don't understand;
Just too easy to make them your enemies.
Like an ostrich, you bury your head in the sand,
And then shout about all the things you believe.
But if there is a God, don't you think He can see
What you really mean? What you're doing?

Chorus:
You can't find the answers Till you learn to question;
You won't appear stupid Just ask for direction.
You're insecure and it clouds your perception So stop and listen
And learn a lesson in love without condition.

So place all the souls that you know in their own little box;
Quite convenient to handle them that way;
You're the only one you know who carries a cross;
You don't care what they care about anyway.
And You talk to your God, Prayin' for those who sin,
For their eyes to be opened.

Words and Music by Ginny Owens: BMG Songs, Inc. (Gospel Division)/Above The Rim Music (Administered by BMG Songs, Inc.) (ASCAP)