Making the Switch to Christian Radio
Even just six short months ago, I would have seen the title to this blog and probably run screaming :). I distinctly remember laughing and rolling my eyes about a ride in the car with someone who listened to “Jesus music” even after I had begun my entrance into the Catholic church. My how we should never say never! I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to eat my words and ended up doing things I never could have imagined.
So what caused me to take an interest in Christian music? A book I was reading, “Ordinary Lives, Extraordinary Mission,” a guide to becoming the saint you were meant to be, introduced the idea of being aware of what we surround ourselves with. What TV shows do we watch? What music do we listen to? Who are our friends? All of these choices can help us or harm us. The author, John Wood, shared how he switched to Christian radio, specifically K-LOVE, which is available in most major markets, for his family. That stuck in my mind for some reason because it was such a specific suggestion.
Doesn’t every one feel like if they hear the same song on the radio ONE more time, they just can’t stand it? I was having moments like that where I was sick of all the overplayed songs and ready for something new. Plus, I was becoming more aware of some of the lyrics and how I did not want my young boys to hear inappropriate language and innuendos, which are so common in Top 40 music.
I’d already started listening to Catholic Radio (talk radio), but I found that playing it with my boys in the car was sometimes challenging. Abortion is mentioned quite often, and it’s not a topic I’ve figured out how to address with them yet. Sometimes the conversations even get graphic and I just don’t want them exposed to that. Plus, they find it quite boring 🙂 and I’d rather they have something pleasant to fill their ears and make them happy.
SO, I thought… maybe I’ll give this K-LOVE a try… I scanned the radio and found what I thought was it and decided just to listen to the music for a bit and see what I thought. I’d listen for 5-10 minutes here and 5-10 minutes there until I started to get to know the songs. I found I REALLY liked them. It didn’t take me more than a week or two before I knew enough of the songs that it felt familiar and comfortable. Well, I’ve never really turned it off, except to switch back and forth to Catholic Radio.
The songs and the conversations are so uplifting and inspiring and truly give you a boost if you’re having a challenging morning. When you listen to the lyrics, just like when reading scripture or Catholic books, you’ll find messages that you need to hear RIGHT THEN. Plus, there are NO commercials, which is so lovely. Occasionally, I will switch over to Radio Disney, because I feel like they are the least likely to have offensive lyrics, but I’m still hearing the songs I was sick of several months ago and switch back pretty quickly.
I never even mentioned this switch to my kids and they’ve never made any comment or acted like they noticed. Suddenly their lives are just filled with positive songs, and a couple of times, they’ve even said “I like this song!”
Here are my tips for making the switch:
1) Just try it.
2) Promise yourself to listen just for 5 minutes a day for the next week.
3) At the end of the week, if you haven’t found a song or two you like, I’ll be very surprised! The music is really good and reminds me of singer-songwriter type music, which is very soulful, pure and lets the singer’s voice truly shine.
Take the Christian Radio challenge and tweet about it using hashtag: #SwitchtoChristianRadio. I can’t wait to hear what you think! Anyone else made the switch? How has it changed your life?
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I’ve recently been trying to listen to more and more Christian radio. It is refreshing to listen to positive, uplifting music throughout the day as opposed to wading through the junk that’s on top 40 radio. Last Friday, I was preparing for a work event and streamed K-LOVE at work and it brought me the strength and encouragement that I needed to thrive.
That’s awesome! Isn’t it amazing the power of positive messages? I think sometimes it brightens my day without me even realizing it :).
[…] week I shared how I made the Switch to Christian Radio and challenged others to do so, too. Do you listen to Christian radio? I also discussed how I am […]
Actually I switched to Christian radio – then Catholic Radio via Ave Maria Radio app for my iPhone. Now I can listen in the car – podcasts too! Do you listen to Catholic radio at all? Teresa Tomeo, Al Kresta, and especially Catholic Answers Live with Patrick Coffin SO SO informative, funny and helpful for a “newbie”! Here’s the link http://www.catholic.com/radio I especially love when Mother Miriam is on. Here’s the calendar : http://www.catholic.com/radio/calendar I know it’s all talk radio – but actually, if you listen to Teresa in the morning, she plays music that I’ve downloaded. Painting pictures of Egypt by Sara Groves here http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yC9cKaELnG8
This got long didn’t it?
Thanks for letting me share!
God bless you,
Cristina
Thanks Cristina! I actually made the switch to Catholic Radio first :). I do listen to it quite a bit, but I find sometimes with my kids in car there is too much talk about abortion that I’m not ready for them to hear yet (at least not all the details) and sometimes I’m just in the mood for music. 🙂 I love Teresa, as well. She’s the first thing I turn on when I drop my kids off at school. It’s great to have a Catholic perspective on news and I’ve gotten so many good book and author recommendations like Marge Fenelon and Gary Zimak from her.
You’re right about little ears!!! I do listen to it when I am alone in the mornings, or on headphones for podcasts.
When the kiddos are in the car, it’s usually chant!!!
🙂
The Catholic Radio signal in my area is very limited. I don’t care for contemporary Christian music.
However, WYRS in Manahawkin, NJ plays older-style Christian music (less contemporary, more classics) that I enjoy. They also air John MacArthur’s “Grace to You” program, so lately I’ve been hearing excerpts from the “Strange Fire” conference. Just the latest controversy between Reformed and Charismatic Christians!
Speaking of K-LOVE, I just realized that 106.9 out of Philadelphia recently went over from conservative talk radio (eg. Rush Limbaugh) to K-LOVE. So I CAN check it out, as you suggest. 🙂
Yes, do check it out, but if more traditional Christian music floats your boat :), go for it! Everyone’s different. I’m actually pretty surprised how much I like contemporary Christian, but it reminds me of other types of music I enjoy — the lyrics are just more inspiring :). Thanks for your comment!
“I can’t tell you the number of times I’ve had to eat my words and ended up doing things I never could have imagined.”
Oh yea… welcome to the world of us Catholic converts! When others hear us say things like this they may think it is a lament. We actually mean it with the greatest thanksgiving.
About the only thing I listen to any more are Catholic podcasts on my Android tablet. I particularly enjoy Q&A shows with Catholic apologists — considering the questions, deciding how I would answer and hearing how the apologist chooses to answer. I usually agree, sometimes they have additional points I overlooked or forgot, rarely I might feel there was a better way to take it. Always, it deepens my understanding.
Knowing the faith is the foundation for loving and serving our Lord.
I definitely agree. I enjoy Catholic Radio, especially Teresa Tomeo and Catholic Answers Live. I learn SO much on these programs. I also download Teresa’s show on my phone so I can listen to some when I miss it, as well as Gary Zimak’s Following the Truth podcast. Do you have any others you recommend? I’d love some additional suggestions! Thanks for your comment.
I like those and also listen to some over others (some, more often than others)… check-out:
Right Here, Right Now – Patrick Madrid
iPadre – Fr. Jay Finelli
Sacred Page w/Michael Barber
St. Irenaeus Ministries – David Higbee
The Catholic Guy – Lino Rulli
Catholics Next Door – Greg and Jennifer Willits
Also a few other shows without pre-made, ready-to-download podcasts (that I record myself) including:
At Home with Jim and Joy – Jim and Joy Pinto
Kresta in the Afternoon – Al Kresta
Son Rise Morning Show – Brian Patrick et al
Open Line – on EWTN – particularly Monday’s w/ John Martignoni
Plus there is a large treasure trove of standing material (not periodic) available including reflections, homilies and apologetics tracts.
These are fantastic. Thanks so much! I had forgotten about Open Line — love that one too esp. with Fr. Mitch Pacwa, S.J. is on!
[…] you (and your kids) must listen to songs about sex, using curse words and worse. See my tips on switching to Christian radio if you’re ready for a […]
I loved your initiative! Actually, I’m doing this in this lent… But I was wondering if you don’t know any catholic music rádio, because in respect to the protestants I preferência looking for some catholic singer.. It’s deficult, requires searching, but in some way it’s good to learn more about the history of them.
Thank you for all the inspiration from a brasilian catholic girl.
Hi Lais! Thanks for your comment. They do play some Catholic singers on the radio stations I listed. Matt Maher is one right off the top of my head. Also, here is an online source of only Catholic musicians: http://www.catholicplaylistshow.com/. Enjoy!