How to Share Your Faith Using Breaking Free
Zac Efron and Vanessa Anne Hudgens recently made Billboard Chart history with their song Breaking Free from the soundtrack to the TV movie High School Musical. Rocketing to Number 4 on the Billboard Hot 100, the song moved up a record-breaking 82 slots over the previous week!
The High School Musical soundtrack is scorching several records, with nine songs on the Hot 100 and an astounding four songs in the top 10 on the Hot Digital Songs Chart. With little airplay Breaking Free is rocketing up the charts based on digital downloads and is perched at Number 1 on the Hot Digital Songs Chart.
Obviously something in the music from this movie is grabbing attention and shaking the charts! What's the big appeal?
The movie High School Musical follows the story of two teens who meet over their winter vacation at a ski resort when performing an unplanned karaoke duet. Gabriella (Vanessa Anne Hudgens) comes from the brainiac clique at school, while Troy (Zac Efron) is a jock. Their common passion for singing pulls them together and upsets the school's social order. As their story unfolds, the two struggle to answer the questions "Who am I?" and "Where do I belong?" - questions many teens can identify with.
How do you answer these questions? Is your identity securely placed in who you are as a child of God or do you find yourself struggling with what others think of you? Ps. 139 declares that you are God's special creation, custom-made by Him! Jer. 31:3 assures you of God's promise, "I've never quit loving you and never will. Expect love, love, and more love!" (The Message)
The lyrics to Breaking Free reflect Gabriella and Troy's desire to connect with another on a deeper level.
Can you feel it building
Like a wave the ocean just can't control.
Connected by a feeling
Ohhh, in our very souls.
Rising 'til it lifts us up
So everyone can see
We're breakin' free.
Most people long for meaningful relationships with others - it's part of how God's wired us as humans. But ultimately the most meaningful relationship we will ever experience is our restored relationship with God through Jesus. As you find opportunities to talk about Breaking Free with your friends, look for openings to move the conversation in a spiritual direction.
Here are some questions that might help trigger meaningful discussion:
- Ask your friends where they find their identity? Is it based on how they look or what they accomplished or what others think of them? Share your struggles and insights.
- Are cliques a problem at your school? Discuss what you and your friends can do to help break down barriers between groups? What do you believe God calls you to do in this area?
- Do you and your friends long for a friend who understands? Share how Jesus has opened the door to allow God to be your closest friend. For help with this, check out the GOSPEL Journey.
Breaking Free has been an amazing mover on the Billboard Charts. Perhaps it can be a conversation mover for you with your friends. Look for the chance to share how you've experienced 'breaking free'. A deep and meaningful relationship with Jesus is news that's too good to keep to yourself!
