Standing Outside the Fire

In our Gospel reading this Sunday, Jesus announces his desire to set the world on fire, to ignite a movement that would spread and ultimately enflame the whole world. Set against the backdrop of Jesus' ardent ambition, Garth Brooks' hit song from the 90s challenges those who wish to "stand outside the fire." 

In the emotional and inspirational music video, a high school student with Down syndrome named Brandon decides to not participate in the institution's Special Olympics but signs up for the regular event. The story that follows is one of overcoming challenges, ignoring naysayers, and most of all risking failure in pursuit of a dream. While this is not exactly what Jesus meant when he spoke of "casting fire on the earth," Brooks' song and music video remind us that, even when we seek something good and noble, we will likely face opposition, even from those who love us. 

VIDEO: Garth Brooks, "Standing Outside The Fire" Witten by Jenny Yates, Garth Brooks Performed on the album In Pieces 

We call them cool

Those hearts that have no scars to show

The ones that never do let go

And risk the tables being turned 

We call them fools

Who have to dance within the flame

Who chance the sorrow and the shame

That always comes with getting burned 

But you got to be rough when consumed by desire'

Cause it's not enough just to stand outside the fire 

We call them strong

Those who can face this world alone

Who seem to get by on their own

Those who will never take the fall 

We call them weak

Who are unable to resist

The slightest chance love might exist

And for that forsake it all 

They're so hell bent on giving, walking a wire

convinced it's not living if you stand outside the fire. 

Standing outside the fire

Standing outside the fire

Life is not tried it is merely survived

If you're standing outside the fire 

There's this love that is burning

Deep in my soul

Constantly yearning to get out of control

Wanting to fly higher and higher

I can't abide standing outside the fire