Lucian's Pride

In this week's episode, Dennis Jernigan shares the story behind his song, "Lucian's Pride", from the album "The Chronicles of Bren: Captured – Songs for the Journey". That mp3 is available at https://www.thechroniclesofbren.com/store/captured-songs-for-the-journey-album/ The lyrics can be found below.

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Welcome to The Dennis Jernigan Podcast, where we aim to challenge your perspective on life. Life is a precious gift, but let's be real— it often comes with its share of pain. Whether it's physical, emotional, mental, or relational, we all encounter moments of sorrow and suffering. Life can feel anything but fair, right? That's why this podcast is here to guide you towards healing, hope, intimacy, and refuge from life's storms, ultimately fostering a deeper connection with Jesus. Through all my years, one thing is certain: God doesn't waste a thing. Not our struggles, not our wounds, not even our failures.
Hey there, I'm Dennis Jernigan, your host, and I'm thrilled (and maybe a tad nervous) to share today's song and its backstory with you. As I mentioned last week, my apprehension stems from the fact that I typically share stories behind worship and ministry songs, but today's song was inspired by a fantasy novel series I penned for my kids and grandkids back in 2015. You might wonder, "Why is a worship leader writing about a fantasy world?"
I won't recap all the details here, but if you tune in from the episode "Riding the Wind" to "Ollieman’s Song," you'll understand why these songs are significant. The truth is, the Lord used fantasy and myth to anchor my unwavering faith in Jesus Christ.
On this week's episode, I'm excited to share the song "Lucian's Pride," which I penned for my book "Captured," the first installment in The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy. This book is my life story told through allegory, serving as a legacy for my children and grandchildren. As I crafted these books, I couldn't help but imagine what they would sound like if they were turned into Disney movies. While I managed to create songs for the first two books, I never quite got around to composing for the third. That final book delves into my vision for my nine children, whose real-life tales are still unfolding. They'll have to write their own songs, quite literally.
Now, here's the exciting part—I have fantastic news to share! You can not only listen to but also download the entire album for book one, "Captured - Songs For the Journey," completely free of charge. Simply head over to www.thechroniclesofbren.com to access it. I highly recommend reading "Captured" first and then immersing yourself in the songs inspired by each main character. This album aims to empower young men to transcend their flaws, failures, and the enemy's lies, embracing their true identity as defined by God.
Let's delve into "Lucian's Pride," a song that came to me around 2015 or 2016. Lucian, the story's antagonist, embodies the evil that exists in our world. I see Lucian as a representation of Lucifer, both names—Lucian meaning 'Light' and Lucifer meaning 'Shining One'—initially appearing as beacons of light but concealing darkness and malevolence within. Just like in the story of Captured, I, too, faced adversity in my youth, including sexual abuse and ridicule for my creative nature. Despite these challenges, I chose to view them from a higher perspective—the Lord's perspective—allowing me to emerge as an overcomer who sees setbacks as stepping stones to greater things. I overcame the hurts of my childhood and I actually allegorically incorporated them into the book series The Chronicles of Bren: Captured and The Chronicles of Bren: Sacrifice.
Lucian symbolizes the enduring concept that redemption is always within reach, irrespective of our past mistakes. As we're taught in God's word, Lucifer, the devil, is a master deceiver who seeks the downfall of every human. He prowls around like a roaring lion, aiming to devour with his deceit. But let me assure you, based on personal experience, our past failures don't define us. True failure only occurs when someone stumbles and chooses not to rise and continue on the path toward Jesus. This song offers a glimpse into Satan's tactics, shedding light on how he navigates the human mind. His goal is to inflate our pride to the point where we believe ourselves to be gods. Let's reject the lies and embrace the truth of who God says we are. "Lucian's Pride" stirs within me a righteous anger towards the enemy of God, having witnessed many individuals liberated from his falsehoods, reborn through Jesus. 

It echoes the deceptive whispers of the Liar—Lucifer—that haunted me in my youth and early adulthood, evoking that same anger. The thought of countless children falling victim to his lies fuels my determination to share these stories far and wide, especially with the youth. We need to remember that. My wish is that this song will help them see through the deception as they engage with the book and its music. Let's tune in and see if the song uncovers any falsehoods we've embraced about ourselves. I'll be listening closely alongside you. Let's press play and delve in…
SONG
1 Peter 5:8-11 NIV says 8 Be alert and of sober mind. Your enemy the devil prowls around like a roaring lion looking for someone to devour. 9 Resist him, standing firm in the faith, because you know that the family of believers throughout the world is undergoing the same kind of sufferings. 10 And the God of all grace, who called you to his eternal glory in Christ, after you have suffered a little while, will himself restore you and make you strong, firm and steadfast. 11 To him be the power for ever and ever. Amen.

The enemy may parade around like a ferocious lion, but in truth, he's a toothless predator whose sole strength lies in deception. When we anchor ourselves in the truth of God's Word, standing resolute, fear has no place, for Jesus has already triumphed over the enemy's deceit through the cross and the redemptive power of His blood. As 2 Corinthians 11:14 NIV tells us, Satan cloaks himself as an angel of light. 

So, where should we seek unwavering truth—from fallible human wisdom claiming enlightenment or from the infallible Word of God? The answer is clear: Jesus, the embodiment of God's living Word!

Thank you for joining me today on The Dennis Jernigan Podcast. For more about me, my journey, or my music, explore dennisjernigan.com. Connect with me on Facebook and Instagram, and find my music on various streaming platforms. And if you're keen on being part of the team, consider becoming a Patron at Patreon.com/dennisjernigan. Your support means the world to me!

To download an mp3 of this week's track, "Lucian's Pride," from the book "Captured: The Chronicles of Bren Trilogy: Book 1," head to www.thechroniclesofbren.com for free listening and downloads. "Captured" is available on Amazon in paperback, ebook, and audiobook versions. Dive into the book, then immerse yourself in the character-inspired songs. 

Thank you once more for tuning in today. Remember, God's love surrounds you. It's time to heed the call and embrace your warrior spirit for God's kingdom. Shed the enemy's lies, don the truth of your identity in Christ, and step into the fullness of who your Heavenly Father declares you to be.

Lucian’s Pride
WORDS & MUSIC
Dennis Jernigan
©2016 

Verse
Who do you think you are?
The son of a King 
Doesn’t mean anything
Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?
You have all you need
But when you’re cut you still bleed
Who do you think you are?

Deep inside you’re so prideful
So arrogant and snide
Think  so highly of yourself
From such a lofty height

In your heart you’re the greatest
‘Cause Daddy is the King
You are just a sniveling boy
But to me you’re nothing

Chorus
I will bring you down
Cut you down to size
Take away the arrogance
That clouds your royal eyes

I will make you see
The things you refuse to see
Who you really are is really nothing
Soon enough you’ll see
You are less than me
Less than me

Verse
Who do you think you are?
Honorable son
The privileged one
Who do you think you are?

Who do you think you are?
You have so much
It leaves your heart out of touch
Just who do you think you are?

Deep inside you’re so prideful
So arrogant and snide
Think  so highly of yourself
From such a lofty height

In your heart you’re the greatest
‘Cause Daddy is the King
You are just a sniveling boy
But to me you’re nothing

Chorus
I will bring you down
Cut you down to size
Take away the arrogance
That clouds your royal eyes

I will make you see
The things you refuse to see
Who you really are is really nothing
Soon enough you’ll see
You are less than me

Bridge
I am the rightful heir to that throne
Soon enough the truth will be known
I am but one breath from all I dreamed

All that stands in my way is one boy
Soon the King will fall for my ploy
I am but one death from being king

Chorus
And I will bring you down
Cut you down to size
Take away the arrogance
That clouds your royal eye

I will make you see
The things you refuse to see
Who you really are is really nothing
But soon enough you’ll see
You are less than me
Less than me