HAVE HOPE | Worship Drummer Reacts to "Troubles" by Ren

[@arielbussart1305]

Ren said in his Chapters series on RenMakesStuff that he's always wanted to believe, and he kind of does... but he struggles to take human written gospel as pure truth because humans are broken and tend to write things based on their own interests and greed - don't quote me exactly on that, but that's how I took what he said. If you want to know his whole story, that's the best way to understand. He laid it all out in 8 15-20 min "Chapters" and it's seriously powerful and heartbreaking with an ending of #hope I found Ren a few years after my brother took his own life, and he's legit changed my life. I use his music as a source of power, comfort, hope, and joy. His 1 million subscriber speech is something I listen to a few times a month on days that I'm struggling.

[@salishseamermaid]

He's a gift to the world. I'm so sorry about your brother.

[@Codex7777]

He said that part of him wants to believe but that he's been unable to. Essentially he's been unable to abandon reason for faith. So 'he kind of doesn't...'. :) He was also not talking about Christianity exclusively but all the religions and belief systems that he's delved into.

[@arielbussart1305]

@@Blaze44_22 absolutely agree with you, not disregarding that... I was mentioning WHY he's agnostic. He needs divine proof instead of human words. Agnostic means you don't believe or disbelieve. That it could be true, but you can't fully have faith

[@bonnievonbraun6276]

Ren felt it was well worth the cost to obtain the rights to use the original sample from Vera Hall's 1937 "Troubles So Hard" because it meant so much to him. Amazing what he's done with it! He has also released the acoustic version, but, for the first time, I think I prefer the original release. You might try a listen of Ren's Fred Again mash-up. Unexpectedly emotional.

[@mercedeswarrenash5929]

As much as I love Ren I’m more even heartbroken because I finally learned a bit about my lovely daughter who had undiagnosed PANS or PANDAS…. Fuck anything rational & adhere to anything else as rational.

[@Ariel_Astara]

I was diagnosed with idiopathic hypersomnia (basically narcolepsy). However it doesn't present like that at all even though the sleep study I did was most definitely abnormal. Im a very active person, currently still serving in the Army and I don't fall asleep unless I allow myself to. I have this unrelenting fatigue (I feel like I never left basic training) and at times it can become insomnia because I can't tell the difference between its 'bed time' tired or the all day tired. My sleep specialist focused on what she called 'sleep hygiene' because of this confusion. When I looked up "chronic fatigue syndrome"... all of my symptoms fit. I told my primary care doctor I think I've been misdiagnosed... this would answer alot of other symptoms like hair loss, orthostatic intolerance, poor body temp control ect... that I keep having him do tests for like is my thyroid ok? Other hormones? Ect. All always normal. But he made it very clear that he doesn't support this as an alternative..🙄. He said if I want to see someone about it he'll refer me. I hope to see a neurologist soon to put all the pieces together. Sadly, the first reason that it matters is for 1. Stigma (I hate people being afraid that I could fall asleep randomly, especially without medication. It's not true, I don't need the meds to 'stay awake' but they do help me not have to try so hard with motivation n what not) and for 2. CFS is service relatable, narcolepsy is not cuz its genetic (no one in my fam has it tho)... Ren... is doing so much good and even though most would say it's not a good answer, it's better then the one I found. He has learned so much, and sharing it with everyone not only gives to those who already found their starting point, but gives light to those still wondering alone in the dark somewhere to start. So yeah, Ren is the embodiment of hope for me. ❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥❤️‍🔥

[@simontemplar3359]

All the best to you, and thanks for your service!

[@teckreactions]

Thank you for your service!

[@MsCheesemonster13]

As an atheist, I am happy that other people find comfort in their religion because anything that helps you get through life is a positive thing. To me, deeds are more important than what a person believes, or professes to believe. Other people think differently, and I respect that.

[@teckreactions]

I completely agree. Thanks for your comment. Christians should be serving others and living a life that is emblematic of Jesus. As someone once said, “as a Christian, people should hear the gospel before I open my mouth.”

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

Accurate Biblical teaching tells us Christians that good works don't save our souls, but good works are a sign of a healthy relationship with Jesus/God. If someone is a Christian and isn't doing good works, it's a good sign that something is off.

[@teckreactions]

@@joshuawiedenbeck6944 Correct.

[@richardlyons7582]

Matt wait to you hear the acoustic version of troubles !!!!!!!

[@teckreactions]

There's already an acoustic version?!

[@guitarmuscle6968]

@@teckreactions yes

[@richardlyons7582]

@@teckreactions Yep and if l say it's better than this one, but in a different way, maybe a different song , but It's the same song , but it's not. The things l want to say but I don't want to spoil it for you. Sorry if I have😮

[@simontemplar3359]

@@richardlyons7582 the acoustic version blew my mind. He always does amazing acoustic versions of his tunes, but he always makes them different and interesting!

[@richardlyons7582]

@@simontemplar3359 I see you get what l was trying to say.

[@annasylvester4516]

This is a great song, but the acoustic version is even better in my opinion. I really enjoy your reactions

[@krikat3485]

REN is such an inspiration to anyone facing health challenges in life. I find his message of hope so uplifting.

[@joshuawiedenbeck6944]

Ren has talked about exactly what you said at the end about NF. The pig in Ren's videos is a physical embodiment of his sickness. Ren was scared of getting rid of his sickness because there was a comfort in the consistency of the pain. He wasn't sure if he could live without the pig hanging out with him.

[@katrogers28]

Love your thoughtful reactions. Ren said Troubles is kind of closing the chapter on Sick Boi. It’s incredible to see the journey he’s been on and perspective he’s come to of hope and finding joy even though he may never be fully healed. And though Ren may not understand it, I really believe God is using him. Those last few lines of the song are so powerful!! Ren also released just the instrumentals for this track on his other channel, RenMakesStuff. It’s fantastic on its own! And you should definitely check out the acoustic version too!

[@AndrewJonesMcGuire]

Lord I forgive you - is the only part about God. The following lines, "This music I give you, the pain that I've lived through, everything I've been through, is yours to hold" - is specifically to us, the listener. In Chapter 1 (on RenMakesStuff) he specifically mentions his music being a companion to people struggling, and then at the start of this song the words on the screen say this is his story of hope, and he wished there had been more stories of hope when he was struggling. So he is really saying - hey guys, those of you struggling, this song - is yours.

[@teckreactions]

Perhaps.

[@REN4eva]

💯 this!

[@defaultbeasty7964]

I disagree. We are currently witnessing a realignment with God. You can find hints of it in the fred again mash up as well. I firmly believe that Ren has realized that he is currently going through the thing he prayed for, and that he had to go through it for a reason. Read fhe Book of Job and see the similarities

[@Prime_Mover2112]

Hey man, always love your reactions/insight. Another good one, glad you and the fam are feeling better.👍

[@KristenKing-ix7mn]

Such a great song. I’m such a fan. ❤️ I love that He put out chapters of his story before he released this song. Matt if you haven’t listened to those you should.

[@teckreactions]

I did. I mention that at the beginning of the video.

[@KristenKing-ix7mn]

@@teckreactions sorry I missed that part.

[@kevinmundis1281]

Nice to see ya again brother. Hope you mom is doing better. And glad you guys are over the stomach bug. Go Steelers!! BTW, we just saw NF in Hershey, PA a few weeks ago. Love NF as well.

[@JulitaPio]

I will love to see Ren and NF together, it is my little dream 😊 Thank you for your reactions ❤

[@goldenkurlz]

What a great song. As always I appreciate your spiritual insights. Thanks! 🔥🤘😝🤘🔥

[@teckreactions]

THANKS!

[@richardlyons7582]

@@teckreactions BrittReacts calls him pastor Ren in her reaction.

[@jamespowers8826]

I think that the last words were not directed at God but at the viewer as ours to hold as encouragement. He has stated numerous time that he is more spiritual than Christian.

[@teckreactions]

Perhaps.

[@Codex7777]

He's said that he's not religious and doesn't believe in any of the religions that he's explored. Part of him wants to believe but he's just not able to abandon reason for faith. He's delved into many religions, philosophical systems and new age ideas, in an attempt to find answers but has yet to find satisfactory answers, especially from religions. He hasn't closed off the possibility of religion though. As for christian imagery in some of his songs, he's said that he loves religious imagery and he uses it to illustrate his ideas and sometimes just to express the desire to believe, even though he doesn't. Christian imagery is evoked the most often as he's from a Western nation and it's what he's most familiar with, however he's also used references and imagery from Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and from various 'pagan' religions.

[@teckreactions]

@@Codex7777 I’m aware. I’ve done a lot of seen reactions.

[@simontemplar3359]

I genuinely believe that the Holy Spirit is at work in him. I heard him say a while ago that he was agnostic leaning spiritual, and I've also seen him wearing a cross around his neck. Absolutely convinced Christian here too, and I always think of 2 verses. Both are from John. One is from John 16:33 "In this world you will have troubles, but take heart, I have overcome the world." The other is John 14:27- "Peace I leave with you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid." I think we all get in the "how could God let this happen to me?" impulse. I always go back to the cross. I have no doubt Christ experienced every regret, every hurt, every pain that every one of us has felt from all our sins and lies and bad decisions, so I know we have a God who understands our sufferings and struggles.

[@helenjarvis7755]

I agree with you, like how you wrote this

[@helenjarvis7755]

I understand why people in the public eye keep their definitions of spirituality and faith evolving and poetic. We change by the day in understanding sometimes and having strangers pin us down to their understanding and opinions can be counter productive As people we need to keep certain boundaries and guard our hearts I think that is wisdom and he does give us hope

[@skater61991]

It’s kinda sad that you already know so much about NF! I would have loved to watch you go through that journey! You should do a breakdown of some of those songs. Just to show how great they are!

[@justme1111]

When you say he acknowledges God,, I have always believed his talking to US at that point, it's ours to hold

[@teckreactions]

Perhaps.

[@MissMeKate]

He is such a light in a dark time. ❤

[@amyaeschbach3581]

Thank you for reacting to this. It’s very moving and things for your comments about your life. I wanted you to know that Ren has dropped an acoustic version to this where you can hear his voice so clearly. You must watch that version!❤❤❤

[@SandraP3796]

Always love your Ren reactions Matt. I know he’s forgiven God for what he thinks God put him through and he then offers people like me his music. The music gives me hope while I’m living in a world of pain.

[@teckreactions]

🙏🏻

[@kellyt5341]

I didn't know that NF had a Chronic disease/illness. Is it an autoimmune disease? Ren was told for years there is nothing physically wrong with you, it is all in your mind. It stings more because (like it explained in the chapters) Ren never had any mental issues, it was always only physical. Then the neuropathy moved into his brain over the years and gave him brain damage. Ren is an advocate for the Chronic diseases/illnesses and survived to tell the story better than anyone with his music. He works with the non-profit Lymes disease institution and they gave him a shout out on social media. He is a beacon of hope for many in his shoes. Ren is not with a big record label, he is independent. He doesn't have the platform that the labels have, so NF has a leg up on that and a bigger platform. But Ren will make do as an independent and continue to grow and carry his message with him. I feel so bad for your mother living with fibromyalgia. This was another disease that doctors told people it was all in your head because the tests they ran (blood etc) never showed anything wrong. I'm 55 and I can imagine that 25 yrs ago they knew very little about that and the medical industry was useless to offer any help. Thanks for the reaction.

[@francesdoll4039]

Loved your post, but if you read Ren's comment in the original Hi Ren post, he talks about hearing voices in his head as a chile and also some if his auditory haucinations well before his illness. I personally think Ren came into life walking that knife edge between realities. He was meant to be our window of empathy and our companion and voice.

[@helenjarvis7755]

Agree

[@teckreactions]

NF didn't struggle with autoimmune. But severe depression.

[@kellyt5341]

@@francesdoll4039 This is true and I forgot about that. I was just going off the doctor he spoke of during the chapters that told him he didn't think he had mental issues, as a matter of fact he didn't think he had depression at all.

[@kellyt5341]

@@teckreactions Oh I see, when you said he had pain similar to Ren's story I just assumed it was the same physical pain from a Chronic disease. I believe severe depression is a huge problem around the world. Depression alone is at an almost epidemic level. We are in some trouble if we don't get some answers in my opinion.

[@hilarycharman-2924]

Please listen to the acoustic version too

[@dottiemurray6013]

Oh yes that's a must 👌😊 It's totally different , the words down slower and just goes right to the heart and soul 💞

[@rveino2978]

🔥❤️🔥

[@HauntinglyAsh]

People go into a lot of convos about ren’s beliefs. In all honesty…I think ren and i have very similar feelings on this. The structures and hypocrisy within mainstream organized religions makes it very difficult to want to believe in any. And yet..for some reason I’ve spent my whole life WANTING to believe. I want there to be a reason, I want to know there’s a purpose to all of this. I honestly want to believe. So even though my life I’ve stated that I am atheist, that’s not totally true. Agnostic is a good way to put it but it’s so much more complicated. But Ren mentions god so much in his music I do think in the back of his mind he does truly believe in SOMETHING, and God is the only word to explain that. Other songs are symbolism etc but this one in particular made it clear to me he definitely holds some personal beliefs, and everyone’s spirituality is their own and I don’t ever want him to feel like he has to explain or name it. 🖤

[@Caketime2]

The way I took it is that stuff he was giving was the people listening to his music he was giving it to us that are still in the dark with our diseases. He's giving us hope and that isn't an understatement he really does and he has saved many people through his music

[@Danielle-ed9kt]

❤❤❤❤

[@petersilie8549]

Great reaction - as always ❤

[@teckreactions]

Thank you!! 😁

[@RolvSkjrpe]

Takk!

[@teckreactions]

Thanks!

[@PoliticallyPink]

"....everything I've been through/ is yours to hold" is directed to us, the listener, not to God, from my perspective. Hope was contained in Pandora's box of evils, and it is arguably the worst. I don't see why people think it's such an unrelentingly positive thing!

[@teckreactions]

Perhaps.

[@fangirl6115]

❤

[@teckreactions]

🧡💙

[@temporalwizard]

👍

[@teckreactions]

💙🧡

[@steveames5797]

He said ‘ lord I forgive you’. He’s forgiving god for his horrible life because it resulted in him being who he is musically. That is not accepting anything about god. It is more Ren expressing his OWN inner strength. He’s wise - looking within makes more sense.

[@teckreactions]

I understand that line. It’s the ones after it that I was addressing.

[@sbalsamo410]

I have the most painful medical condition known to man. Trigeminal Neuralgia. This is the story of someone with intractable pain. I now advocate for people with severe pain conditions like mine - especially veterans and POC. I play this song when I meet with government agencies. My heart goes out to your parents.

[@teckreactions]

Thank you for what you do.

[@Codex7777]

Ren's in another league to NF musically and he's been through MUCH more, for much longer, than NF. I also suspect that NF's more upbeat message of late is as much to do with now being a label artist, as with anything else. In contrast, every label under the Sun has tried to sign Ren. He's turned them all down! With Ren it really is all about the music! :)

[@cathrinewitty6749]

I think NF had written some absolutely incredible songs but yes in my opinion Ren is in his own league an artist of a lifetime. However I don’t think people’s suffering should be compared it’s all personal. I’d love to know what offers Ren has had come in and I’m super proud of him for staying true to himself.

[@teckreactions]

They’re completely different styles of music. We don’t have to compare them. They each have an impactful story. And I actually resonate with NF’s music more as well as millions of other people. So… comparing them is not helpful.

[@NanaM1984]

Thank you

[@Oitsugina93]

❤❤❤

[@docdurdin]

God is big enough to understand anything we throw at him. All the time, It was God who was leading Ren to find the doctor who diagnosed him, it was God who led the Doctor to call Ren. He walks beside us even though we feel abandoned.