"Daytime Monsters," a song penned by Armando Heredia and performed under his stage name If We Were A Band, presents a sobering commentary on the emboldening of hate and prejudice in modern-day America. The song utilizes vivid imagery and metaphors to portray a nation increasingly tolerant of extremist views, particularly those amplified by the political landscape following the 2024 election.

The song's central motif revolves around "monsters" distinguished by their "red hats, red ties, red teeth, red eyes," serving as a symbolic representation of individuals who openly endorse and propagate hateful ideologies. These figures, once relegated to the shadows, now brazenly "grind their teeth in the daytime," highlighting a concerning shift where prejudice has migrated from the fringes to the mainstream.

The title, "Daytime Monsters," itself encapsulates this alarming transformation. It signifies a departure from the era where hate festered in darkness, replaced by an environment where it parades openly in broad daylight. This transition from nighttime to daytime underscores a progression from concealed bigotry to blatant displays of hate, a phenomenon Heredia attributes to the rhetoric prevalent during the 2024 election campaign.

Beyond the prominent figures embodying hate, "Daytime Monsters" introduces a secondary layer of characters: the "good little monsters." These individuals, drawn to the allure of powerful figures, readily embrace hateful ideologies in exchange for acceptance and validation.

The song depicts these "little monsters" as yearning for "a pat on the head, a wag of the tail" from their "daddy," highlighting a vulnerability to manipulation and radicalization. Their longing for approval and belonging renders them susceptible to exploitation by those who capitalize on their insecurities and prejudices.

Heredia, through "Daytime Monsters," voices a stark warning about the potential ramifications of unchecked hate for America's future. The normalization of extremist views, compounded by the emergence of "good little monsters" eager to appease their "daddy," could cultivate a society riddled with division, violence, and the erosion of democratic principles. The song serves as a call to action, urging listeners to recognize and confront the growing presence of hate in their communities and on the national stage.

The Ladies at the Station is available on Apple Music, Spotify and most major platforms.

#DaytimeMonsters #HateIsNotWelcome #SeeNoEvil #HearNoEvil #SpeakNoEvil #FightHate #StandUpForWhatIsRight #UnitedAgainstHate #NoPlaceForHate #ChooseLove

Ten-year-old Fleetwood Gonzales is the responsible one. Since his mother left and his father works long hours, he’s in charge of getting his younger siblings ready for school and generally keeping them safe.

But in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, Fleetwood's carefully constructed world crumbles when he discovers his mother’s obituary and a note accusing his father of killing her. The author, Armando Heredia, describes Fleetwood as being overwhelmed by shock, grief, and confusion. He runs away to the Million Barrels, a local landmark that holds childhood memories for the Gonzales children.

When his father finds him at the Million Barrels, Fleetwood is so consumed by fear and anguish that he attacks his father with a letter opener. This act of violence illustrates the profound emotional turmoil Fleetwood is experiencing. Experience Fleetwood’s heartbreaking journey in Chapter 12: Knife Fight, available now at the self-publishing site ⁠Lulu.com⁠!

Read more about the book on the ⁠author's blog⁠.

#Creedence #ArmandoHeredia #KnifeFight #FamilyDrama #TexasNoir #MillionBarrels #Lulu

What if art is the key to unlocking deeper levels of engagement with faith and community? Join author and artist Armando Heredia as he explores the intersection of art and faith in his new book, Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith. This podcast is for ministry leaders, artists, and art enthusiasts looking to make a greater impact.

Discover how:

• Scripture uses symbolism and visual cues to communicate God's message.
• Prophets in the Bible used performance art to bring God's word to life.
• The Psalms offer a model for authentic worship and personal reflection.
• Modern worship songs can be seen as contemporary expressions of the Psalms.
• The church can create spaces for artists to thrive and contribute their unique gifts.

Armando shares practical insights on:

• Developing a thriving art community within your church.
• Incorporating art into sermon series and ministry events.
• Creating a gallery space and curating exhibitions.

Get inspired to:

• See the Bible through a new lens, appreciating its artistic depth.
• Embrace the power of art to connect with people on a deeper level.
• Use your creative gifts to make a difference in your community.

Read more about Articulate: Exploring Art As Faith at ⁠ArmandoCreative.com⁠

#ArtAsFaith #MinistryAndArt #ChurchCommunity #CreativeExpression #SpiritualGrowth