Main Review
Humans are governed by emotions. It is both our greatest strength and weakness all in one. It is responsible for our
noblest deeds and our greatest moral failures. Those of us who submit to them easily are weak-willed; those who do not
are cold. In a culture that places increasing emphasis on our feelings and values only those experiences which stimulate
them, it's important to remember that we and how we feel are not the point. Michael Boggs attempts to point us to higher
aspirations in More Than Moved.
"Said and Done" expresses Michael's desire to live a life without regrets, fulfilling God's purpose as best as possible
instead of chasing empty pursuits. He continues the theme of placing self in the background in favor of God ("Reaching
For Me") and others ("Somebody Like Me"); the former recognizes that God is the defining purpose of his life, while the
latter points the finger of blame squarely at himself first for saying one thing and doing another; not acting in love towards
the rejected.
Our timing may not be God's, but He will not leave us to face trouble alone. When we surrender to God in everything, He
will do the rest. That's the message of "You Are Faithful". It is delivered in deeply assured vocals, as is "In You", a simple
yet powerful statement that God is the only source of everything needed. Christy Nockels (one of my favorite vocalists!)
guest sings on this song. Her sweet voice is a perfect addition; in fact, she could and should do her own version a la Vicky
Beeching and Fee's "Glory to God Forever".
"Never Goin' Back" is the testimony of everyone who's decided to make Jesus the Lord of their lives. There is no turning
around, and indeed, compared with where you were going, the road ahead is vastly superior. "Don't Wanna Wait"
declares Michael's determination to right past wrongs before it's too late. I think a lot of people could relate to this song; if
you're not singing it, someone's trying to sing it to you. "The Other Side" looks forward to all the promises of heaven for
those who have to go without. Again, this one's virtue is its applicability to many. "More Than Moved" expresses Michael's
desire to touch others with the same love he has been given by God; it's his "faith without works is dead, so would You
make me live" song. (Hey, that could be a lyric itself...) "Savior's Love", the longest song on this album at 5:41, is a hymn
which speaks of the title subject. Not sure who wrote it, but it's beautiful. Finally, Michael tells God that his desire to be
with God in heaven far outweighs that for the treasures in in heaven, in the slightly whimsical but humble "Near You".
Closing Thoughts
More Than Moved covers a variety of topics, from humility to faith, from trust to actions. Yet the theme throughout is one of
hope. Despite what you've done, who or where you've been, it's not too late nor impossible to change. The decision is
ours, the rewards are rich, and the possibilities are endless. Michael Boggs tenderly and powerfully calls us to choose
this higher plane.
Review Written By: Laura Chambers [laura.chambers@christianmusicreview.org] on 10/16/2010
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