Pastor Reacts to “Hi Ren” by Ren

Congratulations to Ren! He just got the #1 album in the UK!!! :)

Because of a misdiagnosis Ren lived with physical and mental issues most people will never understand. It was almost a decade before a proper diagnosis (Lyme) and treatment started him toward health but there was long term and likely permanent damage. He is better but not well and is still in treatment. It gives Ren a unique perspective on life. Ren said he tried everything, every treatment, every religion, every fringe science. He also did a video called Dear God... where he questions the struggle - it is compelling. He did a song in which he uses the lyric... I walk through the valley of the shadow of sickness... I don't know why but that one sticks with me.

“That I won't retire I'll stand in your fire… Inspire the weak to be strong!” Inspirational. He doesn’t strum the last chord of the song to represent that it’s an ongoing battle and the dance is not done. “Face to face with the beast I will rise in the East.” I think of Jesus here without a doubt. Well done Pastor, God bless!

I appreciate you pointing out the issues with the church on approaching mental illness. I was suffering from panic attacks in my high school years and the church I was going to told me I was being attacked by a demon. I found out a decade later that I suffer from severe social anxiety and I'm much better now that I'm on meds and am seeking therapy. I acknowledge that there may have been spiritual forces at play, but it really damaged my relationship with the church that no one suggested I see a doctor. Seeing a pastor recognize that really helps remind me that not all churches disregard mental illness and some may even acknowledge that they need to be solved with a doctor.

Beautiful reaction Pastor🙏🏻. Ren has been through hell and is still battling while getting treatment in Canada. His music keeps him going and he creates the most amazing music. He is a special person.

Welcome home my friend. To the Renegades. We are a proud group because our brother Ren has an amazing life and story to tell. It relates to us all and his intelligent views on mental health which he has suffered from aside from his other problems. He does a lot to lift us up and heal.

One of the realest, most humble and most interesting reactions to this song I've seen so far (and I seen quite many). Thank you, sincerely!

I’m not religious and neither is Ren as I have heard him say. But like Ren, I respect all religions without favouring any particular one. Just want to thank you for your understanding and compassion while reacting to this masterpiece of performance art. Great reaction.

Really fantastic reaction! I loved that you saw his struggle as bigger than him before he shows that aspect. More Ren!

My take is that the climax is the final verse, delivered by 'Hopeful Ren', in which he acknowledges that 'Dark Ren' exists as a part of him (two sides of a coin) and always will, but they are evenly matched (standing beside you) and that he, too, is relentless in the battle. This is also the first time Hopeful stands up to Dark and shows strength and resolve. In the monologue he said "There were victims and there were students", meaning there are those who lose the fight and those who learn to live with the fight. No one ever wins the fight and banishes Dark from their life.

Ren's genre = Yes. Welcome to Ren theater. Ren is the most amazing soul I've seen in my 55yrs of life. I'm glad I found him last year and if you jump in, welcome to the rabbit hole.

I am not religious, but I very much appreciated your prayer at the end. Thank you❤

Hope you do more Ren reactions ! Your reaction to this was great, in particular, I hope you listen and give a reaction to Ren's song "Dear God".

Ren is one of the most Jesusy people alive. He promotes kindness, love and compassion towards all and has had the effect of inspiring most who listen to his music. If you liked this, welcome to the Renegades 😊❤

I'm not religious, but thank you for the beautiful prayer. For me it's the thought that counts and you seem like a lovely person.

My parents raised six kids at long distance from the community where they grew up, and my mother relied on women's magazines for our upbringing. Ren, in his formative years, had books, the internet, music, and his own mind. The wide variety of those exposures and explorations contributed to the exceptional variety of his skills and creations. He truly doesn't flinch from life... and he inspires others accordingly through an artistic kind of embrace. Thank you, Matt, for contributing to this variety and value by sharing your insights and perspective. Welcome to the Ren community.

Despite everything Ren has gone through and is going through, he never fails to lift up other people always. He's an absolute inspiration to so many people to be a better version of themselves.

Ren isn't particularly directly religious as far as I know, but as religious metaphor is universally understood it is a good shorthand motif. That said, if people can directly relate on a religious level and it helps them I suspect Ren would have no issues with that

Watching Ren for the last 9 months has been one of the informative and inspirational things I have been involved in for years Have been a follower of Jesus for 43 years since 17. During that time spiritual abuse from within the institution of church nearly destroyed me The last 12 years have been a liberation and adventure in the Spiritual meaning of life I asked for something to remove all the religion and this mans music has been part of the answer and afirmation in the Love that shines in the light and darkness of this life. It is a glorious and challenging dance Love in Jesus 💛

Rens rabbit hole is wonderful and so positive. The extra money he rased £21k he gave to a RNLI station. It the UKs life boat, the station had tryed to find his friend who comited suaside, what a positive thing to do.(sorry im dyslexic)