The lights dimmed, the music began, setting the stage for a
fun night. Our family had been looking
forward to this night for months. Now
here we were: my sweetie and I along with our four big kids. The evening began with the pleasant voice and
powerful words of Lindsay McCaul. We had
never heard her music before last night, but we now have her latest CD. We joked that she must be a Baptist because
she never moved her feet as she sang and played her acoustic guitar.
Next up was Royal
Tailor. Now, put these guys in a room of
teens and their ministry would be powerful.
I am not a fan of rap or dance moves, but none of what they did was
offensive to me. In fact, their clear
lyrics and spoken message was right on the mark of the truth of God’s Word. As we anticipate having two bi-racial
children in our home, this is a group I would definitely consider.
Matthew West took the
stage next. We have enjoyed his music
for awhile. I appreciate how he puts the
stories of life to music and surrounds it all in the tempo of God’s Words. Life is hard, but there is no denying God’s
work in it. Matthew West knows how to
laugh. His creativity is
spontaneous. More than that, though, his
love for an intimate God permeates his music.
Then the feature presentation – Casting Crowns. As they began with their song “Courageous”, I
knew we were in for a treat. My son, who
sat on the end next to my sweetie, sang with his heart as the song’s message
permeated the stadium. We had already
been blessed with the opening singers, but the blessing continued throughout
the evening.
I was reminded that the music may change you for the day,
but the Word of God will change you for life.
How refreshing to hear that in a culture of show, ego-centrism, and
performance. We enjoyed the music and
were moved by clever lyrics, but it would be God’s Word that would stick.
At one point in the concert, my little one leaned over and
sweetly thanked me for bringing her.
Later in the evening, I offered my shoulder for her weary head to
rest. Despite the intensity of the
music, she allowed her eyes to close. I
smiled knowing that my little one, full of praise for Jesus, smiles of a happy
heart, and claps of joy, rested on my arm in peace.
I sat there a blessed mom surrounded by my children and
husband, all of us singing praises to our real God. Many moms do not get that blessing.
Music provokes emotions and ideas, and it can challenge the
heart to move us. We laughed at corny
jokes, lifted hands in praise of a risen Lord, nodded in agreement to the truth
of who God is, and quietly sat in contemplation of what was to be next in
response to truth.
We chose this concert as a family night to show our
appreciation to our big kids for all they do in partnering with us in foster
care. I was excited to see how God was
going to take it past just a night of appreciation, but he would make it an
opportunity to adore an amazingly personal God.
Though I was one of many in a stadium of concertgoers, God
spoke to me.
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