Sometimes people can have tremendous influence on us from a distance. We are connected to each other through fragile and almost invisible threads. Here’s one example…
My oldest son is now a sophomore at Baylor University and he has attended University Baptist Church since he arrived on campus (or so he tells me!) Last year we visited the campus for Homecoming and stayed for church on Sunday. Of course we were expecting high quality worship music since it is well-known that David Crowder is the worship Pastor there. On that particular day he was still on tour so the “B Band” was leading.
Up to the microphone steps a petite young blonde girl with a big ol’ Taylor guitar strapped on. I was immediately curious. I was amazed at the richness and warmth of the sound that eminated as she began to play. From where I was seated I couldn’t quite make out the chords she was playing but I knew it was a heavy low “E” bass open chord of some kind. It was inviting. She played alone, slow and steady for a few measures then began to sing, “Heavenly Father, you always amaze me, Let your kingdom come in my world and in my life.” The haunting sounds of an electric guitar with ebow joined her. She continued, “You give me the food I need to live through the day.” A keyboard and drums joined in and I was enthralled.
You may already recognize the song, “Your Love Is Strong” by Jon Foreman. Up to that day I had not heard that song. I was a major Switchfoot fan but didn’t even know that Jon had done any solo stuff. That song became an anthem for my life.
You see, what no one in that room that day had any way of knowing was that I was going through a major life crisis and was looking for some direction from God. I needed to make some serious career decisions that would affect mine and my family’s future. I had begun to think that God was leading me to leave my job and start my own business and I was afraid. I lacked the faith to step out on my own. I didn’t expect God to use a random song in a random place by a random artist (no offense, jon) to move me, but it did.
The lyric and melody struck me. Give me the food I need to live throught the day. I had recited the Lord’s Prayer for years but this was the first time if felt personal to me. God was promising to take care of me every day and I didn’t need to worry. That was October and by January I was a self-employed construction guy asking God to just give me what I need. He has done that and more. I don’t have much but I have enough and every bit of it is special because I know it is God’s provision for me.
Thanks Jon and thanks “B Band.” I am connected to each of you because something from your heart touched something in my heart. I’ve never spoken to Jon Foreman (we are FB friends) or the young worship leader, Jillian Edwards but I have a deep kinship.
Providence brought us together and music is the glue that binds us. Every time I break out my fender and start that slow, steady B over E strum I share a moment with each of you.
P.S. – Go check out Jillians music at her myspace page. This girl is a remarkable talent.
Here is a video of Jon doing the song for those who have never heard it. Jillian’s version was slower which I personally like.
