Touched By A Song

As I mentioned in my last blog, I am not a huge gospel/r & b fan, but I have enjoyed listening to some of Kirk Franklin's stuff lately. The following lyrics are from a song called "Imagine Me." I think you'll be touched by these powerful words, which seem to capture God's good news perfectly...

"This song is dedicated to people like me, those that struggle with insecurities, acceptance and even self esteem. You never felt good enough,You never felt pretty enough, but imagine God whispering in your ear letting you know that everything that has happened is now...

Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(Every sin, every mistake, every failure)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(Depression, gone, by faith, it's gone)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(Low self-esteem, hallelujah, it's gone)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(It's gone, all my scars, all my pain)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(It's in the past, it's yesterday)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
(What your mother did, what your father did)
Gone, gone, it's gone all gone
IT'S GONE!!"

If you would like to watch the video, go here and click on the flashing "Watch the Imagine Me Video."
Warning: Some material is almost PG-13 (in my book) AND...you might want some tissue nearby!!

Luis Palau Festival

How awesome it is when people who love God gather together!!

We had a great time last night (and night before) at the Heartland Festival with Luis Palau. The songs were uplifting...especially Jeremy Camp. And Kirk Franklin, I am not usually a gospel/hip-hop fan, but I would listen to you leading worship ANY day!!
Can I just add another note here to our African American brothers and sisters? They add a special element to worship that is lacking from the rest of us. There is a joy (and an ability to keep a beat!) that the rest of us envy in you!!! It was SO much fun for me to watch a group of African American teens dance during the worship. It was as if they had worked on it for a long time! But it made me smile, knowing that they were experiencing complete joy in Christ.

By the way, sorry for not posting in a while. Life gets HECTIC for youth ministers in the summer! I have ONE more week of church camp (next week) and then should start winding down. By sometime in August I should be able to post a bit more regularly. Thanks for checking in!