In May of 2010, I was driving by myself from Columbia to Raleigh. For some reason, Thomas had stayed home and could not talk on the phone while I was driving. So, I decided to flip through some old CD's in my car and pop one in.
The CD's were dated for sure. But with each one, there came a flood of memories. Many of the songs brought back times in my life when my faith was much different from what it is today, but times that the music had shaped me or spoken to how I was feeling then.
I thought to myself "If I ever actively blog, I want to do a series on these songs. I want to share about music that has traveled with me on my journey of faith." And so, tomorrow, the series will begin. Most Fridays I will share a "Song of my Faith" (SomF) and how it played a role in my life and maybe some thoughts on it now. My hope, is that many people will be able to walk this memory lane with me and share how these songs traveled with them also.
Warning: Many "old school" contemporary Christian songs ahead!
So this weekend I met the AMAZING Natalie Grant! Can I just say, when I grow up, I would love to be half as inspirational as she is! Here's our photo:
I appreciate so much how her energy and spirit points me towards God. Her music is so uplifting, and her heart for teen girls is incredible! She was not the only musical guest at Women of Faith, we also enjoyed the praise and dance mix of Nicole C. Mullen. My favorite trip down memory lane however, was Sandi Patty. She not only still has one of the most amazing voices I have ever heard, but she also shared an amazing testimony filled with imagery of how she (as many females do) had layered herself hiding from the world who she really was. I'm sure you can read more about it if you would like in her book.
Not only did the music refresh me, but also I have a new role model... PASTY CLAIRMONT!
What a ball of energy and an amazing proclaimer of God's word! The way she mixes humor with her message was incredible... and I swear I think she was wearing Chuck Taylor's... any who... you should check part of what I heard. First off, I say all the time that I pick friends who aren't of many words, so I can fill in the blanks! Just like her! But I was just so encouraged because lately in my ministry I haven't felt like I've not exactly the right words to say, what words to speak, like I too could not find my voice. So I'm waiting for Him to give me the words, to broaden my view!
After doing this Friday and Saturday I was so encouraged. I booked a group of 20 something tickets for our church for next year, November 6-7. I also am so excited that my Bible Study partner, Keelie Begley, and I are planning a retreat for the young women of our church in January. I really just felt God speaking not only to refresh me this weekend, but to say that THIS is what Eastside needs, a ministry that refreshes women like this weekend did for me, and it shouldn't just be once a year, so I hope the weekend in January will be a jumping off point for us to really become women who don't just deepen our love for friends but our love for God.