Madison Hope

We were and are planning on releasing a home studio recording of this song, but during his prayer time this morning, Stephen felt the Holy Spirit strongly pressing him to have me share this song with you today.

If you were at the vigil Tuesday night, this is the song you heard me play. I want to take some time now to explain the circumstances surrounding the writing of this song.

Years ago, I had taken my first job in the retail world. I was blessed to work with a wide variety of people. Some were black, some white, some Hispanic. Some were gay, trans, identified as 'they/them', and had same-sex parents. Some were religious, some were pagan, most (if not all) were liberal/democratic/left-leaning.

None of that mattered to me.

All that I wanted to do while I was there was work in a way that honored God and to love people in the spirit of Jesus. I did not see people by their labels, but as God's creation, made in His image, loved and wanted. As I grew in relationship with these people, who I call my friends, I got to see them in some of their most heartbreaking moments. I saw the devastation of someone whose family member relapsed into addiction, I saw the hopelessness in someone who was facing homelessness for circumstances beyond their control, I felt the fear from a parent who worried their child may be getting abused by a relative, many times I watched the weight of crippling anxiety take its toll, even witnessing a friend go through a panic attack. I wrapped my arm over the shoulder of that friend, sang for another coming out of a seizure (after a call was made), I prayed with others for peace and restoration, holding some even through tears as I reminded them that God loved them and so did I.

It was during this time that I wrote 'We're not too Far'. I did not set out to write a song about unity, I just picked up my guitar and sang what the Holy Spirit had on my heart-that we all suffer in this life, feel the devastation of a world broken by sin, that we are unified in our pain and in our loneliness and longing to be known and loved. While I think there is power in the words themselves, I believe the true power comes in the conviction of the Spirit in which it was written and which I experience when I sing it. I hope that all who hear it hears the heart of God.

I hadn't been immediately forthcoming in what I believe, which, some may call cowardly. I won't deny there was/is an element of fear, but mostly what I did not want was for them to hear I was a Christian and immediately associate me with 'bigot', 'racist', 'white supremacist', fill in the blank. A lot of that false stereotype comes from living our lives through the lens of the internet, a place where the camera gets pointed at that which will make us most upset, regardless of the truth. A lot of that also comes from very real hurt experienced at the hands of 'Christians' who do not act in spirit and truth as they ought. I didn't want to be viewed through either and be immediately cancelled before I had the opportunity to display the love of Christ to them, just like I'm sure they didn't want me to place them into a biased box based on their beliefs and life choices.
Now, in love and respect, I want to be clear here that I do not affirm sin-it is what destroys us and keeps us from peaceful relationship with each other and with a holy and loving God. However, it is not something that keeps me from respecting and loving people and I believe that those who know me can testify that that is true about me.

When the bullet rang out in Utah, everyone fell to the ground in fear. No one looked around to see who was 'right' or 'left'. Everyone helped each other to escape.
There is a very real enemy who lives to 'steal, kill, and destroy'. He orchestrates confusion, authors deception, and fuels fear and anger. He would like us to believe that we are far too different to exist together, much less respect one another without resorting to hate and violence. We're not.

Lastly, if any of my friends are confused, hurt, scared, or even angered by my posts this week, my door and arms are wide open. I'll even make the drive to give you a listening ear, a warm embrace, and the Starbies is on me.
God help us and God bless us.

Just something on my heart this morning as I sat outside with my guitar.
I would encourage you if you're feeling discouraged, put down the phone, take a walk, call a friend, read the Word of God. He is the God of all comfort.

P.S. sorry I can't get the captions working, here are the words:
When scorching winds bring fiery rain
My flower fears to bloom
I see the day the Lord has made
And trust in you
I trust in you