Church During American Idol

Sweet Mercy. I had church during American Idol last night. Actually, it started Tuesday night when Jason Castro sang "Traveling Through" and David A.'s song mentioned Jesus. I tell you what....I'm so proud of these boys, especially Jason for taking that chance. (And did you notice? They are both still there.) Anyway...Simon's "I didn't get it" comment reminded me of the night a couple of seasons ago when a special lady from Nashville stepped onto that stage and proclaimed freedom as she sang Mary Mary's "Shackles". Anybody else remember that night? And we all know what God is doing in her life don't we!!!

God moved me last night between 9:00 and 10:00. He used all sorts of things to remind me that each one of us has a story to tell. An important story to tell. As a believer, it's a story of redemption. It's a love story of being found by the One who loved you enough to give His last breath for you. It's a story of living day by day knowing you have Jesus in your corner, calling you to a better life. An abundant life. Not always a problem or hurt free life, but abundant life.

Too often I'm guilty of not sharing what God has done or is doing because I worry that my excitement will turn people off to Jesus, or they will think I'm sort of crazy "religious freak". I know, that is silly! And if someone said that to my face, I would tell them that is silly! AND it's a lie straight from the pit of hell. I'm just being honest here girls. Deep down we want everyone to like us and sometimes, it seems easier to make the choice to NOT share. Not at all the right thing, and it grieves my heart that I struggle with this. It's something that God is constantly working on in me. Just feels like that even in church, we can be surrounded by casual Christians who never fully grasp just what a ride a day by day, or minute by minute relationship with Jesus can be!

Okay, I'm on a rabbit trail....God showed me last night that if these young people can stand for Christ before 60 million viewers, and three judges (one of which never gets a song that speaks the name of Jesus) and proclaim the name of our LORD, then here in this little corner of North Georgia, I can do the same thing.

I was thrilled when Ryan introduced the Clark Brothers. Chad and I were fans of theirs (and Denver and the Mile High Orchestra) during the Next Great American Band. In fact, we remembered the "shorter" arrangement of "This Little Light of Mine" that they did on that show and commented that we wanted to buy it.

I sure hope you'll watch and listen to what they are saying. And then ask God to help you let your little light shine in your corner of the world. (And if you need a healin', ask Him for that too!)

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