Learning to Praise Him

A couple of kids from the SCC Teen Theatre Festival (see previous post) recognized me from playing in a Christian Rock band when I lived in that area. We called ourselves Extol (which means "praise").

I was the drummer for the band... we were good, not great, but we enjoyed ourselves and spread the message of Christ the best we could. I remember when I played, it didn't even feel like I was playing, it felt like something (or someone) else was controlling my arms and legs. Two of my favorite memories of playing with the band was we played for a church's Jars of Clay CD release party (when they released "Much Afraid"). One song in our repetiore was Flood (one of my favorites to play)... so of course we played it. The other memory was playing for a neighborhood block party. We just kind of jammed out. The bass player layed down a rhythm, I joined in, the guitar started jamming out, and then the vocalists just started singing... and it came out in the form of a song that (in my opinion) was really fun... it was titled "Wizard of Oz"... the only line I can vaguely remember (other than the chorus) is close to the end saying something about if a house landing on you and what are you going to do... (not exact quote at ALL).

Since we broke up as a band, I kind of struggled with what gifts I have and how I could use them to honor Him. I didn't really think there was much more I could do than what I had done when I was with the band. I really felt connected to God when I played... and I knew I was serving Him how He wanted me to.

Over the past couple of years, I think I've found another way to serve... I've gotten really involved with the Tech Team at Crossroads Christian Church in Lexington, KY. I'm helping bring the message of Christ to people in the best way that I know how. I have a difficult time bring the topic up to people. I wish I had an easier time of it, or knew how to approach it. I guess I'm just hoping that by the way I live and act, people will realize that I am a christian and know the love of my Father and Savior, and by seeing me, will begin to ask questions and realize that Christians don't have to be "uptight" and "boring".

In fact, thanks to a few people I know, I've realized I can be a real person AND be a follower of Christ.