See, The Lone Bellow isn’t a Christian band in the sense that they sing worship songs. However, that doesn’t mean they aren’t worshipful. The difference between the common and uncommon, sacred and profane is a simple understanding that we are reflections—living mirrors—of divine worship whether in cubicles, churches, or music clubs.
Zach Williams [who also is a worship leader at Trinity Grace Church in NYC] leads the trio vocally. But more than simply leading the trio, he leads those around him and invites others to join the experience. In a room full of LA people, some with drinks in hand, others who are “living in the scene” of Los Angeles life, I watched a man use his gifts and talents to reflect the Divine. He thumped his guitar three times to create a hallow beat, then sang out the simple bridge:
Teach me to know my number of days
Hold out my heart from getting carried
The phrase rang out not once, not twice, but three times repeatedly. The audience listened intently as the belted out with their instruments and filled the room with—with—what’s the word? Magic! Yes, it was magic.
Out there
Thousand years into the future
Almost nothing of it seems sure
Things so rarely stay the sameRight here
In these burning simple seconds
Living out all your best guesses
Someone’s calling out your name
The piano keys, the upright bass, the guitar, the drums, the lights, the sounds, the words. It was divine magic. Zach [I can call him Zach because we’re on a first name basis. We’ll, I am. He doesn’t even know I exist. But I digress.], belted out the bridge and lifted his left hand into the air like a conductor, like the choir director he was birthed to be. He motioned to us to join in and like the Munchkins of Oz, we all slowly approached the throne room of worship in club off of Sunset Boulevard.
There, next to the bar that served alcohol and the people living the LA scene, I sang out Psalm 39:4 like I was in church. No wait, like I was in chuuuuuurrrrrch [said like a soul sister on the front row of a Baptist church in Compton]! It was magic! People who would probably never set foot into a church were sings Psalms in a club. IN A CLUB. People, Jesus was in the house.
Since then I have been thinking about how we can use our gifts and talents in secular ways for divine glory. How do we allow the mundane of our lives reflect the divine? How can we make the common, uncommon? Use what’s in your hands.
David had a sling. Samson had a jawbone. Miriam had songs. A child had a lunch. A widow had oil.
And God did the rest to reflect his glory.
Here is a New York city public school teacher leading his students in my newest favorite Hillsong worship song. Yes, a worship song in a pubic school. What was in his hand? Music. How is used? To speak of God’s goodness, grace, and mercy in an environment that would otherwise never been exposed.
And this? This right here? This is magic.
Doesn’t matter how beautifully you write about it, it still doesn’t make up for the fact that you didn’t take me to the Hotel Cafe when I was in L.A. ………. FOR YOU!
Ok, this makes me look waaaaaay cooler than I am. I don’t make it to Hotel Cafe often. In fact, this was only my second time. But if you come back, I’ll make sure we go somewhere cool 😉
Bianca,
that’s beautiful! I love how God’s presence is bursting through in uncommon places, but especially through the arts & entertainment mountain. (Hello!? American Idol, go Angie!)
What’s the most uncommon place that I’ve worshiped?
Once a month our human trafficking ministry, Elijah Rising rents out a sex/swinger’s club for worship and prayer.
THIS IS SO RAD! Love that you answered this question 😉
I just sobbed like a baby watching those beautiful kids sing that song about savior… Thank you. 🙂
Right?! I know. I’m telling you: magic.
Great post!!
Thank you 🙂
Loved the post and you 🙂
Love you too! Wish you could’ve been at the retreat. When I teach the holy spirit workshop, I always think of you.
wow….just wow. i am amazed at watching those kids sing that worship song. it was sooo moving, possibly because they were sooo into it. wow. loved this post. most uncommon place i’ve ever worshiped? probably in a bar/night club – there was a band full of christians that ended up playing a worship song, most people just sang along thinking lyrics were cool but to me, it was powerful to hear them sing words that one day they would truly find meaning too. awesomeness!
WOOHOO! Love it.
First of all, you have totally blessed me today. Not just with this post, but with your support of what I do as a musician. This post has encouraged me that the Lord can be worshipped through all kinds of music, and I’m so glad I’ll be able to share that with you soon!
Also, just a fun thing, my roommate is interning with The Lone Bellow’s label and she was in charge of their promotion here in Boston! How cool is that?!
Thank you so much for what you do and your encouragement! Glad to know that I have a sister in Christ standing in the gap for creatives who want to use their gifts for the Lord!
with much love,
aimee
Aimee! Is this Aimee who I just supported in the Kickstarter? Is your dad George? Whoa! Small world!
Kick butt and makes good music. If you create it, we will listen.
XO
I am on the verge of crying. This was/is/forever will be SO beautiful!
Use what’s in your hand-a powerful message that God seems to KEEP bringing to my attention. I get it! It’s time to get over myself. 😉
Thanks for living a life that directs others to Him! You exemplify using what’s in YOUR hand! xo
As a songwriter, I’m a little jealous that I can’t write of music this way.
MAGIC 🙂
Hi Bianca,
This post really inspired me to look for ways to use the little I have to represent God while serving others. It reminded me that God can make anything possible.
Thank you.
I just love this whole post. It is in those unexpected places that I seem to feel God’s presence the most. And that video. When he stops playing the piano and hits his bench while they sing. Wow. You are so so right. Simply magical.
its real,its working, its updated. I love it and embrance it to weep into africa too.I pioneer and pastor a country church by names throne of grace. How lovely could it be if sacrificed a three days open gound gospel explosion,i cant imagin the harve into heavens kingdom could be. If america has had to listen and see you ,africa can come to christ through the same you.Thanks .I pray we be in touch.Pr Bob. Cell +256772401552 or +256782954954 any time awomen ministry surfaces, souls are won for christ. When awon get lost the world does the same too and surprisingly even the choan are taken in the trap by that.