Empty 71

In all my many travels, I get to play a lot of different kinds of places and events. I mean a LOT! C'mon... I've played American Dixieland to Muslims in the Middle East! lol

I was reminded of a student camp I played a couple of years ago over in the eastern part of Tennessee, for a church denomination known for their 'exuberance' in worship, and for their disdain of 'modern cultural influence'. As many of you know, I am the essence of modern culture (lol), with no better example than my hip/cool hoop earring (properly threaded through my left lobe, as everyone knows is the 'correct' bit of cartilage for straight guys).

Alas, this bit of chrome proved to be a point of contention for the Elders of this group. When I arrived on scene to play the first night of a week-long camp, the band leader (a friend of mine) said that I'd need to remove my ear-wear. This was not an unreasonable request... but I typically don't get this at events designed to reach students. I quietly complied and the night went on (and on and on and on).

The next night came and I arrived a bit early. My band leader buddy once again pulled me aside and explained that he had 'taken some heat' on account of my worldly fashion statement. Apparently the Powers-That-Were observed my earring and wondered... "who is this worldly guitar player? How can he possibly lead our students in worship? He's wearing what? An EARRING? Tool of Satan!! He's obviously NOT a Christian!!"

You can imagine my reaction! When I explained to my friend that I wear a hoop as a sign of being a life-long bond-slave to Christ, he understood and assured me that he had tried to defend me. Despite the fact that I've been a believer since the age of 13 (and an ordained minister since 2004), I was 'weighed in the balance and found wanting'. At least I was allowed to come back and finish the camp... lol (my buddy and his group have since broken ties with this denomination).

On the ride home that night, I immediately thought of the scripture in Matthew where Christ talked about how we shouldn't judge people, unless we want to be judged as well (Matthew 7:1). In this era of 'rock star as human billboard' I thought about showing up the next night with a clever yet enigmatic phrase scrawled on my hand... EMPTY 71.

Get it? MT 7:1? MT? Empty?? I know you get the reference. People who judge are no worse than the Pharisees who would publicly denounce and deride those of lesser spiritual insight. Truly these self-appointed judges are nothing more than empty shells, embracing a form of godliness but denying it's power.

But even though I was wrongly judged, I deemed it hypocrisy on my part to attempt to judge them in however subtle a manner. But that phrase, Empty 71, has stuck with me. From time to time I think about using it, in an effort not to be a judge of others, but as a reminder that I have NO right to judge any one.

So if you see me out playing a gig, and you see Empty 71 written on my hand, rest assured that my heart and head are asking God to forgive me for being so empty and judgmental, and to fill me instead with the Spirit.

Empty 71... I rest my case!!

GV

One Quarter Later... C'est La Vie!!

Hi gang!

I just realized that it's been almost an entire quarter-year since my last posting... for shame! lol As usual, I will plead too much activity... thank God that it's true!

And because of all the things that have transpired since late January, it's a difficult task for me to 'hone in' on just one topic to share. I've traveled all over, from Mississippi to Wisconsin, been down to Birmingham almost weekly, done sessions with gospel & soul legend Roscoe Robinson, played on a Dove award winning kids worship project, been to prison a couple of times (!), and endured personal triumph and tragedy.

But you know... that's life! The French have a wonderful term for it; "c'est la vie". Ttranslated literally as 'this is the life', it has neither a positive or negative association. But being the 'glass half full' guy that I am, I see it as 'this IS the life'! So many people think that being a Christian means no more problems, everything is great, etc. But Christ never promised us this (or a rose garden either). I am firmly convinced that the most effective faith-statement we make in life is how we respond to life, with it's challenges and rewards.

The past 90 days or so have brought me into contact with believers in a variety of settings. Each of these folks are going through 'life' in a big way. Some of these brothers and sisters are in situations that society looks down upon (prison, halfway houses, etc), and are there because of poor choices. Others are living in the prison of their relationships, enduring trials not of their making... walking prisoners in a sense.

But the reason I am so intrigued and impressed by them is the way they are responding to these trials... with the quiet hope and resilient inner joy that only a changed life in Christ can create. I have a song on 'Spheres of Influence' called 'A New Heart' that is based on Psalm 51:10. The Message Bible says it like this:

"God, make a fresh start in me,
shape a Genesis week from the chaos of my life."

Even as a Christ-follower, I can have chaos in my life. But what an incredible promise that no matter what we face, God can and will make a fresh start. He can shape my life in the same way that He shaped and molded creation from nothing and into an awe-inspiring work of art.

C'est la vie?? You bet it is!!

GV