Joy in the Journey

Another favorite that always makes me smile.  Enjoy! I have always enjoyed the music ministry of Chris Rice.  He can be funny, thought provoking and worshipful. His lyrics are often so smart and challenging.  He often hits me right where I need to be hit..

A couple of evenings ago, feeling down, I posted on Facebook that I was discouraged; which led to several people responding with surprise and wonderment. Now I understand that as a pastor and church leader, people may see me as one who has great faith and optimism.   My discouragement and the response to my post reminded me of another favorite song from the 1980’s, “Warrior is a Child” by Twila Paris. It is a powerful song that spoke to me then and continues to speak to me today. “They don’t know that I run home when I fall down. They don’t know who picks me up when no one is around.   I drop my sword and cry for just a while, cause deep inside this armor, the warrior is a child.” Listen to it hear on YouTube and be blessed.

In the late 1970's as a teenager, I discovered what was then called Contemporary Christian Music(CCM).  One of the first 8-tracks, ( yes I said 8-tracks) that I purchased was by David Meece and it included this song. The Holy Spirit spoke to me through this and so many other songs over the years by artists like Amy Grant, DeGarmo and Key, Mylon, Petra, and so many others. In those days there was no Christian Radio to speak of.   Music was only available at Christian Bookstores and at concerts.  Discovering new music was an experience and a great joy.  The music was evangelical, often in-your-face, and frightening to the established church where many declared anything with a modern beat and instruments as satanic. I am considering starting a podcast to look back on the music, the musicians, and the message of the CCM scene from the Jesus Music days of the 60's and 70's to today's Praise and Worship phenomenon. Anyone interested in helping, please contact me. ...