Worship Outcry Reflection - Music Post

If you don't know by now, I love to sing. When I was little singing brought my heart so much joy, as it still does to this day. Now I sing, or even hum to myself, everytime I get the chance (when I'm alone because not everyone likes people who randomly start singing or humming in class). When I get home, one of my favorite things to do is hop on my guitar and start practicing the worship song I'd been listening to on repeat that day. From folk songs, to movie soundtracks, I love music, always have always will.

One of my favorite genres, if you haven't figured it out by now, is Christian contemporary. I love the positive and uplifting messages, and how worship music brings me closer to God. It brings me more joy than my words can say. So when worship outcry came to our city last year, a tour with quite a few big names in the worship genre combined, I was more than just excited. Not only was the whole experience worth my $30, but it was also one of the greatest experiences I've ever had. It was an absolutely incredible experience. I not only have memories to last me a lifetime, but it was also so incredible to see my favorite bands perform on stage and in person.

I remember trying to get my Church's Youth group all together to form a group. We only managed to get a small group of just us girls, but it was so worth it. We made some pretty sweet memories together that night. We also all were incredibly pumped to see our favorite bands in person and experience the way they worship for ourselves. When the concert started, right on time might I add, we almost dropped dead at the sound of Steffany Gretzinger, Chris Brown, and co., singing "In Christ Alone" clear through the speakers. 

Another memory I have from the concert, that I will never forget, is just stopping right in the middle of a Bethel song. I opened my eyes and looked around just because I knew what I might see was beautiful. If you ever consider going to a worship concert, I encourage no matter what- it's a great way to experience a culture and witness others worshiping freely. To see the entire stadium begin to lift their hands and sing in praise was very beautiful. All of it was, and it will remain one of my best memories for the rest of my life.

Now for a funny memory I have, as I'm sure anyone can relate to if they've been to a concert. Everyone has experienced some sort of crazy concert memory they can look back and laugh at. Ours was so funny we were laughing in the moment. When we went to go check in to the concert and get our wristbands, we had to go into the front of the college stadium with tables and employees. But they weren't allowing food to be brought in. We had gone to Subway for dinner together, and my friend, we'll call her Abby, still had her half eaten sandwich in her hand. Also, they weren't letting people in to get their seats yet because the event hadn't started yet so there was a long line spilling out from the front and around the building (This is relevant). Abby had to make a split second decision on what she was going to do about her sandwich. Seeing as how it was in the Subway wrapper still, she set it on the ground next to a Trash can (keep in mind she just wrapped it up). Two boys right at the front of the line watched as she set it down, their facial expressions shocked as we bolted inside. Inside, a security guard who had told us no food was there with a smile on his face as well. When we came out, Abby, in her teal crocs and all, reached down, picked up her sandwich, opened it back up, and started eating. The two boys had seen everything and grinned in amusement, "No shame."One of them said, shaking his head as Abby walked away, a huge grin on her face. Yes, the sandwich was very good.

Music has always been a big part of my life. Concerts, especially worship concerts, are one of my favorite things to go to, and I always encourage others to go to them. Be it for your favorite artists / people you look up to, meeting like-minded people, or making memories of a lifetime, concerts and music have the power to lift others up. And power to test the bond between mankind and sandwich.