Old Fashioned Revival
3.10.2008
"There isn't any temptation that you have experienced which is uncommon to man. God, who faithfully keeps his promises, will not allow you to be tempted beyond your power to resist. But when you are tempted, he will also give you the ability to endure the temptation as your way of escape." First Corinthians 10:13
This passage was presented to me one Sunday in January & I was terrified at how it spoke to every molecule of my being. I jotted it down, slipped it into the pocket of my purse, and knew that I would one day unfold & re-read. It was also early in January that our small church (that meets in a movie theater) decided to hold a prelude to revival in March. Images of the baptism from O Brother Where Art Thou & revival scenes straight from the dust bowl and Carnivale floated through my brain. I eagerly awaited this week of revival and am now ecstatic that our church is smack in the middle of reviving. I will dorkily admit, it is very, very cool and everything my incredibly exhausted, confused, and hungry being has been craving.
So in this tiny little basement room just below the hustle & bustle of Evanston, at least a hundred or so of us crowd to sing, testify, pray, worship, and read the bible. Ben is running sound tonight with this girl that intrigues both of us. I decide to sit up front with Adam and Annie, passing very dear, loved ones the entire way up the "isle". The community of old and young friends in this itty bitty space is breathtaking (and literally very warm). I am curled in a ball next to Adam and the band up front is lit up in pink and gold hued lights outlining them all a soft glow of red. The band is a combination of characters that look like they stepped out of a Bob Marley cover band, Weezer, and Eagles Reuinion. The pink hue of the spotlight illuminates wild curly hair to appear as though it is on fire. It is a perfect moment.
Every day this week we are meeting morning and evening: the amount of time depends on what moves us. As I listen, sing, and ::yes:: dance (I think I am the only one that dances) I get chills from watching how different people worship. The bold raise fists to the ceiling and shout an occasional "amen" and the incredibly sincere seem to close their eyes as they sing. I watch my favorite worshiper: hands in pockets, eyes gently closes, and a sincerity on his face that I can only dream about. By the end of the evening, We Will Dance (youtube video NOT our band playing) has the band spinning and people shouting and moving in excitement. I can hear the voices of Paul and his daughter Isobel, Adam, & in the distance, I see Nelson smiling.
On my drive home (I am loving driving my truck these days when I can steal it back from Ben), I reflect on how I have observed worship in my life. From my father who stood, knelt, and sat white knuckled and refused to sing with the hymns. It was after my grandfather died that I heard a gentle humming next to me: I was stunned it was my father. To Mamie who clapped, danced, and smiled continually with the afterglow of Jesus and made it not freaky or cheesy to love Jesus but absolutely necessary & beautiful. I want to be a sponge: to soak in every bit of what life and God have in store for this world and the lovely people around me. I am so excited to have several more evenings of embracing, singing, & verse.