Performance Intimacy

I truly did love tonight.

Throughout the days leading up to tonight, I prayed that God would take over me completely and that it would reflect in my performances. Perhaps I took the easy road. The Sando in Newtown (upstairs, not down :) is renown for its intimacy in its small, cosy box space. People must consciously look for the upstairs venue and pay to get in. Yasmin Smith, the performer after me described it well, when she said in between songs "I like this venue.. it's like someone's lounge room, and everyone's sitting on the floor."

Kicking off the night, I took advantage of only the handful of people (basically all my own Christian friends) watching me. I really struggled with what to say in between songs, since it was a secular gig. I find, especially after tonight, that if your songs are personal then you too must be personal when you speak. It seems the logical follow-on. But, what if you're only up there because God put it on your heart to be up there? So I shared how each song was a lesson that God had taught me. My technique of evangelism was testimonial, not (stylistically) factual. Personal, not systemic and practised. (Just for the record, the number of people in the room doubled by the end of my second song, and they were faces I didn't know! Praise God.)

After I finish my B Social Work degree, I am going to become a counsellor. I will learn how to understand and relate to all different types of people. So far I am really enjoying it. I wonder how much longer this music ministry will last, because right now it's an adventure and music is such an easy way to present the gospel - to share Jesus - to the lost. At one point I wanted to drop everything for the music but on further reflection and continually asking God, I am not only unsure of this, but am quite content with where I am. I was born for such a time as this. I recognise these gifts as coming from my Maker and he wants me to use my youth, my freedom, and my music to glorify Him right here and now.

So tonight I got to share my heart. I got to talk about God in a personal way. I was given the opportunity to share the gospel on a public stage. I will remind myself over and over, He is the Maker of all things, and the stage was His.

Holy Spirit, may you give me the boldness and the words to say, so that I may be prepared in season and out of season.