Indescribable Part II

See previous blog post for video of "Indescribable"

One thing you'll learn about me as time goes on is that I absolutely CRAVE knowing the background story on music…there have been many instances where I have not liked a group or artist, and then, I learn some fact about them that completely changes my perspective. One example of me being judgmental involves a music group, Pillar - Pillar was breaking into the Christian music world about 5 or 6 years ago - and I happened to go a concert where Pillar was one of the opening acts…I was not excited when they got up on the stage, and I was just WAITING for the moment that they would finally be OFF the stage and I could go back to groups that I knew and loved.

I saw several other great bands that night, but it was Pillar that really blew me away…and it wasn't because they played a better show - it was because they were the ONLY band besides the headliner that took a break during their set to share Jesus' message with those present. After that night, I became a huge fan of Pillar, simply because I had a newly found respect for them and their mission, and I was annoyed at myself for ever doubting them in the first place.

I think with this type of story, you can put it into your own life experiences also - who have you prematurely judged, only to later learn more about the person, and realize that your judgment was too quickly and harshly given?

But let's turn away from this sidetrack of mine to discuss the song "Indescribable." Although Chris Tomlin's version is probably the most well-known - it was not actually Chris Tomlin who wrote it. This song was written by Laura Story (with some help by Jesse Reeves). I actually found a great article on the song on CCM's (Contemporary Christian Music magazine) website - http://www.ccmmagazine.com/just_for_you/story_behind_the_song/11574719/ . In this article, Laura mentions how this song came to her as she was driving through the mountains in North Carolina, and I could totally see how the awe of the beauty of God's creation could have made her want to sing as she drove. I bet at the time she couldn't have imagined how well received this song would be one day. I also think of how humble she is - because I think it takes a great deal of strength to be able to stand aside while someone else gets to take most of the credit for one of your songs. I'm not saying that Chris Tomlin goes around claiming the song, but he is the person who is most often identified with the song. I know if I had written this song, I would want to be correcting people every time they gave credit to Chris Tomlin for the song. I know that I will do that myself in Laura's defense when anyone gives Chris Tomlin credit for the song - my own friend did this to me when I was discussing how amazing this song written by "Chris Tomlin" was - only to have her tell me that it wasn't him who wrote it, but another woman!

There are a lot of times in our culture where we see people taking credit for what they've done - and even more instances when people take credit for what they haven't done…within the music world, this usually isn't done purposefully, but it occurs naturally since the people singing the songs are the face that becomes associated with the music.

I think we need to take a step back and see where in our lives we sometimes try to ensure that we get our due credit and our due respect. Because, truly, as Christians we should be humbling ourselves…and uplifting others rather than ourselves. We should be dedicated to a life of service and a life of humbling ourselves before others. I think once you have practiced being humble enough (and not seeking out your credit when deserved)…I believe that you will find yourself happier…that you will feel a great sense of peace within yourself, and I hope that you will gain a new sense of respect for what you have created and gain joy from seeing the happiness that it has brought to others. Sometimes when you pull yourself out of that spotlight, that is when you will truly be able to see the beauty of what you have created for those around you…(and of course, it's at times like those, that you need to thank God for the gifts that he has given to you)

Call to mind these verses the next time that you have a desire to ensure you get credit for your actions…hopefully it will remind you to humble yourself before others as well as before God.

"Two men went up to the temple to pray, one a Pharisee and the other a tax collector. The Pharisee stood up and prayed about himself: 'God, I thank you that I am not like other men - robbers, evildoers, adulterers - or even like this tax collector. I fast twice a week and give a tenth of all I get.' But the tax collector stood at a distance. He would not even look up to heaven, but beat his breast and said, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.' I tell you that this man, rather than the other, went home justified before God. For everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted." - Luke 10-14