Allen, Rosie and I went and saw Steven Curtis Chapman in Fresno (A Christian singer/songwriter). I didn�t have any real expectations but wanted to enjoy the time with my friends and praise God. The first two performers, Out of the Gray and a woman�s name I can�t remember had no real impact for me. I remember almost falling asleep. When the time came for Steven to come out, everyone started screaming and cheering. I remember a feeling of annoyance. Then when he came out, the room was filled with screaming and you could not even hear his voice. Everyone was on their feet as if it would make them somehow closer to him. I stood up for a second, caught up in the moment. I had to see what all this praise was directed at. And as I peered out over the heads of countless others, I saw only a man standing on a stage, holding a guitar. I sat back down.
I remember feeling angry. All these young people directing so much praise at a man. A man no more deserving it than any other man really. I felt that something was wrong. I found myself wishing that these people would praise God so strongly. I was almost disgusted at these high school and college students for placing so much faith and praise in this man and seemingly not so much what he stood for. I wanted to walk out. As I sat there listening to the screams and the first few songs, I remember thinking, �Steven, say it! Praise the lord�s name and direct these feelings to him.� And sure enough, after the first few songs, he used his position to quiet the room and talk of God. He did more songs, talked about and praised God some more and at the end, said so humbly what I needed to hear him say. And that was that he deserved no praise or glory, but that he was celebrating with all of us our Love for God and Jesus Christ. I cried and thanked God for giving this man the sincere desire to serve him and be an example to so many people, and to remind them to put God before all else. And for this, I have ultimate respect for this man. Thank you Jesus.
~FIN
