In July I wrote a "teaser" post about an upcoming musical release and told you I'd been asked to share our story for a companion project -- a series of videos intended to reassure hurting people that God is working out His beautiful purposes, even when life looks like a shattered mess.
Then I asked you to stay tuned for the rest of the story.
Well, here it is.
Jacob with the guys from MIKESCHAIR
If you like gifted musicians who not only sing about their faith, but also live it, you will love MIKESCHAIR. Every track on their recent release, A Beautiful Life, reveals their passion for Christ and His kingdom. As you listen to the songs, you can tell they truly, deeply care about people and long to "strengthen the weak hands, and make firm the feeble knees" -- to shout from the housetops that God's love and grace and redemption reach deeper than the deepest brokenness, sorrow, or pain. That He has a plan, and it is good. Always, always good.
In my previous post, I wrote:
We aren't meant to live alone in our pain or our redemption. We aren't meant to hide our fractures or the light that transforms them into jewel-toned glory. We're in this kaleidoscope together by design. These breathtaking patterns of varicolored brilliance existed long ago in the heart of the Artist, and He twists and turns this life with purpose, the pieces tumbling into place at His command.
The director asked the hard questions, and I answered, and the tears in his eyes caught the light and reflected it back to me in colors of grace.
When the interview ended he hugged me. There's power in story, he said. Power to make us family.
We said our goodbyes and began our journey home. For a long time I stared out the side window watching the world go by and pondering what a privilege it is that we belong to each other, all of us broken, but all of us part of this glorious dance. Even when it's our moment to slide into the light, grace reminds us that the grand design is so much more.
There's power in story, he said. It's true. And that's why I hope you'll excuse my "sliding into the light" for a few minutes to share a bit of my family's story with you today. Matt Singleton (the aforementioned director) did an amazing job with this video, sifting through more than an hour's worth of conversation, mining the diamonds, and stringing them together with powerful visuals to create a work of art. As you watch, I pray I'll get out of God's way, and God's beauty and goodness will shine through.
It really was such an honor to do this for the precious guys in MIKESCHAIR. I hope you'll check out their album, A Beautiful Life. And if you know anyone who is going through a particularly hard time right now, perhaps you might consider a gift of music that is also a gift of hope?
It may be just what they need to ignite their colors and set them ablaze.
Jeanne Damoff just wants to say thanks for watching today, and for patience and grace. So grateful to be in this kaleidoscope with you.
I've read "Parting the Waters," but to hear the words in your own voice...
This is a "God-story," Jeanne.
Posted by: Glynn | October 13, 2011 at 04:54 AM
Wow what an incredible story. It was really wonderful to hear you tell it and tell it a mother could tell about her child. What a testimony to God.
So the other young man passed away?
Posted by: Sharon O | October 13, 2011 at 07:02 AM
I know I've heard Jacob's story countless times, but I cry every time! The Lord is Mysterious in His Goodness to us. Thank you again for being Faithful to share.
Posted by: Abigail | October 13, 2011 at 08:32 AM
Beautiful.
Posted by: Heather | October 14, 2011 at 08:02 AM