andi oakes

I'm writing this, just after our Sunday evening service, Arise.  It's a contemporary worship and teaching service that the local Anglican church in our town launched just over 3 years ago.  I got involved with Arise shortly after that, when I was invited to come on board and help develop the worship team.

Now, here I am, feeling compelled to write about these guys I've been journeying with, because I simply cannot contain myself.  I wasn't leading the worship tonight and so was able to sit in with our congregation and enjoy being led.  And oh how they led!

 

I came into the building just as they were concluding their sound check and rehearsal and was totally blown away by how they sounded, and standing at the back of the hall, I felt myself becoming so moved by what I could see and here.  This group of guys that I've been working with over the last few years, many of them struggling with self belief issues, had grown in stature and confidence to such an extent that that I truly believe they could hold their own against some of the best I have heard.  Of course I'm biased...I know I am – but they're my guys and so I have every right to be.  I'm proud.

As I stood and listened to them, as they led me in worship, I wondered if this is something of how God feels when He looks at us, as we each take our first steps in life, learn how to walk, grow, learn from mistakes, try new things, discover gifts we never knew we had, take chances on hair brained schemes, pick ourselves up when we stumble, put ourselves in the firing line for others, when we manage to find a way to shine in spite of our circumstances...

My guys were brilliant tonight.  I am so proud of them.  It's not that they're perfect people by any means.  As I looked at them, I see people I know and love.  Real people.  Beautifully imperfect, broken people shining to me, as brightly as stars.  Looking at them over the last few years, I have seen what I believed they could become...and now, to my great pride and joy, I see them exceeding my expectations.  This was my moment of pure worship, and my spirit soared as they shone in front of us all tonight. 

What greater joy can there be in this life than to help another human being shine?  This surely is the heart of God.