What Happened In Midland
Plus, my favorite place in the world (I think) and a spicy HGS review
Evening Enchanted
After a year in the making, the inaugural Holy Ghost Stories Live show happened on Sunday night in Midland, TX and I’m delighted to say that it was everything I’d hoped it would be.
Kendall Ramseur was brilliant as always, performing gobs of gorgeous cello wizardry and creating fabulous, layered accompaniment to 60 full minutes of storytelling by way of some masterful work not just with his cello but with a looper he’d purchased and touched for the first time only days before the show.
Our strings players, our pianist, our vocalists, our percussionists, and our stage and logistics teams brought their incredible talents to bear during not just the show, but multiple hours-long rehearsals beforehand.
My wife was the consummate partner/manager/collaborator, offering wisdom, acting as my right hand, even triaging a section of my notes that, at the last minute, didn’t feel right. And my daughters—my oldest ran the merch table like a pro and her sister held her own on stage singing beside professional musicians. Wonders everywhere I looked.
Wonders everywhere I looked.
And then the lights went down and the music began and we settled in for an entire evening of encountering Yahweh in story and song. I had chills (actual goosebumps) as I shared those sacred memories of His, and I couldn’t believe (nor could I deny) He was there in the room with us. Wonder of wonders.
Finally, there were the people in the seats. A sold out roomful of them, listening and laughing and crying, enjoying Yahweh’s inimitable stories—the people of our host church whose generosity made the entire event free for scores of HGS listeners they’d never met, and those listeners (you!) having trekked across the country—pilgrims confident that an experience with God was worth travelling for. I’m delighted so many of you have told me that it very much was. Of course it was. He’s unspeakably amazing, and I’ll tell you stories about Him for as long as you’ll listen.
Speaking of which, if you’ve been considering bringing Holy Ghost Stories Live to your church or conference/etc, let’s talk. It’s a very time-intensive endeavor, but I’m keeping my hands open as I discover what God would like to do through this. Perhaps He has something in mind for us to explore together…
Giving Tuesday
We’re working on a Giving Tuesday campaign over at Hazefire Studios and I’d love for you to prayerfully consider jumping in when the time comes later this month. Big things are happening and it’s a joy to see God pulling in partners from around the globe. More soon.
A Final Thought
At the request of our hosts in Midland, I orchestrated a special worship service the morning of the show. Kendall and Jennifer and I collaborated on it, and we involved all of the musicians who’d be playing at the show that evening.
It was an absolutely holy morning with God and His people that blessed me profoundly. As I leave you, I thought I’d share a something I said as we began the service. It’s something I suspect you know, but it’s also something that bears reminding.
The Bible is a Story of stories—tales like tributaries, flowing into one single surging river pulsing its way from Creation to Christ and on toward the fullness of resurrection glory. So we stand in that river, we kneel at those tributaries and cup our hands to drink. And we focus, too, on the incredible truth that Yahweh is an Author who’s still writing.
He’s still writing, guys. Open your ears, fix your eyes, and tell the rest of us when you see Him at work—stories need to be told.
3 Cool Things
Museum Tours, Minus the Airfare - Had seen bits and pieces of the tours linked here, but I just discovered Google’s Arts & Culture hub and I’m excited to explore.
My Favorite Place? - I was delighted to find out that Richard Hammond’s favorite place in the world is, quite possibly, my favorite place in the world. My family and I enjoyed a magical day in Buttermere last May and I think about it all the time. I love what Hammond says in this video about permanence and impermanence there—spot on.
Bacon - Had to share this recent Apple Podcasts review of Holy Ghost Stories with you—somebody deserves an award: “Imagine wrapping the poetry and beauty of story around the reality of a living God—it’s better than a bacon-wrapped jalepeno popper, baby! It may get spicy, but you’re gonna like it!”
That’s the latest! If you came to HGS Live and I didn’t get to speak to you at the event, hit reply and drop me a line—I’d love to hear your impressions.
Gratefully,
Justin
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