Have you ever had that scenario where you felt like you had to fulfill someone’s request, did so to avoid discouraging them, then came out feeling like it was all worth it? This was my weekend at Stream 2008 in Franklin, TN. It’s amazing how God can completely take control of a situation you thought you had figured out.

It wasn’t like I was opposed to going or had some personal conviction that made me hesitate. From the position of a worship leader, I had every reason to be there and everything to gain. And even though my first response was out of reluctance, I’m really better off now having attended. I was challenged, I was edified, I was convicted and I was even forced to get out of my comfort zone a little (always a sign that God is near.) Thank goodness Diane, the elders at Highland in Abilene and most assuredly the hand of God all agreed that allowing Mike Cope to make an exception to his sabbatical was a good idea! All of us were blessed to be with Mike this weekend as he led us into the throne room.

We all tend to be snobs in our own ways. Some of us are clothing snobs, who only wear the latest from Banana and JCrew. Others could be car snobs, who crave that Mercedes emblem and all that it entails. My cousin Jim Sallie just brought this one to my attention – some of us are even coffee snobs. Now there you might be getting close with me. Folgers and Maxwell House just don’t cut it anymore since I’ve seen the light and I just might fit into that category. Nevertheless, most of us have that one thing. Is it scary that my initial reluctance to the idea of going to Stream was because I wasn’t thrilled with the idea of Ken Young leading worship?

I don’t think it’s a bad thing that Brandon Scott Thomas and the Zoe Group are my absolute favorites when it comes to worship. I had just come off my first Zoe Conference in October and I really didn’t think Ken and Hallal would quite compare. And after it was all said and done, I still prefer the Zoe Group but the important thing I gained was not more validation for my preconceived opinions. I saw God this weekend. It was Lisa, the Memphian turned Franklinian whose husband left her a week ago but she is seeking the face of God instead of relying on anything else to get her through. It was the drama on Friday night, the one that often defines my life so eloquently – I cry every time. It was the testimony of Mike Cope, who only now is allowing himself to grieve after years of trying to be the strong one. And it was my Dad, who never fails to show me how to be a better man.

Strangely enough, I took away a song or two from worship with Ken that I think we might be able to use at Highland. Never thought that would happen but it just might. And what could be better than toping it off by having lunch with Justin + Carrie, a random appearance by Mike Beck and another sweet victory by the No. 1 Memphis Tigers. Honestly…if I could have shared it all with Erica. But that’s another conversation for another day in the blog world. This week, don’t be afraid to let God change your perceptions – you’ll probably be better for it.

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