It's common to sit in a board room and clinically discuss sales, demographics, trends, radio adds, website hits and all of the statistical stuff that defines success--without much of a nod to artistry. Hopefully, we get to leave that to the creative types, A&R people and label marketers to find and enhance that side of things. But when you're trying to make budgets work, meet sales goals and working every angle to make the top 10 on Soundscan for street week, the inspirational side of it gets a little lost.
Except for moments like today. We had a band stop by who's been with our distribution company for a number of years. They just wanted to thank our team for all of our efforts over the years and celebrate with us as they release a new record. This band, and I don't think they'd mind me saying this, is one of those that's big on talent, but hasn't broken through with huge sales numbers. This is a band our whole team believes in and they are fortunate enough to be with a label that believes in them as well and continues to support and promote them so they can continue to reach people with their music.
These guys also are a rare breed of band that actually sounds good with just a keyboard setup (using the speakers that actually come with the keyboard) and an acoustic guitar--no PA. They sang to us after enjoying some ice cream and chatted with us about the origin of some of their songs. As they sang, I was struck by two things. As much as the business side of things can wear one down, I'm still pretty blessed to be able to have the kind of "meeting" at work that involves ice cream and a favorite band giving us a private, unplugged concert. Secondly, I really like these guys' lyrics. They sang a song from one of their previous records called "The Real Jesus".
As I look towards this weekend and the real possibility of facing some people who really need to know the grace of God, I began to pray that I might be able to give them a glimpse of "The Real Jesus". I confess, I am at a loss as to how to summon up grace for those who have not shown kindness to me. In the middle of pain and resentment, it is difficult to show love. Fortunately, God has limitless grace and asks us just to go, to be open, to do the right thing (as best as we can see it). He can work out the rest. I'm grateful, that in a boardroom, in an office on the middle of music row--a group of guys showed up and celebrated the talents and the message God has given them, and for a moment lifted my cynical veil, and reminded me that simple act of love can reveal the "Real Jesus".
Jesus on the radio, Jesus on a late night show
Jesus in a dream, looking all serene
Jesus on a steeple, Jesus in the Gallup poll
Jesus has His very own brand of rock and roll
Watched Him on the silver screen
Bought the action figurine
But Jesus is the only name that makes you flinch
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the mystery of the real Jesus
Jesus started something new
Jesus coined a phrase or two
Jesus split the line at the turning point of time
Jesus sparked a controversy
Jesus, known for His mercy, gave a man his sight
Jesus isn't white
Jesus loves the children, holds the lambs
Jesus prays a lot
Jesus has distinguishing marks on His hands
If anybody walks behind the Good Shepherd
If anybody holds the hands that heal lepers
And if you recognize the eyes that see forever, please...
Jesus, Jesus
Oh, can anybody show me Jesus
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory, the real Jesus
Oh, can anybody show me the real Jesus?
Oh, let Your love unveil the glory of the real Jesus, the real Jesus
(composed by Marc Martel - on "Wide-Eyed & Mystified" - Centricity Records 2006)
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