They Are Thriving
On May 2, 2014 I was able to join Casting Crowns, For King & Country and Laura Story in Columbus Ohio for the last leg of the Thrive Tour along with hundreds of other fans.
A few of us had the opportunity to meet each of them before they hit the stage and sharing their gifts with the audience at what is labeled as a “concert”.
Don’t get me wrong I love jamming out to all kinds of Christian music, but these three gifted groups, and artists bring so much more to the table than a performance or a jam session. They understand the importance of sharing testimonies, of talking about the truth of Christ and what Christians are called to do according to the scriptures. There was just the right amount of ministerial encouragement, coupled with astounding performances and testimonies from each group and a light hearted humor that was just the icing on the cake.
The last time I attended a Casting Crowns concert was back in 2007. I loved them just as much then as I do now but I see them differently today. I myself have grown a lot in that time frame so I guess it’s understandable to me why I felt I could relate so much more to the different topics that were touched on during the evening.
From Laura Story talking about her husband’s traumatic experience with a brain tumor, to the struggle bass player Chris Huffman and wife faced when their baby had to have a heart transplant. Those subjects as well as many others were shared from such an honest perspective that anyone could relate in some way shape or form.
For King & Country did an amazing job opening the night up both performance wise and setting the atmosphere for a wonderful night in the presence of the Lord. These guys are real people with such a sweet spirit. When we got to meet them before the show they were so laid back and just glad to see everyone. For those of you who like a bit of the theatrics thrown in they don’t disappoint on that note either, stellar on all levels in my book and I will definitely be checking them out again real soon.
Casting Crowns has grown a huge fan base over the years and diverse as well. I can’t say that I have ever sat next to an eighty year old in floor seats at a Skillet concert. However at this event sitting right next to my husband and I was what appeared to be a very happily married elderly couple. They appeared to be enjoying the evening just as much as the sixteen year olds up in the higher section wearing skinny jeans and taking selfies with the concert background.
Don't take that the wrong way, by no means am I suggesting 80 year olds don’t like Skillet. But the minute I walk into a Pentecostal church and see an 80 year old grandma with an up-do, nails painted black and her lip pierced wearing a Skillet shirt I'm going to blame John (lead singer of Skillet).
Casting Crowns took a break in the middle of their set, and out walks Laura Story, who is currently expecting twins. I have heard her songs before and really love them but I had no idea who she was until that moment. It was also during this time frame that ministered to me on a much deeper level than anything has really, in sometime. The testimony she shared of her husband who had a brain tumor and was told he might not remember anything after the surgery was so emotional for me. Without getting into my own personal story, I will say this.
Trusting God through situations like that is all we have to hold on to sometimes. We are all human, we all get scared. We all worry and we all deal with a plethora of emotional anguish and dissatisfaction of circumstances. However, His grace is sufficient and during my own struggle with a similar situation that was all I could say sometimes to keep myself a float. Her song Blessings made so much sense to me in that moment sharing her heart on her sleeve and testimony in song. When she followed with a rendition of the hit Mighty to Save I could not stay in my seat. Regardless if I would have been the only one standing or not. God deserves so much more than me just rising to my feet and lifting my hands in gratitude, it is the least I can do.
When Casting Crowns returned to the stage, Mark cracked my husband up talking about ADD and how he has to keep a screen with his lyrics on stage, because if he sees something shiny he forgets what he’s supposed to be doing. He has an uncanny way to make light of some real struggles he’s had in life but shares those with everyone so that people will understand, God can use all of us. Despite what we think of ourselves or how others make us feel. We just have to be willing to step out in faith and trust Him to have His way through our lives and our obedience.
Trusting God through situations like that is all we have to hold on to sometimes. We are all human, we all get scared. We all worry and we all deal with a plethora of emotional anguish and dissatisfaction of circumstances. However, His grace is sufficient and during my own struggle with a similar situation that was all I could say sometimes to keep myself a float. Her song Blessings made so much sense to me in that moment sharing her heart on her sleeve and testimony in song. When she followed with a rendition of the hit Mighty to Save I could not stay in my seat. Regardless if I would have been the only one standing or not. God deserves so much more than me just rising to my feet and lifting my hands in gratitude, it is the least I can do.
When Casting Crowns returned to the stage, Mark cracked my husband up talking about ADD and how he has to keep a screen with his lyrics on stage, because if he sees something shiny he forgets what he’s supposed to be doing. He has an uncanny way to make light of some real struggles he’s had in life but shares those with everyone so that people will understand, God can use all of us. Despite what we think of ourselves or how others make us feel. We just have to be willing to step out in faith and trust Him to have His way through our lives and our obedience.
They shared several acoustic renditions of many fan favorites and shared some new crowd pleasers as well. Easily to relate to and melodies that were quickly learned by the audience, it made for a very relaxed atmosphere of real people, who have real problems, with singers who have real talent, who serve a great and mighty powerful real God.
These artists you can tell genuinely love people. It was so much fun towards the end of the night all the bands were on stage together for a phenomenal performance followed by an awesome finale of Praise you in the Storm.
For now this tour has come to a close, but you can check out each artist’s tour information and make sure to catch them the next time they come to a city near you. One thing is for certain you won’t miss church that week, so don’t forsake yourself from assembling with others and so much more so as you see the day approaching! Oh what a glorious day!
For now this tour has come to a close, but you can check out each artist’s tour information and make sure to catch them the next time they come to a city near you. One thing is for certain you won’t miss church that week, so don’t forsake yourself from assembling with others and so much more so as you see the day approaching! Oh what a glorious day!
You don't want to miss any of these bands live
if you get the chance to check them out!
Video From 2014 Thrive Tour Recorded By John Wortley
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