Craig Curry's BLOG Archives

November 22, 2003

Caedmon's Call and Jars of Clay

Hallo

Both bands have been around about 10 years, and I've followed them both casually, although I've bought more of Jars CDs. I like the writing of both bands, their "sounds," and I always enjoy hearing what they have been hearing/learning from God. It's always good, honest stuff.

I used to dream of playing keyboards in a band like that when I was in high school. At the time, playing for Amy Grant would have been the pinnacle of success for me as a Christian musician. (And ironically enough, a good friend of mine has done just that, and much more...) But watching the bands play last night, I felt a sense of security that I was living the life God had for me, and although I have the musical skills to be a part of something like that, it simply isn't my call. And I am okay with that.

I think that's growth for me. I'm defining myself and "success" (or lack thereof) less by my talent or how famous I am, and more by what God thinks of me. I don't really envy the guys in those bands anymore; they have their callings, I have mine. They need to let their "little light shine" and so do I; that is worship, but it's God's to decide where it shines.

So I'm going to shine in Wichita, grateful for how God has gifted me, but knowing that my worth comes from my Father, not what I can do for Him. As I grow more secure in the love He keeps pouring into me, I am able to rest in that love, to trust Him and not think I have to win His approval, or try to become famous in the idolatrous hope that I will get my needs for love and acceptance met through audience admiration.

I do hope God will use me as widely as possible. I'd love to hear Jars do one of my songs. But my hope is in Christ, my Father's love for me, and in the power of His Spirit to transform me "into something beautiful" as one Jars song put it so well.

Posted by Craig at 01:45 PM | Comments (0)

November 21, 2003

If It's November It Must Be Christmas...

One thing that usually only people involved in things like gift shops or church music can appreciate is the time it takes to prepare and plan for the holidays.

A year ago, I played piano for a Christmas concert featuring Earnest Alexander, a local favorite gospel singer and the executive director of a Christian mentoring ministry called "Youth Horizons." The concert featured a local big band, and we ended up using several jazz arrangements of Christmas carols that I used to use at First Baptist when I put on our own annual Christmas show called "We Wish You a Swingin' Christmas."

Last year's event was when Earnest "discovered" me. We began working together regularly soon after that and throughout this year I have accompanied him as he has performed in numerous churches throughout the city, using his considerable vocal gifts, and recruiting mentors for Youth Horizons.

This year Earnest asked me to write several arrangements for the concert which will be on the 29th of this month. I've spent most every free moment in November working on these charts, and as of 10 p.m. last night, they were all finished.

It's felt good to have "real work" as an arranger, especially using some of my jazz arranging chops. (3 of the arrangements are for Earnest and Big Band.) I'll again be playing the concert and I'm looking forward to hearing the pieces performed and hearing the crowd's response to Earnest singing them. It should be a lot of fun.

My association with Earnest has been a real gift for me and our family in numerous ways; I hope we can continue to work together as God allows and leads us to do so.

Posted by Craig at 05:31 PM