As we sang in a mass filled with hearts searching for the same joys we let our souls discover on the ACTS retreat, the words came off my tongue in a melody of the congregation. “You’re there too.”
We sang the truth in unison…
I won't bow to idols, I'll stand strong and worship You
And if it puts me in the fire, I'll rejoice 'cause You're there too
I won't be formed by feelings, I hold fast to what is true
If the cross brings transformation then I'll be crucified with You
'Cause death is just the doorway into resurrection life
And if I join You in Your suffering, then I'll join You when You rise
My dad’s teary eyes met mine, “you’re on fire” he mouthed.
It was a moment of validation. Those around us felt the all enchanting heat of the Holy Spirit. We had lifted this church in praise just by sharing a simple song. I knew exactly what my dad was referring to when he said “you’re on fire.”
My life had been set in flames for years. From senior year to now, I knew heartache and struggles. And as my father always says, “listen to the lyrics.”
If it puts me in the fire, I’ll rejoice cause You’re there too…. If I join You in Your suffering, then I’ll join You when You rise.
He didn’t mean that I was burning in my own hell of challenges, although they are of many. No, no. He meant that he saw me in the pits of life, and God was there with me. He meant that I had finally found the presence of The Holy Trinity in the depths of my struggles.
On the ACTS retreat, I discovered the Holy Spirit’s oxygen and it lit my tiny spark. Ignited a fire from just a tiny flame. A simple breeze of faith and community can truly light a town aflame.
And, that’s what the ACTS retreat does. No, we don’t say everything that happens, because it happens differently for everyone. The lessons you take away from the weekend are discerned by the guidance of God.
"You’re there too" is more than just saying our God is with us.
It’s saying you're there too. It’s saying I understand and I want to listen. It’s saying those angels never truly left you. It’s saying I’m here as a friend with you. It’s saying go to church, I want to be with you. It’s saying you are never alone.
Adoration. Community. Theology. Service.
That’s how you can echo the words “you’re there too.” And, no, you don’t have to make an ACTS retreat to practice these four forms of worship. Anyone can adore. Anyone can be part of the church community. Everyone should learn. Anyone can serve.
I just write today to remind you of the tiny spark that’s in all of our hearts, believer or not. That spark only needs a tiny gust of oxygen to breathe life into your soul. Accendi.
You're There Too Angel Wing Ring
Give this beautiful song a listen when you can by clicking the button.
Source: Musixmatch (https://www.google.com/url?q=https://www.musixmatch.com/&sa=U&ved=2ahUKEwiexInd1O6BAxXCtYkEHeaoCGUQ5s4FegQIHBAC&usg=AOvVaw0ijbxG0gPxsTx_8P--20mL)
Songwriters: Cody Carnes / Cory Asbury / Ethan Hulse
Christ Be Magnified lyrics © Capitol Cmg Paragon, Be Essential Songs, Bethel Music Publishing, Writers Roof Publishing, Cory Asbury Publishing
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