Volasail

“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me—watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.”"
-Matthew 11:29 (The Message)

A few years ago, I was at an Easter service. A big-name Christian band was the “special guest music” after announcements and before the message. As I sat baking in the sun, the band appeared from off stage and took their places.

You must understand — I’m a musical cynic. Especially live. I feel like I’ve seen it all. Unless you’re my favorite band of all time, I tend to sit back with my arms crossed thinking, “C’mon. Do something I haven’t seen/heard before.” So here comes this band — a “Dove-award winner” — and I cross my arms. “Oh, right. Ooooo. A Dove award.” The guitar began to play a simple progression. “I know this song….” My eyebrows furrowed as I tried to place it. And then — right on cue — the lead singer took his wireless mic to the front of the stage and began his 20-second sermon — complete with dramatic pauses: “Ya know…the meaning of Easter…is a SPEcial one…Easter is about…sacrifice…” I had to keep from rolling my eyes. I was hoping Simon Cowell was around somewhere. And then just before the singer had stepped down from his soapbox, I figured out the song — “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For” by U2. “Ahhh…this is a good song.”

And then the panic set in. “Wait a minute. This is a big service with lots of unchurched people. This is a big Christian band from Nashville. U2’s spirituality is a wonderfully debated topic in many Christian circles. How could they be playing a U2 song?” And before he had finished the first verse, I already knew what was coming for the last…modified, happy-Christian lyrics.

“And noowwwww I’ve fouunnnddd what I’m looking for.”

My eyes closed, my chin dropped down to my chest, and my musical cynicism took one more step into permanence.
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