In his heart a man plans his course, but the LORD determines his steps.
Proverbs 16:9
Proverbs 16:9
The dead rise up to praise You
Your love goes far beyond the grave
It’s life or death now,
Make your choice
Whose side are you on?
-From the Song entitled “One Man Parade”
From Becoming The Archetype’s “Terminate Damnation” (nope, not Becoming The Martyr)
Your love goes far beyond the grave
It’s life or death now,
Make your choice
Whose side are you on?
-From the Song entitled “One Man Parade”
From Becoming The Archetype’s “Terminate Damnation” (nope, not Becoming The Martyr)
Four years ago, in the summer of ’05 a twenty one year old kid (yes, kid) from Red Deer, Alberta, Canada….fresh out of drug/alcohol rehab (just two months earlier) stepped into a “Parable’s Christian Store” with his mother, who unbeknownst to him had long been feverishly praying that The Lord would intervene in her son’s life and save him from the bottles, the pills, the powders, the devil and himself.
Life for Death.
Light for Dark.
Light for Dark.
Yes that kid was me.
I had never been there before, I had always refused to go, but this time I agreed and soon I found myself wandering the aisles of “irrelevant Christian stuff.”
None of which, I thought, would bring me fame, pride, money, girls or the career I desperately wanted.
And yet, my soul was indeed hungry, broken and longing for the Lord. I had been so ensnared and now I was inside this store feeling strangely emotional and feeling a familiar presence that I had run from so long ago.
I headed over to the music section only to find a new release by a new band.
That band was Becoming The Archetype.
I listened to it, dumbfounded that “christian metal’ even existed and then I proceeded to purchase it.
That record was released that very day I entered the store.
That day was August 29th.
That day was August 29th.
In the days ahead I listened to the lyrics above and became convicted, repentant and longing for the security now and forever of my Father in heaven who was always present and NEVER GAVE UP ON ME.
I soon gave my life to the Lord, attended a local church and was baptized with my mom and bandmates present for a very intense service.
Fast Forward……..
This morning as I sat in the Starbucks here in Gainesville I have to say it was a strange feeling.
WHY?
Well because after walking with the Lord through time, relationships, sin, my own band getting signed and pursuing that, then leaving the band, going to Africa and all the life in between……….I was now in Georgia buying a chai latte’ from the drummer of Becoming The Archetype who was currently right across the counter.
I sat in my chair not speaking to him, beginning to marvel at what the Lord had done.
Who in the world would’ve thought this band lived here in little old Gainesville! and what a profound and improbable connection this was!
It just bounced around my head and I thought to myself I have to journal this moment, so I asked Becca,
” Hey, what’s the date today?” She replied, “The 29th….. of August”
Who in the world would’ve thought this band lived here in little old Gainesville! and what a profound and improbable connection this was!
It just bounced around my head and I thought to myself I have to journal this moment, so I asked Becca,
” Hey, what’s the date today?” She replied, “The 29th….. of August”
O Lord how far you have brought your child!
and what a marvelous way to show your incredible power and your love to your servant!!!
Everything is in your hands and you are so, faithfull and so good!!
At this point I recognized the Lords strong hand in everything around me, and thanks to Becca, was able to sit and tell my story to this member of the band, “Duck” being his nick name.
He (the drummer no less) sat across from me listening to everything that had happened and how four years ago to the day his band was used by the Lord to bring back one lost sheep.
He (the drummer no less) sat across from me listening to everything that had happened and how four years ago to the day his band was used by the Lord to bring back one lost sheep.
I tell you it was sweet.
It’s almost too much. I just means so much that He would do this.
Uh, I also had to very awkwardly tell him that my own band name was remarkably similar to his own (Becoming The Martyr/Becoming The Archetype) and I recalled a conversation with friend/guitar player Judd Johnson some time ago about how the name similarities did not matter because a situation like the one I was now directly in would NEVER HAPPEN!!!
For I was crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
It’s almost too much. I just means so much that He would do this.
Uh, I also had to very awkwardly tell him that my own band name was remarkably similar to his own (Becoming The Martyr/Becoming The Archetype) and I recalled a conversation with friend/guitar player Judd Johnson some time ago about how the name similarities did not matter because a situation like the one I was now directly in would NEVER HAPPEN!!!
HA!
Looks like we both eat our words Johnson!! Man!
It was a full circle that no one could orchestrate but our great God and if this means anything to you reader’s whether friend, family or stranger let it be this………..
For I was crucified with Christ and it is no longer I who live but Christ who lives in me. And the life I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the son of God who loved me and gave himself for me.
Galatians 2:20
So I tell you today:
If you are running, PLEASE stop,
Get some rest already! He is waiting.
If you are running, PLEASE stop,
Get some rest already! He is waiting.
The world and its desires will pass away but amazing things in the Lord await you.
Great love of which the world has no stock nor will to share with you awaits.
