BEAUTY FROM ASHES: REVISITED
December 04 Tuesday 2007
I say, “revisited” because I’m reminded of an entry I wrote back in September 2002 entitled, “Beauty From Ashes”, and an entry that went something like this:
Well, I have nothing left to lose, so I bought a one-way ticket to Hong Kong yesterday and I leave in a fortnight. I really don’t know what I’m going to do when I get there – I’m not even sure where I’ll be sleeping. But I know God has his hand on me…
That was five years ago. A lot has happened since then, some of which I've documented in this website, and much of which can only be attributed to the grace of God. And so before I even begin to write about my churches next live album recording, I want to acknowledge God’s grace in my life. How after stepping out in faith, buying a one-way ticket to Hong Kong, and entrusting my life in His hands, He has turned everything around, breathed new life into me again, and taken me From Ashes to Beauty.
1 The Spirit of the Sovereign Lord is on me, because the Lord has anointed me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim freedom for the captives and release from darkness for the prisoners, 2 to proclaim the year of the Lord's favour and the day of vengeance of our God, to comfort all who mourn, 3 and provide for those who grieve in Zion - to bestow on them a crown of beauty instead of ashes, the oil of gladness instead of mourning, and a garment of praise instead of a spirit of despair. They will be called oaks of righteousness, a planting of the Lord for the display of His splendor. - Isaiah 61.
And so it's with joy that I write about The Vine's next live album recording: From Ashes to Beauty. This is a project close to my heart, not just because it reminds me of how faithful and loving God is, but because it’s about ‘going out there’ and making a difference too.
The Vine will be partnering with Care For Children, a charity in China that finds homes (and more importantly families) for abandoned and orphaned children. Proceeds from the night and CD sales will be going to them, and I really encourage anyone who reads this to check out the Care For Children website to find out more.
It's going to be a great night... click here for the details.
