Talmidim (The Servants)

Hello everyone. This post is a little different from the normal ones on Oh My Bliss. It is much longer in length and it covers something dear to me. Regardless stick with me, and if I may make a suggestion, I recommend you listen to this song either before, while you're reading, or both. I think it helps me get my point across. Thank you.



This song randomly came on while I was getting ready this morning. This song in particular has a habit of doing that, just when I need it most. It catches me completely off guard nearly every time, for I often forget that I have this incredibly simple but powerful song tucked away in my iTunes library. But as I said it comes back to me every time I need it. Out of nowhere as if it was somehow placed there just for me; as if it was made just to remind me.

Regardless it got me thinking.

*I should throw in a disclaimer now. By no means am I seeking to offend anyone, or call people out. I am merely speaking from my own experiences, to share what has been on my heart lately.*

I recently had the opportunity to go on 'tour' with an animal rights group I regularly volunteer with. This 'tour' was the Van's Warped Tour, so it was basically a dream come true to be working behind the scenes of my favourite music festival while sharing something that I cared about. For Today, the artists of the song above just so happened to be playing the festival as they have done for several years. I remember the first time I saw them on the All Stars Tour, having no clue who they were or what they stand for... or rather WHO they stand for. I remember thinking "Man, these guys go hard!" just before hopping into the pit. (The rest of their music is much much heavier than the song I provided for you all). Once they were about half-way through their set they took the time to do something incredible. Something that I think I had only seen one other band do by that point in time. They, in the middle of a place that was sure to ridicule them for it, took the time to give glory to God. To share with us that it is by His graces they were on the stage in front of us that day.

And while some people, such as myself, marveled at what they had just done, others did in fact mock them for it. One comment that was made by a person I attended the show with stuck in my mind, and even to this day it still bothers me: "I wasn't aware it was Sunday. If I wanted to go to church, I would have."

And again, while I was working Warped this year it happened. They happened to be playing one of the stages right next the my booth one day, and I was not-so-casually jamming out to them in between offering flyers and selling merch. The people I was working with seemed to be enjoying them too, I suppose since they had no clue what their songs were really saying. Then the time came for them to give a shout out to the big man upstairs who made this all possible for them. I was grinning as they said it, not taking notice of the stares I was acquiring, when one of my fellow activists- a very blunt one at that- said "you actually like this stuff?" Then proceeded to laugh at both mine and For Today's expense.

I should let you know that I am well aware that speaking the Gospel in general is basically setting yourself up for at least a teeny bit of attack.

However this time I felt exposed. As if my personal beliefs had been ripped from myself and held up for all to mock. A little dramatic I know, but it is the truth. For the first time in my life I felt as if I had something to hide, which is so wrong. I spend too much time hiding behind my beliefs, using them as a safety blanket. Never daring to venture out from the cries of affirmation I send towards the stage when one of my favourite bands speaks about the God that I love as well... This is something I struggle with on a daily basis.

To be honest I hadn't really dealt with those feelings since they occurred, but then this song came on to remind me. To remind me that God is forgiving; that he will give me a new heart and put a new spirit in me. To bring me back to my roots. To remind me where I got my start.

See because it was with this music that I accepted God. Praise and worship can only reach so many. Preaching is not just for Sunday and it is not just for the church. It is for the stages of Warped Tour; it is for the bars that 'Christians' would never wander into. It is for all the places that could have a single or a hundred non-believers; it is for the places where you would least expect it because it is there that you will find someone willing to listen.

All my life I have had people say "why do you listen to this music, you can't even understand what they're saying! Are you sure they're talking about God?"

Yes. I am sure. And it is because of these bands and what God has done through them that I am saved today.

Stay Golden,

xxCaitlin.