Last night we had church at The Florida Strawberry Festival. Casting Crowns was in the house! Nearly ten thousand festival goers were in attendance at the bands second appearance there in about four years.
As soon as Casting Crowns as announced onto the stage, the whole crowd stood and was ready to get their praise on. This was a shocker! I’ve attend tons of concerts at the festival and you very rarely see the crowd stand on the first song. It was awesome!
I was seated next to this precious girl. She appeared to be about eleven years of age. When the band started to sing “Who Am I” I was totally into the words and felt like it was just me and God hanging. Then I heard my new little friend, Mallory, singing at the top of her lungs. My heart melted. I leaned over and told her, “I don’t know if I’m tearing up because of the song or you singing this song with all your heart.” Her mother smiled, and so did the little girl.
Throughout the concert I noticed that when I and Mallory’s mom were raising our hands in praise to God, Mallory would look at both of us and raise her hands too. Ahhh.
After a while of us all sharing smiles and worshipping together, I leaned over again and jokingly said to her mother, “Can I just bring her home with me to meet my youngest boy? I love her!” When I came home that night I told Cole that I met his future wife. He of course looked like I had lost my mind. She may not be his future wife, but that definitely the type of girl I want him to end up with. One that LOVES Jesus and not afraid to show it.
This morning when I read Psalm 28:1-2, it described perfectly what took place at Plant City’s Strawberry Festival. “Praise the Lord, you heavenly angels! Praise the Lord’s glory and power. Praise the Lord and honor his name! Worship the Lord in all his holy beauty.” We were praising and giving all the glory to God. Singing, praising, praying, and even an invitation all happened in the chilly night air.
I am grateful that I live in a town that not only celebrates as the Winter Strawberry Capital of the World, but has no problem celebrating our risen Lord.
Get your praise on!
Blessings to you!
March 2
