It has been a long time old friend.

Well, after a 6 month hiatus from blogging, I thought I would drop a note here of recent fun times.

I went to see Brooke Fraser with Cy on our date night over at Cafe Du Nord in the city and a few things struck me there which I discussed with Cy afterwards.

First, I've always had mixed feelings with Christian artists who play in secular venues because it always made me question their motives.  Do they do this to further God's kingdom or their own?  Are they using it to introduce the gospel in a non threatening way or really are just there to make a buck.

Second, will they mention anything about God in the show or just be like any other artist and talk about themselves or try to be witty and play to the crowd?

Lastly, were they really Christian artists to begin with?  Or did they go that route because they couldn't make it in the secular world and hope to use the Christian music circle to make their way to the big time?  (ie Switchfoot, Sixpence, Mandy Moore, etc.)

For the most part, once they go big they all of a sudden are like Paramore who says they're Christian but not led to sing about it.  Or Switchfoot who didn't mention anything about it at the show I went to at the Warfield a couple years ago.

Granted, many argue that to bring God into a secular concert is against the "rules" or their record label prohibits it, but still, you're given the opportunity, at least mention something about life, even if you don't say the name of God or Christ, mention a bit of why you're on that stage in some subtle way.

Brooke Fraser did mention about her trip to Rwanda and how seeing the orphans and people there changed her life and she talked a bit about World Vision's involvement which was awesome, and then she went to sing Albertine which talked about how we can't continue to live in our bubbles and not do something about what's happening in other parts of the world. 

She also mentioned a bit about spirituality and how she uses music as a vehicle to bring change not to be revered or idolized.

One moment that really caught me was when someone in the crowd yelled for her to sing Hosanna and she said, "no, not here, it's not for here, but hopefully one day they will hear it and know it, you know what I mean?"

It made total sense.  For Brooke, she uses this opportunity to share her music which does allude to God and life in Christ even if she doesn't mention His name directly.  But this is how she can reach unchurched people without preaching to them.  I respect that immensely.  I just wish that other artists can be like that.  But then again, it all goes back to motives.

Anyway, I know everyone has an opinion on this but one thing I can say about Brooke Fraser is her passion for God is evident and I pray she continues on with her ministry in music.

Here is one of my favorite songs from her:

PS-why do people take videos at concerts?  I mean it's cool to have for yourself, but for the sake of throwing it on youtube, I think it's lame.  I don't go to a show to record, I go for the music, but maybe I'm just old skool.

 Just in case you forgot.

"On Feb 25, 2005, The Golden State Warriors acquired guard Baron Davis from the New Orleans Hornets on for guard Speedy Claxton and forward Dale Davis."

Speedy and Dale for the Savior of the Warriors!?!  wow.