Rend Collective Concert

Goodness, I'm so overwhelmed. And I feel like such a weight has been lifted off of me. Last night I had the privilege of going to a Rend Collective concert. 

Now, the first thing I'll say is, I've heard Rend Collective on the radio before, but I never really, truly listened to the lyrics, nor did I particularly enjoy the style. However, when my best friend invited me to come and see them with her and a small group of friends as a celebration for her birthday, I readily agreed, excited to fellowship and perhaps develop some new friendships as well.

Upon arriving at her house, I was greeted warmly by her with a much needed hug. 

We all later took the 40ish minute drive to the concert venue, which sped by so quickly. Most likely because I happened to get introduced to someone who I'd heard a lot about and, turns out he had so much in common with me, it was insane. And being the extroverted people we are, we instantly dove into deep and controversial discussions, consisting of theology, politics, spirituality, past struggles and other extremely important and meaningful topics.

 These conversations with him, my best friend and my two other new friends continued while the parents dropped us off and we were in line at the gorgeous venue, in the wonderful, autumn weather.  I was even able to snap a picture of the evening sky before we got in line.

As we got closer to the front of the line, we continued discussing meaningful topics that were simply just wholesome and satisfying. At this point, I'm having trouble expressing what a good time I had because I don't have a large variety of adjectives fitting enough for the emotions I had. 

It makes you feel things when you're with someone that you haven't seen in months, yet you love them and talk to them everyday...and you finally get to be with them in person, and meet their friends. And just be uplifted and encouraged. 

As we proceeded towards the door, I broke quickly from the line to purchase my ticket at the box office and rejoined my group. Having already been kindly greeted by several security guards, we proceeded into the auditorium, which, like the rest of the church, was very fancy and homelike. 

After a chaotic few minutes, zig-zagging to find seats, and laughing at our disorientation, we finally found a row for seven and settled in. After going into the lobby for the restroom and snacks, we were finally ready to snap a very blurry picture due to the terrible lighting in the room.

After about thirty minutes of talking, laughing and waiting, the show began.

The first artist that came out was Urban Rescue. I'd actually binge-listened to all of their music a couple of weeks before and instantly fell in love, as their lyrics and singing style reminded me of Phil Wickham, who, if you didn't know, happens to be my very favorite worship artist ever. They certainly did not disappoint. They helped us prepare our hearts for the wonderful night ahead.

After they closed, one of the members of the Irish worship band, Rend Collective, came out and began telling a story that left the crowd in laughter. In that moment, I realized, we weren't just in for a night of worship. This was going to be a storytelling and a comedy show as well. The man then called for a 15 minute intermission so they could prepare the stage for their performance. 

So, during that time, I was desperately trying to text my father to bring me the pizza I'd brought. However, he hadn't gotten the notification so I had a mini panic attack as the devastating thought set in that I might have to wait another two hours for my dinner. XD In the end, my dad did indeed return with my pizza so all was well and I didn't die. Heh. 

As the concert began, I was pleasantly surprised. They truly did incorporate family, friends and laughter throughout the entire show. In fact, the entire theme of the show revolved around the art of celebration, the concept of joy, having a free spirit in Christ, trust in the sovereignty of the LORD and Nehemiah 8:10, which happens to be one of my very favorite verses in scripture. The end of the scripture reads, "For the joy of the LORD is your strength." This is a movement I'm extremely passionate about. This band and their heart stands for everything I believe in. 

To be most honest, I was having a not-so great week and I really needed to hear their message last night. I believe the LORD's hand was upon the entirety of the event. It was the kind of event where you don't think "Oh, these are all strangers that I don't know in this crowd, and the people on stage are just famous music artist." It was so different. The focus wasn't on the singers. It was simple, but heartwarming and fun. The crowd was laughing and jumping around. People were free in the presence of the Savior. Everyone was having fun in their God-given joy. We were raising our voices. There were no celebrities that night. As Rend Collective put it, it was like a campfire. 

The holy spirit was the fire and we were the people around it. Friends and family. All singing. There was no star of the show. We were there to bring glory to the King and rest in his unfailing love and truths as a body of believers. I could've continued for much, much longer. It was such a happy environment. During one song, they even had thousands of bubbles floating into the crowd as they sang "The joy of the Lord is my strength." And the second to last song, they had large, inflatable, light up balls tossed around the crowd as smoke and colored lights averted attention to the stage. The musicians put on panda heads for no reason. 

At the end of the song, everyone was laughing and the lead singer said the only purpose for all of that was to be joyful. To laugh.

And this was another reason I so love concerts. It's truly a taste of heaven. Raising our voices to the LORD in unison. 

Oh, yes. I could've gone much, much longer at that concert. But, the show unfortunately ended an hour earlier than we had anticipated.

As we began filing out with the crowd,I was just so much more overwhelmed with peace and happiness, even moreso than when I'd first arrived, if that's humanly possible. 

Me and my friends began discussing different elements of the show, the lyrics of certain songs that stood out to us, and the passion of the show as a whole. 

One thing particularly that stood out to me during the show was when one of the members used the analogy of a football game to explain the importance of evangelism. 

He said "Do you know how football teams huddle up before they go and play? Well, the church is the huddle. Life is the game. We should be a body that is not restricted by a building."

That was a really wonderful analogy.

I was thinking about this as we left the auditorium. Since the show had ended earlier than we'd expected, we all went outside to do a quick photoshoot in the gorgeous location...which also held many, many giggles and laughs.

We then went on the drive back to the house and had tons more laughs and discussions. These discussions were much longer because we had to drop two of the girls off at home before we went back to the house. We discussed things like fears, life goals etc., and I was very encouraged by some of the things said to me. Also, I ended up interrupting in the middle of a discussion to point out the Taking Stick Area, which we could see from the freeway. It's a very tall building with shiny windows, and at night, all of the windows flash all the colors of the rainbow, and it's gorgeous. 

Once we got back to the house, we just stood outside talking until my dad came to pick me up and take me home, which was about 11:30. My friend's neighborhood was so peaceful and gorgeous and the moon was very bright. There was a gentle breeze and the grass was...well it was grass. I love grass. XD Towards the end, I got a bit chilly and my throat, that had been a little irritated earlier had started bothering me, so I asked for a cup of water. 

She brought me one and all I could think of was, "The person I'm closest to at this point in my life has such a servant's heart. I seriously don't want to be like that clingy friend, but I sort of can't help it. I truly do not deserve her but yet, God saw fit to put her in my life." Her group of friends are so uplifting too. And I feel so at home when I'm around all of my East Valley family. For they are far more to me than friends. The only group of people I can truly be myself around. 

And last night, I can go as far as to call, a life changing experience and a beautiful memory. It was another chapter to the beautiful adventure of life. And the pages are gorgeous. 

I'm so thankful for my dad who chose to sacrifice his sleep so that I could go and enjoy this night with my friends. 

i'm thankful for my beautiful friend's parents, who kindly drove us to and from the venue, and I'm thankful for the LORD and the adventures he has in store for me always.

Choosing to let go of bitterness and live in the joy and freedom of Christ, which is so more fulfilling than temporary happiness, is truly living.

So, LORD, your love is my battle cry. The anthem for all of my life. 

Every giant will fall

the mountains will move

Every chain of the past,

You've broken in two

Over fear, over lies

We're singing the truth

That nothing is impossible with You

Nehemiah 8:10 

Then he said to them, go eat of the fat, drink of the sweet, and send portions to him who has nothing prepared; for this day is holy to our LORD. Do not be grieved, for the joy of the LORD is your strength.

~Kiah