My first Jason Crabb concert.... Soddy, Daisy TN

A week ago Friday night (September 27th) I went to my first Jason Crabb concert.  My husband had seen him lead worship at a Calling All Men United Methodist Men gathering a couple of years back, but that was him.

Earlier in September (or the end of August) I had dropped off some books for our Wednesday night Bible Study at a friend's house and was heading home.

That's when I saw the sign for the upcoming Jason Crabb concert at the end of September.  It was to be held at the church now occupying the former Winn Dixie on the corner of Hixson Pike and Dayton Bld.

I contacted a friend whom I knew would be interested because she and husband are Gaither groupies and have seen Jason Crabb several times too.  It worked out that she would be able to go that night.  Her husband would be at a football game.  I could go, because my papers were due that day and a concert would be a great way to celebrate.  She invited my daughter to come along, but I thought there was something going on at the school that evening.  That turned out to be during the day.  My friend thought her son would enjoy the concert too.

So, on a gorgeous Friday evening, I was blessed to worship at the Freedom Worship Center in Soddy Daisy, TN with my step son and his mom.

When I got there, the first thing I saw when I pulled in was the red bus.  Awesome!  Big and red!

I was hoping my friend would want to check it out when she arrived.  She did!  We walked over and took some pictures.  She said her husband would have been over there talking to the bus driver.  And, he would have been. ☺  He's a great guy and friendly.  He strikes up conversations with folks.  They have pictures with him and the bus drivers at various concerts... and pictures of both of them with the artists.

We got our tickets and went inside.  The line was already snaking around the outside of the sanctuary.  When the doors opened at 6:30, we got the last row of padded chairs on the left side. 

The music was great!  Jason plays a variety of styles..... from gospel to rock to blues!  He played "Sweet Home Alabama" with some different lyrics and then offered to play an Eagles song because the audience had gone wild over that one.  But, then he said he didn't really have a song ready with changed lyrics.  Oh, well. The blues song was fun.  It was also fun when he started singing some old hymns from days gone by.  "I'll Fly Away" is one of my favorites.  I like to fly with that one.  It was neat to see so many people enjoying the hymns.

Jason sang songs from the past and songs from his new release, "Love is Stronger".  The title song is powerful.  So is the song "Give".  A video was just released this week for "Love is Stronger".  It is now available via YouTube, so I'll include it in this post.

Whether you're familiar with Jason and the Crabb family or not, I would encourage you to check out his music. 

For me, the night was a blessing in many ways: to be able to worship after working hard to get papers turned in, to spend some time with my step son and his mom, to focus on God, to witness a little two year old singing the words to some of the songs...

Because of God's redeeming love, grace, and forgiveness, I am able to be in relationship with my step son's mom.  It is God's amazing grace that has built the bridge and foundation over these years and I continue to be grateful for the grace and the relationship that has resulted!

Thank you God!  Thank you Janice!

Here are a couple of the pictures I took with my phone at the concert.  Though we weren't too far away from the stage, the lighting made Jason shine like a light bulb.  The close up I got of him was when he was handing out Compassion International children packets.  It's a little fuzzy. 

Now, for some of Jason Crabb's music...

"GIVE"-- lyrics:

Everybody's reaching for something
Everyday pulling and tugging
Always wanting a little more
Holding on to hurt like an anchor
Treating those we love like strangers
Taking names and keeping score

We all know, what we're really after
Cause somewhere along the road
We got it backwards

[Chorus]
If you wanna give love then give it
If you wanna feel some forgiveness
You gotta let go and do some forgiving of your own
If you want a friend then be one
A little bit of kindness shows up
You'll be surprised in how much finds its way back home
It don't matter what it is
But if you want it, give

I've been downright stubborn
At one time or another
Found it's easier to bend
I've had a shoulder to lean on
Been the one who got to be strong
And was waiting at both ends
I felt that power, I've seen what it can do, yeah

[Chorus]

"LOVE IS STRONGER"-- lyrics:

 

You went down one of those roads
Nobody should have to go
Life sure got real, real fast
You couldn't see your way out
Your world was under a cloud
All you could feel was helpless
You didn't think you could do it
Oh but you got through it

 

chorus: You kept faith when you didn't have a prayer
Found hope when it wasn't even there
Up against the impossible you
just wouldn't back down
You kept fighting
That heavy cross you carried
Ain't weighing you down any longer
Life is tough
But love is stronger

 

You're finally facing the sun
Your brighter days have begun
Look at you now, just soaking it in
You're smiling, you're laughing
You're happy, you're living
Every moment surrounded by
All the beautiful reasons why

 

Repeat Chorus Twice

LOVE IS STRONGER OFFICIAL VIDEO:

In addition to the awesome music, Jason shared from his children's books he has written and introduced Jase, the crab, an adorable stuffed animal.  You can tell that Jason has a heart for God and others in the way he talks and interacts with people. 

Check out his website if you're interested in knowing more about him, his music, his books, his ministry.  Click here.

Blessings on your journey,

Debra