listening to: Patrick Watson and The Wooden Arms- Beijing

“A happiness that is sought for ourselves alone can never be found: for a happiness that is diminished by being shared is not big enough to make us happy.” - Thomas Merton

Suffice it to say, this will be more a journal entry than anything else.  I’m sitting in the lobby at a La Quinta Inn in Rochester, NY.  I have to write quickly as I’m getting picked up momentarily by a friend whom I’m getting dinner with.

We played in Toronto and Montreal on Monday and Tuesday nights respectively.  I ate (and drank) at Tim Hortons twice, met lots of great kids and adults, had a glass of wine and a cheeseburger with ‘MUM’ in Toronto, and great pizza with friends in Montreal.

This past week, I feel like God is prompting spiritual conversations that would/could bring anyone to tears.  The first of which happened via email.  Long story short, picture a baby born pre-mature with asthma and pneumonia, mom has cancer, dad left mom while the the he was still in the womb.  The mom miscarried 3+ times so the boy has no brothers or sisters.  He fends for himself from infant on, all the while caring for his sick mother.  Struggles with serious depression and suicidal thoughts throughout high school.  Finally, at his very lowest, with his mom dying of cancer, he stumbles across ABR.  Listen to his very words:

“when i stumbled across August Burns Red, i was battling the worst depression of

my life. i thought i was going to lose my mother and i thought i would
have nothing left. i bought Messengers and put the cd into my stereo and
turned the volume to its highest setting. i listened. i cried. every
lyric, ever word, every sound, i felt like the album was made just for me.
i listened to the album at least 5 times that day, and cried each time,
and for the first time in a very long time… i prayed. i asked for
forgiveness for not looking to him when i needed help. i thanked him for
the gift of your music. i prayed for my mother. i asked the lord to give
her strength, to give me strength, i had found god. he is my lord. i was
lifted from my deepest depression and i continued to turn to your music.
it inspires me.

My mother is now cancer free and we attend church regularly…

I am not here to take credit for the change in this kid’s life.  I’m here to thank God for allowing me to be a person He chooses to work through in changing lives.

My ride is here.  Peace.

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