Lead Me On

I got to meet Amy Grant on Sunday night. It was one of the most exciting three minutes I have ever spent with anyone.

For those of you who don't know, or haven't just picked up on it, I am a huge fan. I have been for as long as I can remember! My parents have an audio recording of me singing "The Lord Has a Will," one of her earliest songs, when I could barely even talk. "Tennessee Christmas," her first song off her first Christmas album, is how I officially start my Christmas season every year. Her music has been the backdrop to many of my most precious memories. The Lord never fails to use her words, honest and true, to lift me up and remind me that I am not alone.

I realize she may be considered controversial by some in the Christian community, but there are very few artists I respect more. Throughout all of the multiple articles, books and interviews I have read concerning her, she has shone with graciousness and dignity, despite rumors and falsities swirling around her. She is nothing if not genuine. And she deeply loves the Lord and her family.

Anyway, the concert was held Sunday night at the church where my dad is on staff. That morning, she surprised everyone by singing two different times during the service. It was incredible to see her that close. My mom and I had front and center tickets that evening with our lifelong friends, Diane and Christine (who equally love Amy). Christine and I have DREAMED of getting to talk with her face to face, so we were beyond excited when we got two backstage passes to meet her after the show. The concert was really amazing - she sang nothing released after 1988, so it was all of her old, really good stuff. Christine and I laughed and cried through the entire show. It's amazing how music can take you back.

When our turn to talk finally came, all of the things we wanted to say just flew out the window. It's so hard to know where to start when you are trying to convey to someone the incredible impact they have made on your life. But despite all of our un-eloquence, I think she knew.