Saturday, October 11, 2008

Lifesong In The Limelight/Catrina Bradley

I'm trying something new on Saturdays. I truly believe that a person's testimony, salvation or otherwise, is one of the most powerful expressions of the Christian faith. I thrive on hearing God-stories. When I had my blog giveaway/contest, I asked for testimonies based on songs affecting one's faith. Well, people submitted, and I was moved.

This is where I introduce you to Catrina Bradley. I loved the testimony she submitted, and well, she is a woman of many talents. She is a phenomenal writer with a HUGE heart for the Lord. That's why I chose her for my very first...


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Sit back and allow Cat to minister to you today...Thank you, Catrina, for livin' your lifesong outloud! ;)

The Change
by Catrina Bradley


One song got me onto that infamous straight and narrow path. One song turned my life around, and truly changed the way I live.

Before I started listening to Christian music, I was a die-hard rock & roll fan. Classic rock, new rock, oldie rock – just rock me. I especially like to sing in the shower. I’m all alone, and the acoustics are awesome. The radio in our bathroom at that time used a dial to set the station. One day, I dialed in the classic rock station and jumped in the shower. It wasn’t until I was sudsy and dripping that the commercial ended and the next song came on. Instead of Z93, I had landed on that Christian station right next door. (Not the first time they’re only .4 mHz away.) The music was ok, but I was lamenting.

As I was rinsing the shampoo out of my hair, another song came on. This one actually had a pretty cool sound. I started listening. I might be able to get into this. I even had a bunch of that stuff he's singing about. Yah, I do that! I'm good

Wait. What did he just say?

I actually stuck my head out of the shower door, then turned the water off so I could hear better.

The singer was asking a question. “What about the change? What about the difference? …What about a life that’s showing I’m undergoing the change?”

Now, I’d been a believer all my life, but was seriously lapsed in the following part. I’d recently joined a Bible study group at work, and had become enamoured with studying and learning more about Jesus.

I kept listening to the lyrics. I was enthralled.

“If God’s Spirit lives inside of me, I’m going to live life differently.”

Wow.

I made sure I listened at the end so I could hear the artist’s name. That was the first time I’d ever heard of Steven Curtis Chapman. From then on, I started checking the station when I sent station surfing in the car, hoping to hear that song again. (It was only one tap of the search button from the classic station.)

Now days, I listen to Christian music pretty much exclusively. I have the CD and can listen to The Change anytime I want to. And my life IS showing the change.

THE CHANGE
Steven Curtis Chapman

Well I got myself a t shirt that says what I believe
I got letters on my bracelet to serve as my id
I got the necklace and the key chain
And almost everything a good christian needs yeah
I got the little Bible magnets on my refrigerator door
And a welcome mat to bless you before you walk across my floor
I got a jesus bumper sticker
And the outline of a fish stuck on my car
And even though this stuffs all well and good yeah
I cannot help but ask myself

What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
What about a life thats showing
I’m undergoing the change yeah
I’m undergoing the change

Well Ive got this way of thinking that comes so naturally
Where I believe the whole world is revolving around me
And I got this way of living that I have to die to every single day
cause if gods spirit lives inside of me yeah
I’m gonna live life differently

I’m gonna have the change
I’m gonna have the difference
I’m gonna have the grace
I’m gonna have forgiveness
I’m gonna live a life thats showing
I’m undergoing the change


What about the change
What about the difference
What about the grace
What about forgiveness
I want to live a life thats showing
I’m undergoing the change


Catrina Bradley grew up in Iowa, but now calls Georgia home. She is happily married to her much better half, has a wonderful 23 year-old daughter, and a precious, long-haired dachshund named Lady. You can find more of Catrina's writings at her blog, A Work In Progress and at Faithwriters.com.


In the Key of HE,

16 friends shared a comment:

Kim @ Homesteader's Heart said...

We love Steven Curtis Chapman. The song Go there with You was played at our wedding. Great testimony.
Blessings
Kim

Joanne Sher said...

I LOVE that you are doing this, Laura! And my dear sweet wonderful CAT was a wonderful choice for your first one. So inspiring, and I LOVE Steven Curtis as well (And I didn't know Cat had a blogspot too! :D). Looking forward to next Saturday.

Betsy Markman said...

Great testimony! Steven Curtis Chapman is the real thing, not just some performer. He walks the walk, and nothing has shown that more clearly than his recent family tragedy. Thank God for the true believers who touch our lives!

Anonymous said...

Thank you so much for sharing the way in which the Lord used music to speak to you. Steve Curtis Chapman has extremely powerful music, and it's neat to see how his music was used in your life and heart.

Beckie

Debra Kaye said...

I love that the Spirit of the Lord grabbed her in the shower and used Steven to ask that question. What about the change? What a powerful testimony!

Love this idea, Laura Lee! There are many things that people can argue over theologically, but theres one thing people can never argue about ... that is the difference Christ has made in a person's life! Testimonies are powerful!!

((hugs)) and blessings to you today! PS..I knew you were a writer!! And if I had known Kim's trick of whining would have worked... just kidding! I am so going to get that book..you continually bless me with your writing!

Patty Wysong said...

Cat, what a wonderful story! And Laura, this is a great idea!! I can't wait to hear more of these!

Kathy C. said...

That's a beautiful story Cat - SCC writes songs that really speak to what's going on inside our hearts. God uses whatever means He chooses to get our attention. :) Blessings!

elaine @ peace for the journey said...

I'm a die-hard SCC fan and also a huge fan of Christian music. Thanks for sharing Catrina's story with us.

peace~elaine

Debbie said...

What a great idea as music can have such an impact!! What a great story from Catrina also!!
Thanks for sharing!

deb

Laurie Ann said...

SCC is one of my favorites! Enjoyed this post - powerful testimony!

Chely said...

I (still) love this testimony...I am so glad LauraLee has featured it! Well done!

Laury said...

It's awesome how music speaks to us so personally. Thanks for sharing Cat's testimony, Laura!

Glynis said...

Wonderful testimony! My hubby is quick to say that a SCC concert led him back to the Lord many years ago. What an influence he has had.

Gigi said...

LOVE it! Both the testimony and the idea to spotlight them on your blog!

Tracy said...

Hey, LauraLee! This is really cool. It will be great to read the various testimonies you have to share.

I have two Blog Awards for you over at my blog, so stop by when you have a chance! Blessings, friend!

lori said...

What a great idea....:) LOVE THAT...
The same kind of thing happened to me when I first heard Toby Mac...

huh, what'd he say??

Praying that the week ahead is just full of PEACE!!

lori