Nashville: Still Singing

I hope most of you caught AC360 last night on CNN. Anderson Cooper came to cover the flood disaster amidst a broken city and wound up covering the exact opposite- the relief. Anderson stated that throughout his entire career of disaster coverage never has he seen a community rally together in such a way that Nashville (and all of Middle Tennessee) has.

"This story is of a city rising, not a city on its knees."

As he said those words, every Nashvillian collectively let out a sigh. Thank you, Anderson. We've been waiting for someone to realize this.

Flip the channel a couple times and you would see what I mean. The Music City, with historic landmarks and precious memories destroyed, was doing what it does best- playing. Singing. Raising awareness and funds by strumming six strings and humming melodies. At private venues. On Channel 4. In homes with rescue victims. Musicians grabbed their guitar and headed where they could be heard. And they played. They sang. They paired up with fellow stars and did everything they could to help their city. Phone lines were jammed due to the overflowing willingness to give. More volunteers were called in, extra outlets to receive donations were implemented. And still they played. They continued to sing.

Stars didn't hop on a flight to get out. Some jumped on ones to get back. With damaged equipment, flooded basements, and destroyed tour buses, they did the unthinkable. They went next door, to the Smith's house - and cleaned out their house. They walked the streets giving hope and comfort to all affected with each water bottle, sandwich, and pat on the back. They didn't think of themselves, their tours, or their own well being.

"We Are Nashville" includes the superstar and homeless man. The stay at home mom and the single dad working two jobs to make ends meet. "We Are Nashville" means we are family. It means we are in this together - regardless of job, stardom, or economic class.

It also means we are a part of something bigger than ourselves.

Over the past several weeks, we have been going through a series at my church (Crosspoint) called Shattered Dreams. Pastor Pete set up this series months ago, unaware that week by week, God was using his words and his message to lay a foundation for what was to come. God's ultimate plan was in motion before we even knew a crisis was coming.

Serving Saturday is next. We are expecting over a thousand volunteers...

To be the hands and feet of Christ is a privilege.

Will you help?

Go to crosspoint.tv for more information on how you can help the Flood Relief Fund!