Divinely Inspired
The day after I go to a concert is always bittersweet. The star dust is still settling, and I always feel a wave of inspiration combined with a longing that I can’t quite put my finger on. My creative senses are heightened at their peak, yet I crave the raw vigor from the night before. This concert was no different in leaving me with that melancholy feeling, however, it held its own unique vitality as an artform that I haven’t quite felt in concerts past. It was a new approach in creative expression, that at the same time had me feeling quite comfortable and at home. A glimpse into the divine, perhaps? Maybe…
I discovered Jon Batiste several years ago while reading a book by his wife, Suleika Jaouad, called Between Two Kingdoms: A Memoir of a Life Interrupted. It traces her journey from diagnosis to remission and ultimately a road trip of healing and self-discovery. It isn’t until the end of the book where Jon comes into play. I started following her on social media and ended up going down the rabbit trail of her life, which lead me to Jon’s wonderful music created out of love and light. His versatile blend of jazz, rhythm and blues, funk, and classical elements create a unique sound that reflects his New Orleans roots.
With the encouragement of my husband, Jay, my son, Jacob, and I were able to attend Jon Batiste’s performance on Sunday night, and it did not disappoint! It included storytelling and inviting us to engage, while creating an atmosphere that brought the audience together through love and healing. At the start of the show, he encouraged us to “let the music wash over you”, “don’t be afraid to dance or cry”, “let this be a time of healing for you or someone you love”, and “proclaim the light within you!” It was apparent his intention was to foster community through this music. The musicians on board were of top-notch quality and full of life and liveliness. There was no denying each member of the group was having a blast and were thoroughly filled with joy. That energy bled over into the crowd, moving us to dance, sing, laugh, and shed tears, all within the span of a couple of hours. Jon carried his music through various styles of Motown funk and gospel hymns to classical Beethoven, then on to deep drumbeats, soulful solos, and playful interactive choruses.
His love for the Almighty Creator was the obvious thread through his entire performance. While it may not have been the tag line, the message was clear. Let God Lead. It was in fact, the song he opened with. A song filled with power, proclamation, soul and above all JOY. This was no solemn performance in which to close yourself off and be observant. Oh no! This was a joyful noise unto the Lord, and we were ALL invited to participate! It was fun and loud and emotional, filled with The Spirit and permission to be lost in His love. In the beginning you were surrounded by strangers, who by the end of the show were friends. Jon kept saying, “I don’t know you, but I love you!” And at one point had the audience hold up their hands to show “I love you” in sign language while we all sang in unison.
I tell you all about his concert with my son, to tell you this. Creating is an act of worship. I believe the longing I feel after a concert is a longing to be in unison ALWAYS with my Creator and to keep that divine inspiration at its peak as much as I possibly can. I knew my heartstrings were being pulled to go to this show because I try to share a similar message with my art as Jon does with his music. You have a light inside you that was created in order for you to live a life filled with JOY! Worship doesn’t always have to be sitting in nice quiet rows or contemplative study. While these things are well and good, don’t forget to dance and sing and paint and write and love out loud! These are gifts God has given us to use not only to worship Him, but to be able to enjoy each other while we are here. We have the opportunity to shine our individual light to each other, and I want to encourage you to share yours. I am so thankful I was able to share this type of worship with my son!
If you’re not sure how to do that, then start simple. Smile at the next person you pass in the grocery store. Compliment the next person you see. Tap into your divine Master Power and trust that process. We are all becoming.
Master Power, Jon Batiste
“Fill my cup as blessings shower
I'm in tune with the master power
From a spark to full out fire
Parrish-born and divinely inspired”
Blessed Assurance, Gospel Hymn
“Perfect submission, perfect delight
Visions of rapture now burst on my sight
Angels descending bring from above
Echoes of mercy, whispers of love
This is my story, this is my song
Praising my Savior all the day long”
Psalm 100, A psalm for giving grateful praise.
“1 Shout for joy to the Lord, all the earth.
2 Worship the Lord with gladness;
come before him with joyful songs.
3 Know that the Lord is God.
It is he who made us, and we are His;
we are His people, the sheep of His pasture.
4 Enter His gates with thanksgiving
and His courts with praise;
give thanks to Him and praise His name.
5 For the Lord is good and His love endures forever.
His faithfulness continues through all generations.”
