The setting is 2015. There are not many times that Christen and I get to go out but when we do we make the most of it. When you have zero children as a married couple, you go out all the time. One child, you might take them with you if you can’t find a sitter, but when it’s MULTIPLE children…well that’s an adventure to find a sitter within itself.
Coming to Ft. Worth was a Christian concert extravaganza that tours all over the country with big-name headlining acts. I gave Christen the duty of finding us a sitter because if it was up to me I would be scouring the pages of Craigs List.
Side-note if you have watched The Kids (TM) for us, we are highly grateful.
So Christen found us a sitter and we were off on our journey cross-country from Dallas to Ft. Worth. Yes I know it’s only 30-some miles but it feels like forever. When we made it to the venue we went to find parking and then made the trek towards the Convention Center where it would be hosted. Winter Jam doesn’t use tickets. you have to line up outside, pay your money at the door, and then they let you in. Now I had no idea how long the line was. We have never been to this place before so I had zero knowledge of where the door is or the building for that matter so I couldn’t gauge how long we would stand in line.
They finally open the doors and the line starts moving as they allow people into the venue. We made friends with the people in front of us and behind us and were talking about how excited we were to see all the bands. I was specifically excited to be there because of good friends of mine were actually one of the performing acts in Winter Jam so the whole time I was in communication with them letting them know how excited I was for them and could not wait to see them.
Finally, the venue is in sight and we’re moving right along. Though we started hearing murmurs about people saying the venue was getting close to capacity and may shut off letting people in. This worried me as we were hoping to get some “us time” away from The Kids (TM) and have a good night out. I started to relay to my friends the same message about the venue and he had confirmed with me that they were looking to close the doors soon.
Now, this next part L I T E R A L L Y happened. NOT figuratively…LITERALLY.
We got to the door with money in hand and the guy at the door says sorry, we’re shutting down due to Fire Marshall demands. We’re not 10 feet from the door. We’re not within eye-sight of the door. We are LITERALLY in front of the door. The two, very next people to enter in. We pleaded and we begged. The man stood firm. Our day and our time ruined.
Some people say “pics or it didn’t happen…” Here’s your pic.
After doing a headcount they announced that the show was sold out.
You would think that this is where the story ends, but it doesn’t. When one door is literally shut, it may mean no…but it can also mean that there is something better. And as people of faith, it’s so important to remember these times when God does come through.
Hebrews 10:23 Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for He who promised is faithful;
Joshua 1:9 Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go.”
James 1:2-4 Count it all joy, my brothers, when you meet trials of various kinds, for you know that the testing of your faith produces steadfastness. And let steadfastness have its full effect, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking in nothing.
You may have missed something important. God can do good things for those that are faithful, and good things can come to those that may not be faithful (Matthew 5:45).
But when you’re connected with Him…well He may just very well hook you up.
As I stated earlier, throughout everything I stayed in contact with my friend and he let me know that since there was such a large number of people still wanting to get in they were hosting an overflow show in the tour bus depot of the convention center. But… not only did we get to see the artists perform, but I met with my friends and they got us behind the gate.
Seeing Kari Jobe, Blanca, Jeremy Camp, For King and Country, in this smaller venue from our vantage point was surreal. Christen even got a photo with Blanca and Blanca complimented Christen’s hair which apparently is always a goal for black girls.
And, of course, I got my photo with my friends of the band About A Mile
Moral of the story. God is good in His faithfulness.
Sow Cincy 