How Great Is Our God?

“What matters is that we are willing to do what it takes, to make a positive impact wherever we find ourselves in life—to add value in any way we can to others.” – John Maxwell

Does anyone inspire you? Is there anyone who helps you feel peace, or the presence of God? Music can be therapeutic for me. It has helped me through my trying times. So when I found out one of my faves, Chris Tomlin, was coming to DTE Energy Music Theater in the summer of 2011—I rushed to purchase my ticket on line. I asked a few friends if they wanted to go but no one was able to accompany me. So I went alone.

DTE Energy Music Theatre is a large venue. I was pleased that I could park far and walk through large crowds alone in the dark with forearm crutches and leave safely that way. At night you can’t always see as well as in the day, especially at concerts where people are rushing through sometimes to take their seat before a song starts, or just before intermission ends. So I must admit I had a small fear of accidentally being knocked down.

Although the heel of my foot did get kicked as I was waiting in the t-shirt line at the end of the night, I was okay.  And the man behind me sympathetically apologized because  he couldn’t see my crutches. He was in a hurry to get to the front of the line before all of the t-shirts sold out. I told him it was fine, I was just happy I didn’t fall. For so many years I could only take a wheelchair to DTE because the walking distance was too far, so this was a huge sign of improvement.

Chris Tomlin came with another Christian artist named Toby Mac. Toby mac has more of a hip hop, pop style. It was refreshing to see the kids excited clapping their hands and stomping their feet as soon as they heard he would be coming on stage. Their parents were beside them doing the same. He sang for the second half. Although I was alone I didn’t feel lonely and it really was a nice experience for me.

When I returned home I subscribed to Chris Tomlin’s Facebook fan page. Shortly after they were having a contest and asking fans to write them regarding his song “How Great is Our God” and what it meant to them, as well as his music in general. He’s so genuine when he sings and I really appreciate him. I decided to write. I used to listen to the song every morning on my way to work as well as other songs on his CD, and I definitely experienced the beauty of it. Those who wrote the best would have their passages featured in an upcoming issue of Christianity Today, so this would be a double bonus writing to him and being in the magazine.

They were supposed to notify us if we won but I never heard from them. Disappointed, I tried to forget about it but it remained in the back of my mind. One day, while surfing the net and doing research on-line, I stumbled upon my passage in the magazine. I was so excited they chose mine. At the time he had 1.5 million Facebook fans.

Here is the link: http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2011/novemberweb-only/greatthismusic-november22.html  I thought maybe by reading my comments along with the others you could find some inspiration from it. Be sure to scroll and read to page 3. They also posted passages from worship leaders around the world. And here is the song: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=GyGD3zH9Xvc “How Great is Our God (World Edition) Live!“

This experience inspired me. Although I was already writing this encouraged me to write even more. I started reaching out and blogging June of last year and since then a lot of good has happened to me. I’ve made friends along the way, mainly readers like your selves who care what I have to say. That is a blessing and it means a lot to me. Thank you for being with me on my healing and writing journey.

How about you? Has any artist, individual, or incident inspired you? Maybe to do something greater than what you thought you could do?

Chris Tomlin’s music and writing contest helped me. It’s amazing how we can touch the lives of those we never even meet.

Feel free to share your thoughts with me…

Author: Zina Hermez

I'm a teacher, writer, and speaker. I got into publishing when I joined a Christian writers' group online where I met a few select authors who mentored me. My life changed. Through classes, webinars, and friendly emails, I've been encouraged to write. I started my blog to cope with my spinal injury in hopes of helping people. View all posts by Zina Hermez