The Loft Sessions

At the beginning of this year, I was looking for new music. I overplayed my Hillsong, Israel Houghton, Adele, etc. I needed something different to slide into my CD player. While I was perusing facebook one day, I clicked on a song a friend had posted on his wall. I fell in love.

“Come to Me” by Bethel Music and Jenn Johnson mesmerized me. A couple days of listening to Jenn Johnson's vocals in this song, I bought the entire album. There was a risk that the rest of the songs would disappoint me but I did not care. Good news...the album didn't disappoint.

The album begins with the popular “One Thing Remains,” which is anchored by acoustic guitars and the soothing voice of Brian Johnson. The track then transitions to the upbeat tempo of “My Dear."  Following the pattern of acoustics, the track, featuring Hunter Thompson, is peppered with drums, tambourine, mandolins, and lots of vocals. Like I said, it’s just a song that makes you want to dance. A couple of tracks in, we reach what I deem the magnum opus of the album, “Come to Me.” The best and only thing worth mentioning about this song is Jenn Johnson’s voice, which anchors this track. Johnson’s voice is like a cup coffee and a big strawberry scone. It's not only full, but it's rich. The scripture-ridden lyrics of this song increase my faith and cement by trust in the Lord. Let’s just say, if I’m in battle, “Come to Me,” would be playing on my IPod. Then we come to the hidden treasure on this album, “You Know Me,” featuring Steffany Frizzell. Secured by a piano and Frizzell’s youthful voice, this track is a pure confession of how God knows our design. The whisper of violins in the background turns it into a lullaby which then builds to a vocal climax. Frizzle’s voice is a cup of peppermint tea with honey. It refreshes your soul. There are so many tracks I could write about like “Walk in the Promise,” and “Fall Afresh,” both featuring Jeremy Riddle, but you’re going to have to listen to them. Comprised of 10 songs, the entire album is great and you should purchase it.

Enjoy “Come to Me.”

The Power of Vulnerability

Vulnerability. Does the word make you cringe? Does it make you want to automatically hide under the covers? Yeah? Me too. The reason vulnerability scares us is because it forces us to be authentic. Vulnerability employs us to say, “Here I am world, the good and the bad.” I mean, we definitely want the world to see us when we’re being successful, committed, loving…..but bad? Heck no. Are you telling me that I’m going to have to offer the best and worst to you and give you the chance to reject me?! You’re crazy.

Vulnerability may scare us but trust me; it’s what we need to survive. Let me give you an example. You’re sitting on your couch watching a movie that involves this handsome man who is attracted to this gorgeous woman. The audience loves her at first because she looks perfect. I mean flawless skin, a body that could kill, and she is successful. But she’s cold hearted and guarded. She can deliver with her looks but never with her soul. On the flip side, you have another girl (who usually ends up being the guy’s best friend…typical). She is beautiful also but she is not afraid to be vulnerable. She may not have the greatest calves in the world but she knows she is talented. She bears her soul, and gives everything…whether good or bad. Even at the risk of being rejected, she gives it all. Now, I don’t know about you, but I’m always rooting for the second girl. As much as you cringe when you watch her say the wrong things and cry when she’s supposed to be faking strength, you can't help but love her. You root for her because she is the one who understands true strength. True strength isn’t manipulating people into thinking you're perfect, it is measured by how much of yourself you’re willing to give and pour out even if it returns to you void.

I love this TedTalk I posted below. As you’re watching, I just want you to think about vulnerability in your life. I think you’ll really love it :-).