So, Do I Move Closer?

Somewhere back in 1983/84 the word ‘minstrel’ was spoken to me, representing the type of musician I am. I took to it – I knew within it was a sure word. But what I thought should happen after that word never did. I didn’t go on to be a regular fixture in the church music scene. Matter of fact, by 1986 I was out of the “scene” altogether.

I just went on about my musical life without regard to that word previously spoken. Around 1988/89 I more fully found my true musical self as I dove into listening to and composing instrumental songs, somewhat influenced by John Michael Talbot and Acoustic Alchemy. Interesting, because a minstrel is an instrumentalist.

Fast forward to August 2008. I had long given up on being a minstrel because, as far as I was concerned, it had never come to pass in 25 years. I was at the beginning of a three month tour in an effort to get some kind of music career going. At one of my performances was Bob, who happened to be quite drunk. From the back of the room he shouted “Sir, you are a troubadour!” Yikes! Was this guy going to start yelling during my performance? Thankfully, during the rest of my performance he sat talking quietly to my wife.

Let’s now cut to after the show. Bob and I spoke for two hours in which time he repeatedly told me I am a minstrel. This same word had not been spoken to me in 25 years; but I knew what he was saying was true. Bob and I have never again crossed paths. I think his time there while I performed was intended. For the rest of my time on the road, and thereafter, I have pondered these two occurrences, in ‘83 and ‘08.

So, should I move closer and embrace this being a Minstrel? You know what that is, right? One who plays instrumental music, creating an atmosphere in which the listener(s) can experience God coming to them, to whatever degree that is. It’s a very intimate environment, perhaps more than what you might experience being led in worship (on Sunday mornings).

From Jason Heilman’s blog: “We see that David had the anointing, as a Minstrel, to play the harp and create peaceful atmospheres in which King Saul was able to be at rest. It never says that David sang during these times, but only mentions that he played upon the harp. This is a prime example of a Minstrel creating an atmosphere simply with instrumental music. David did not need to sing, “Be at peace.” David’s music exuded peace and all Saul had to do was enter in to the atmosphere that David was anointed to create.”

I am a Minstrel.