This past Sunday (yesterday) in our church’s worship time a guest musician was part of the flow of the service. Christopher Williams was an artist our church was familiar with - he had been the opening act for a Jars of Clay concert our church hosted - and really was a hit, so it was great to have him back. I was really struck by C. Williams as he performed in our service yesterday. It is not often that I come across a character who is so uniquely talented and yet so humble. (If you question if he really has the talent - well he has opened for some top notch folks David Wilcox, Peter Himmelman, Arlo Guthrie, Jars of Clay - and he tours near non-stop). I had to take time to recommend him as a great resource to the church.

authenticity flows from his music
great lyrics that serve as central to his art
his relaxed, yet fun stage presence draws you in
strong vocal that can carry a tune - (he does some great tunes that are just him and djembe)
God seems to use his gift to create a very unique experience
a team player (not a hint of arrogance) as demonstrated by his willingness to sit in with our worship team

One of the tunes that really struck me was called These Days a tune Williams performs with just voice and djembe - Lyrics inspired by Henri Nouwen. The lyrics are great and when performed create a great invitation to worship.

These Days

Without confusion clarity brings nothing
Without questioning answers won’t bring truth
Without death life to its fullest will be lost like the innocence of youth

Without solitude community can do nothing
Without knowing ourselves we cannot truly give
Without finding that place so lonely our actions will be as empty as the lives we live

Chorus:
Step inside my heart but walk gently
I know you’ve come a long way
Step inside my heart cause we need to be together
If we’re going to make it through these days

Without silence words lose their meaning
Without listening speaking cannot heal
Without reaching out towards one another
We’ll lose ourselves in what only we think we feel

Chorus

Without faith believing is foolish
Without doubt we cannot grow
Without time patience is useless and anger will only make itself more known

Chorus

Written by Christopher Williams © 1996 BiG ReD VaN Music (ASCAP)