Tammy calls it a "man-crush", but it's really more of a "voice-crush". Nonetheless, last night Tammy gave me my birthday present early as she took me to the Michael English concert at First Baptist in O'Fallon.
Full disclosure - I had mentioned this a couple of times to Tammy, but she sprang into action on this little surprise far before I realized he was going to be there, apparently. She got the tickets, got the sitter, and off we went. A meal at the Macaroni Grill and a stroll around the Mid Rivers Mall later, and we were at First Baptist for the concert.
Wow. I read recently where someone said Michael "used to be" at his prime, voice-wise. I don't know what these people were listening to, because he let it all hang out last night, even while fighting the springtime allergies that we face - he told a great story of being on tour w/Avalon, and during a break in the tour, he went home, mowed his lawn, and was fighting the sniffles and gunk for the rest of the tour. Just a fantastic voice - he hasn't lost a step. Period.
Wow. I read recently where someone said Michael "used to be" at his prime, voice-wise. I don't know what these people were listening to, because he let it all hang out last night, even while fighting the springtime allergies that we face - he told a great story of being on tour w/Avalon, and during a break in the tour, he went home, mowed his lawn, and was fighting the sniffles and gunk for the rest of the tour. Just a fantastic voice - he hasn't lost a step. Period.
And no, we didn't get out of there without him doing my two favorite songs of his - In Christ Alone as the last song of the concert, and I Bowed on My Knees & Cried Holy as his encore.
Anyway, Michael did a few songs from his new CD, The Prodigal Comes Home, and he talked a great deal about his life's testimony, explained more fully in his book of the same name. To say Michael has an amazing story of redemption to tell is an understatement.
It was a tremendously appropriate night - First Baptist was celebrating their one-year anniversary of Celebrate Recovery, a Christian-based recovery program for addiction, co-dependency, or other similar obstacles. I told Tammy on the way home that, after having read Michael's book, I can't think of anyone who God has led through more addiction-related issues than Michael, and he's back home again - his entire message of the evening was that no matter who you are or what issues you have or are fighting thru right now, there's always a seat at God's table reserved for you. Great message, and just a fantastic concert.
Oh, and yes...to think I got out of there without a pic with Michael would've been just crazy talk, eh? Later, I'll post a photo Tammy took of Michael & me together at the autograph/meeting table. I only got a couple of minutes with him, but wow. Just a tremendously humble man who's really served as a blessing to so many, now more than ever.
