Ian,
We are a family that loves music. It seems like we have taken turns introducing the family to "favorites." Another email will detail the favorites you introduced us to - indeed - your brother Danny and I listened to some of the music you introduced us to as we returned from the Texan-Patriot game this weekend. Texan's games - that is indeed another subject! Your Aunt Shelley sent great pictures from the two games you attended with Nate.
Although we don't listen to them much now, there was a time when Skillet was THE band for our family. I received a sampler CD with "Best Kept Secret" on it when Danny was in 7th grade. It was an immediate hit in the Jr High group at Crossroads Christian Church where we attended. The dynamic changes, the driving beat and the truth of the lyrics caught everyone's attention - including yours! You were probably 5 when Skillet hit our home airways and you were an immediate fan. We found the CD's in the Christian bookstore and quickly became experts - if I remember right, Caylea and I stuck with "Invincible" while you and Danny liked "Hey You, I Love Your Soul" best. The first CD had a few good songs - Danny mostly listened to it. Mom - she liked you kids showing her songs - it did not matter what. It was the interaction, the sharing and the joy on your faces that has always driven her.
I remember the first day we had the Suburban, we packed you kids up and the Mundells and headed up to Truckee to see Skillet play live. We jammed to our favorites, danced and maybe headbanged a little. Then they surprised us, they broke into an amazing worship set - and all of us joined in praising our King. Jon Cooper, the lead singer and bassist - wonder if he played some role inspiring you to play bass? - preached the Gospel. We were amazed that a band could rock so hard, worship in such an inspired manner and be so clear with the Gospel. Great way to break in a new car and enjoy music.
I think that there was another time we saw Skillet play live - but I forget where. The big concert was at Spirit West Coast. It was one we attended with the Scotts - if I remember right - camping out, we always loved camping as a family, and excited to see DC Talk, Jars of Clay and, of course Skillet!!! We also saw Switchfoot for the first time at that Spirit West Coast - I think. They were the NEXT favorite band as a family. More on that later... Anyway, Skillet went on mid afternoon on the main stage and I suggested we go down from the stands (where we were sitting, napping on, etc) and go down in front of the stage. Well that was not the best idea. You were pretty short, I am not that tall, and the crowd was thick!!! I don't know where Danny was - maybe in the crowd elsewhere or with Aaron Scott getting his hat signed by artists! Anyway, we jammed to our favorites and I held you up to see. I remember that Jon "spun" his bass around in a circle - we heard about that before, but never saw it before.
Just as the concert was really going, Jon Cooper stopped it and said that he felt the Spirit compel him to present the Gospel - so he preached, and preached. Don't remember the content - but it was about salvation being found in Jesus to be sure. When he was finished - he asked for anyone to accept Christ as Savior to raise their hands. You tugged at my shirt and said "Dad, I want to be a Christian." There are few things a kid can say to make a parent more excited. I asked you why? You said because you were a sinner and needed to be forgiven by Jesus. You then raised your hand. I picked you up and you followed Jon's lead praying to accept Jesus as your Savior. Wow! I was so excited. After the prayer - we were ready to really rock! But time was up and Jon and Skillet apologetically left the main stage. How thankful I am that Jon listened to the Spirit's leading and preached the Gospel instead of playing more music - God got your soul and your are His forever. The legacy of Skillet came through you all the rest of your life as you sought after a true, growing relationship with Jesus.
We saw Skillet one more time - at Crossroads for our Jr High Summer Camp. We, Danny, Caylea, Mom and I got to help them set up, and we watched excited as our friends got to see the concert blast out our favorites and new songs from "Alien Youth." I am sure that we all shook Jon and the bands hands as they came to the church. We were excited that they were at our home. We got "Alien Youth" bumper stickers from the concert. One of those stickers found its way to bedroom door in Texas - as you proudly continued to Skillet fan even as we left CA. I think we saw them one more time with their new guitarist in CA - but the legacy of Skillet had already took root. They were the tool God ordained for you to hear His call, experience His love and be His child. How thankful I am for Skillet and their legacy in all of us.
Love you "e" - miss you every day!
Dad
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