Beauty + Talent = Brooke Fraser. In concert.

Brooke Fraser is the kind of girl other girls love to hate...but can't.

She's model tall and thin (5'11"). She's got a singing voice that's crystal clear and effortless. She's got a cool New Zealander (is that even how you say it?) accent. And she's smart--with an uncanny ability to write music and lyrics. She genuinely loves people. She's the girl who makes even super-cool rocker guys (who happen to know who she is) get a little googley-eyed, sigh and say, "She's beautiful."

[Sidenote for guys: "Beautiful" beats "cute" or "hot" any day. And "You are beautiful" beats "You look beautiful." Just thought I'd help you out a bit by decoding the secret world of what women--your girlfriend, wife, daughter or even your Mom--want to hear. But do NOT repeat this powerful phrase to girls you are not romantically interested in (unless you're related to them).]

Anyway, I had the opportunity to see Brooke in concert Sunday and thought I'd tell you about my experience, since I know some of you wanted to know. Brooke didn't disappoint.

But instead of a giving you pure concert review, you'll get a little bit of my personal play-by-play narrative rolled in to this post. So here goes...

Who is Brooke Fraser?

I first learned of Brooke Fraser about four years ago from a good friend of mine from New Zealand who described her as something like, "The Norah Jones of our country...but cooler."

[Interestingly enough, at the same time, my New Zealander friend was asking about the independent artist playing in my car--Dave Barnes--who has since collaborated together with Brooke on his new album. Randomly weird coincidence...if only I could get them to tour together...]

Anyway, since then, Brooke has also written and sung a lot of songs with Hillsong United ("None But Jesus", "Hosanna") that many of you are probably familiar with.

The scene...

So I went to the Brooke Fraser concert with a cool date. That's right--my sister--another big Brooke fan. :) (Yes, we're kinda gung-ho nerdy and bought our tix the first day they were available.) The Sunday night concert was held at this place called Chop Suey in the Beacon Hill neighborhood of Seattle.

I think Chop Suey may have a little bit of an identify crisis. For the most part, it's definitely Asian-themed--hence the name, paper lanterns and gigantic paper mache dragon stretched across the ceiling. But it also had this weird contrasting Western theme going on with pictures of the Wild West and cartoony cowboys. It kind of reminded me of my college days driving through Lynden, Washington (Dutch-themed town) and spotting a fine establishment named something like Mr. Wu's Mexican Restaurant. :)

And what is it with the crack-shack bathrooms at Seattle establishments featuring indie artists?!? Seriously! The restrooms at Chop Suey were especially odd due to the fact that the main doors to both the women's and men's restrooms were kept open. This meant that as I walked to the ladies' room, I saw some guy wash his hands in the mens' room. It's either completely creepy--or some ingenious scheme to promote sanitary health. I would prefer to believe the latter, but the conditions of the restroom inside told me this was not the main goal of the place. [Okay, TMI--I'm moving on...]

The venue was small. About 150 people were there (including my Starbucks barista from downtown T-town!). We actually found some stools to sit on about 15 feet from the stage in an area of the room slightly higher than the ground level. Awesome.

[Note to readers: I could have some stinkin' amazing pictures...but realized a little too late that I pretty much have the world's worst digital camera. It's really sad, actually. I took a few pics that somehow manage to turn the beautiful Brooke into this green haze that could just as well be the Loch Ness monster. Maybe I could make some money selling them to the tabloids...oh well.]

The opening act...

The opening act was a guy named William Fitzsimmons. He took the stage and for a second, I wondered, "Did some homeless guy wander in off the streets and decide to perform for us?"

But then he opened his mouth and he had a voice that...dare I say it?...was actually pretty. And I mean that in a complimentary way. William's voice was soothing. Comfortable, coffee shop kind of groove. I don't think I'd necessarily buy his CD (a lot of the songs sounded pretty similar to me), but it was pleasant music and his humor was entertaining.

...and then there was Brooke

Then Brooke took the stage with a guy named Ben (drummer/keyboard player) and an Irish chick (keyboard player/violinist). And, of course, she was awesome. My googley-eyed guy friends probably would have fallen more in love with her if they could have heard her hilarious stories including some about bodily functions, clumsiness and a gory story about her husband (who managed to injure himself on an airplane by zipping his sweatshirt-turned pillow into his eye--really). And as much as I tried to resist it, at concerts I turn into dorky-sing-along girl who sings or mouths the words to my favorites. But if Oprah can do it (on video no less), why can't I? :)

The most memorable moment

The most memorable thing? Brooke told the powerful story of her latest album's title track "Albertine" (check it out on the link above). I'll try to re-cap the best I can...but won't do it justice.

Several years ago, Brooke took a trip with World Vision to Rwanda--a country devastated by the effects of genocide in the 90s. She was there for awhile and formed a bond with her guide/interpreter--a native Rwandan man. Throughout her trip (I think it was several weeks long), Brooke did not ask about his personal experience during the genocide.

But on the last day, he said, "I want you to meet someone." He took her to a school. And in a classroom, Brooke met a young girl and simultaneously experienced a life-altering moment.

"I know what your next song will be called," said the guide. "Albertine." He introduced Brooke to the girl and began to tell his story. Brooke's guide had been a member of the tribe responsible for the deaths of many in Rwanda (from a different tribe)--including Albertine's family members. But he could not sit in silence and allow his tribe members to kill an innocent little girl.

"I could not save everyone," he told Brooke. "But I could save one--Albertine."

And so a song was born--with a challenge. "All of us have an Albertine," said the beautiful Brooke. "What will you do to make a difference for the Albertine in your world?"

Stay in character

Stay in character.

It’s a simple lesson everyone learns in high school drama. I can remember my little sis coming home from play practices with an accent (British, Israeli, Scandanavian—depending on what play she was in, it varied)… she was “staying in character” even at home. :)

If you’ve ever been involved in a drama class, play or skit, you’ve probably had a director or teacher talk with you about developing a character. Most encourage you to think about things like:

• “How would my character talk?”
• “What would would she feel in this moment?”
• “How would she walk? What would her body language say to those around her?”

These are simple questions I thought about again this week when I heard a recent message about courage—“staying in character” despite our feelings. And I wondered if the lessons of high school drama class should be taught to every Christian.

Here’s what I mean—at some point in life, all of us go through things that seem really bad…or really great. But do we “stay in character” through those times?

“When the world has fallen out from under me, I’ll be found in You.
Still standing.”
– “Shadowfeet” by Brooke Fraser

It takes courage to stay in character during the bad stuff. If a close friend or relative dies, do we “stay in character” and trust that God still cares? If we’re flat broke or lose our jobs, do we still trust in God as our provider? And if we pray for someone and don’t see a result, do we keep believing God hears us?

On the flip side, I think one thing people sometimes forget is that it also takes courage to stay in character in good times .

If we get a promotion or a raise, do we “stay in character” and increase our giving to God’s house and to those in need? If we’re hanging out at a cocktail party with non-Christian friends (and free alcohol), do we hold to the Bible’s standard of not getting drunk? If our lives are full of fun busyness from volunteering, going on vacation and hanging out with friends, do we stay committed to reading the Bible and talking to God?

I’m asking these questions to provoke my own thoughts and actions just as much as I’m writing to anyone else who may read this post. “Staying in character” is a tough concept I think most Christians wrestle with.

Most of us don’t want to be fake, but we also are called to be like Christ—to take on attributes of His character. To live authentically as the unique people He’s called us to be, despite our natural sinful instincts, feelings or desires. To “authentically imitiate” Christ (as a recent magazine article put it). It takes courage. But I think “staying in character” is one way we live our faith out loud—by not being hypocritical and starting to truly live as if “what we really believe is really real.”

Cool things of the week

I realized that it’s been awhile since my last “Cool things of the week” post, so I thought it would be fun to share with you some of the cool things I’ve found recently (though not all in a week!).

So here we go...

* Sigg water bottles – Cute and environmentally friendly ways to transport water? Definitely a must! Though my forever thrifty mother shudders at the cost (approx. $20)—it’s way cheaper than buying Dasani all the time. You can also save on shipping by buying them at the UW Tacoma bookstore or REI.

* The Truth Project – If I was a movie critic (and the Truth Project was just a movie), my quote on the cover would say, “Mind-blowingly cool. Interesting and inspiring. Life … and world changing.” (I might just trademark that.) :) If you want to experience it for yourself (and if you live in the Tacoma area), check out Anthem @ Champions Centre this Wednesday, June 4 @ 8:00 PM.

* Masa in North Tacoma – I heart Mexican food. I heart amazing friends. Put them together? And you get one fun night out. We went on a warm day and so the dining room became “open air”—it seriously felt like I was away on vacation. And check out the carne asada tacos and black bean dip. Mmm…

* Movie – I rediscovered my love for the movie “Newsies.” Yes, it’s a Disney musical—but it’s pure corny-cool. (And the first time I saw it I think I fell in love with Christian Bale—of course I was about 12 at the time…sigh).

* “The Office” moment – I loved a recent episode where Michael was discussing the importance of hiring an intern to bring fresh, innovative ideas to the office. His rationale? “We need to youth-anize this place.” LOL.

* Out-of-town guests – Visits from Sally (my awesome “pick up right where you left off” friend from Canada) and my little sis, Holly. I love being with people who just “get” you, you know?

* Sole amazing shoe find - Can you believe it happened at Burlington Coat Factory (who knew?). $19.99 for a pair of every-girl-needs-them red, shiny heels (sort of like this). Hot!

* Music that rocks – Artists I’ve recently “discovered”? Jackson Waters (check out “Ready to Find Love” and “Center of Attention”), Caleb Rowden (“The Journey”) and Frou Frou (yes, a little bit techno, but inexplicably musically cool to me – check out “Let Go”).

* Miracle moments – Being able to move my arm again—sling-bling free! In all seriousness, it’s awesome to be able to move my arm pretty much as normal (still no crazy heavy lifting). And yes, I am back to mowing the lawn!

* Chic sweet charity – I haven’t bought one yet, but there’s a Web site called Wear Your Music that sells guy and girl friendly bracelets made of guitar strings. All to benefit a good cause (MusicCares)…and be a cool trendsetter at the same time. The “Fashion Bracelets” link takes you to a link where you kind find different colors and styles as cheap as $9.99.

The “Artists Bracelets” link takes you to a section where you can buy a bracelet made from say, the guitar strings of John Mayer or Jack Johnson (definitely more expensive than $9.99 – but more money for charity, too!).

The grace of dignity

This past weekend, I participated in a discussion about the role of Christians in serving our communities. God has called all of us to serve the needy. But who, exactly, is needy?

As part of our discussion, attributes of the needy were highlighted—those who are poor, widows, orphans, hungry, sick, left out, lonely, lost, confused, discouraged, etc.

It is a long list! Because when we view the needy that way, everyone on the planet falls into the category at some point or another—needy comes in all different packages.

This can make the call to serve the needy feel overwhelming. A few people in our group basically said, “I really want to help serve the needy. But I am only one person—with a limited amount of time and money. How do I respond to all those in need?!?”

Someone else in the group pointed to Jesus’ example—He healed and helped the needy, but He didn’t help everyone in the way that they thought they needed to be helped. He also took time out to refuel and refresh himself in God’s presence and in the presence of close friends.

As I thought more about this topic later, I reflected on Christ’s example and how I can better serve the needy in my own world. I realized that no matter how much (or little) time or money I have, I can always choose to extend something I’ll call “the grace of dignity” to others.

The grace of dignity may sound lofty or superspiritual, but really, it’s about seeing people as people—not as tools for getting what I want, annoying objects in my way, or frankly, not seeing them at all.

How do we extend the grace of dignity to others?

Extending the grace of dignity is not necessarily about giving people handouts (in fact, that can sometimes take away from the dignity many desperately need).

Sometimes, extending the grace of dignity is simply acknowledging a person's presence—eye contact, a smile, introducing yourself and asking his/her name (and remembering it)—something that tells the other person “I see you.” It's focusing on the other person--if only for a few moments--minus the cell phone, iPod or eyes that wander toward distractions. This type of care doesn't really take a lot of time or money and is easily dismissed--but it is extremely important to those you come into contact with.


Other times, extending the grace of dignity means listening (really!). This tells the other person, “I not only see you, but I believe that as another human being, your thought is worthy of my attention and respect. Your story is worth hearing.”

Beyond that, sometimes extending the grace of dignity DOES involve contributing financially to a person or cause and/or putting love in action through service.

Let the balancing begin...

I think ultimately, it's about balancing doing and giving. It's not enough to say "I'm giving $X each year to help the needy" without DOING anything to extend God's grace to others. But likewise, I don't think it's Biblical to neglect blessing others financially through GIVING when you are able. Both are essential if we are going to share God's love and grace to a world in need.

In hot pursuit

This week I was reminded of a familiar Bible verse that continually makes me smile. It was the special theme verse of my freshman year girls' dorm at Christian college:

"Be merciful to me, O God, for men hotly pursue me..." (Psalm 56:1) *

LOL (3F girls that was for you!). :) Anyway, I was reminded of that idea after reading an article in Boundless (Focus on the Family's webzine for Christian young adults). The article is written for guys and called "Pursue Her." The author (a guy himself!) says:

Rather than saddling up the proverbial steed,

many guys seem to be languishing in the tower,

waiting for their princesses to stumble upon them.

I promise--this post is not a rant against guys.

Although it would be easy for single women to use that kind of verbiage to get on a preachy soapbox targeted at the guys in our lives, I think the core of the author's argument has broader applications for all of us--single, married, guys, girls, old, young. Let me explain a bit...

The author discusses a conversation with his 88-year-old grandfather about relationships. His grandfather pointed to Proverbs 18:22: "He who finds a wife finds what is good and receives favor from the Lord."

The profound thing his grandpa said to him?

"Find is a verb."

What else does God want us to find?

After I read that, I thought, "What exactly does God want me to find? What are some of the other things God tells us all to pursue?"

This whole idea of active pursuit is interesting in light of common thinking in our world--like the view that, "Everything you need is found within." Wrong!

Repeatedly, God instructs us to find and pursue certain values or actions. I did a search for the words "find" and "pursue" in the Bible and found some things God wants us to go after.

So instead of trying to come up with a creative conclusion to this post, I'll leave us both with a challenge:

Find and pursue ...

• God (Deut. 4:29, Prov. 8:35, Jer. 29:13)
  
  
• Righteousness, faith, love and peace (Prov. 21:21, Is. 51:1, I Tim. 6:11, 2 Tim. 2:22, 1 Peter 3:11)



• Rest and refuge in Him (Ps. 36:7, Ps. 62:1, 62:5, 91:4, Matt. 11:29)
  


• Delight in His Word (Ps. 112:1, 119:35, 119:52, Prov. 4:22)
  


• Knowledge and wisdom (Prov. 2:5, 3:13, 24:14, James 1:5)
  


• Satisfying work (Ecc. 5:18, 9:10)
  


• Joy (Is. 58:14)
  


• What pleases Him (Eph. 5:10)
  


• Grace (Heb. 4:16)

* Note: The author recognizes this verse is taken completely out of context. In this post, it is used for illustrative and entertainment purposes only. It is not an endorsement to pursue stalking (eww...creepy!)--especially the kind that involves "God told me" messages or following a girl everywhere (almost including a womens' restroom). These are real situations that have occurred, but should not be repeated, authorized or attempted at home, church or work--especially by anyone who has the sense to read this post and this crazy disclaimer.

What's so bad about judgment?

Judgment. In today's society, it's a small word with big and often ugly connotations. People are afraid of being judgmental (which, in most cases, is a good thing to be concerned about). But if we, as a society, become too afraid of judgment, we may be in danger of throwing out the good with the bad.

By its very nature, the idea of “good judgment” requires a belief in absolute truth—that some things are inherently good and others are bad. Good judgment helps us make choices—it is, in essence, the wisdom we need to navigate life’s decisions.

However, it seems that in society, the merits of judgment—and even thought—are being thrown into question.

Let me illustrate with a little story...

I've heard rumblings lately about Oprah and her newfound religion based on a book by Eckhart Tolle called A New Earth. So I decided to learn a bit more about Tolle and his philosophies by reading an interview Oprah conducted with him in the May issue of O magazine.

At first glance, Tolle looks harmless (though maybe a little creepy)—pictured in O with a purple shirt and little gold vest that looks like something out of Aladdin. But after reading the article, I think he's actually quite dangerous. Why? Like many philosophers, spiritual teachers and cult leaders, a lot of what Tolle teaches sounds good. It sounds nice. Some of it even sounds Biblical. But it is a man-made, twisted version of the truth.

What does Tolle have the biggest problems with? Thought and judgment. For example, when talking about the original sin of Adam and Eve, he says:

...To me, that story is about the rise of the ability to think, to make judgments:
This is good, this is bad.
And I believe it took a long, long time of increased thinking
until people reached a point where they derived their entire sense of who they are
from the stream of thinking, the mind-made entity
composed of memories, past conditioning, and mental concepts.
This is the ego that people identify with.

I think Tolle’s view is correct in stating that our thoughts do not define us. But his error is in the assessment of Adam and Eve’s original sin—implying that before eating of the tree of knowledge of good and evil, Adam and Eve did not have the ability to think or make judgments.

Biblically, this view is flawed for several reasons. First, Adam and Eve were created in the image of God—and God definitely has the ability to think and make judgments. Secondly, before the original sin, God entrusted Adam and Eve with tasks that required thinking and a high level of judgment—He gave them authority. They were not mindless robots who felt nothing but some sort of spiritual zen-like state, but were given rulership over the Earth (Gen. 1:26-30, 2:19-20).

Their sin didn’t represent an increase in their ability to think, but a disregard for what God thought best for them. It was a disobedience that in essence said, “I can do what I want—I know what’s best for me.”

It is the same sin, the same thought, that is at the core of what Tolle teaches. He says in the interview:

Look very deep inside yourself and see your sense of "I-ness”—your sense of self.

This "I" is bound up with the stillness.

You're never more essentially yourself than when you are still.

Tolle is teaching that the ultimate state of being is found in a stillness that comes from within ourselves. But ironically, that teaching requires the very level of man-made thought and judgment that Tolle seems to be against.

Contrary to the Gospel of Eckhart Tolle, the Bible teaches that we are never more ourselves than when we surrender ourselves to God and His Word. It is an irony difficult to express in words—to find freedom in being captivated by God.

It is a surrender that requires a leap of faith. But simultaneously, the Christian life requires a love for God’s thoughts, a respect for His judgment. It’s a commitment to desire to think like He thinks, to exercise good judgment—wisdom—to follow His truth.

"Manesia"

"I don't get it," she says reflectively over lunch at one of our favorite Thai restaurants. "I fell for that guy--you know, the guy I've dated over and over again. The guy who's good looking, a smooth talker, romantic--but controlling, manipulative and ultimately, doesn't treat me right. I should've been able to see it earlier. But it's like I forget every time. It's like…"

"It's like you've got manesia," I interject (in Carrie Bradshaw fashion) with a smile. And we both burst into laughter.

I couldn't help but wonder that the basic concept of "manesia" is not unique to my friend. Cyclical behavior isn't new, limited just to single girls or even to relationships. I think most people I know have at some point, found themselves in a position of wondering, "This feels familiar…how did I end up here again?"

For some, the cycle looks pretty good. They're continually learning, promoted, building great relationships, growing in their faith. But nobody's perfect--and even the "amazing" have issues.
Take, for example, the apostle Paul, who said:

For I have the desire to do what is good, but I cannot carry it out.

For what I do is not the good I want to do;

no, the evil I do not want to do—this I keep on doing.

Now if I do what I do not want to do, it is no longer I who do it,

but it is sin living in me that does it.

(Romans 7:18-20)

Thank God that hope is not lost for my friend with "manesia" or any of the rest of us trying to break bad cycles in our lives. The Bible does provide an answer. Paul later writes:

...Who will rescue me from this body of death?

Thanks be to God—through Jesus Christ our Lord!

So then, I myself in my mind am a slave to God's law,

but in the sinful nature a slave to the law of sin. (Romans 7:24-25)

Paul's words may seem a bit strong in the context I've put them in, so let me explain…in itself, I don't think my friend's attraction to the wrong guy is a sin.

But I wonder if part the sinful nature we struggle with is the magnetic pull to do things we know aren't the best. If that's true, then the Holy Spirit working in our lives can help us not only to overcome sin, but to silence the voice of sinful nature. It's the reverse of manesia--it's forgetting our bad tendencies and remembering what is good, what is God's best.