...other meditations

life is short. prepare.

we've heard it said, time and time again: there is strength in numbers. well i'm here to tell you that there is also strength in preparation. with the oneWord recording session still fresh in my mind, i've been pondering some "what if" questions.

"what if oneWord was not financially ready for the studio?" had God not blessed us with wonderful people who share their financial gifts in support of our Ministry, our project would not be as far to completion as it is. if we solely relied on ourselves, i suppose, the job would get done…eventually.

"what if oneWord did not mentally prepare themselves for the studio?" that question came to mind with images of still being there, weekend after weekend, trying to pound out music we should already know. however, as a group, we knew the importance of practice and perseverance. together, we rehearsed and perfected. even the areas we thought we could never improve upon…we did, with God's guidance!

"what if oneWord had not physically prepared themselves for the studio?" uh-oh! that could've produced some negative results as well. without getting the proper amounts of rest and nutrition, a postponement due to a sore throat, or worse, could have caused a sudden halt to the turn of the studio wheels. we kept ourselves nourished, rested and safe prior to our session. because of God's goodness and mercy, we were healthy and ready to go- 100%!

if none of the above circumstances stirred your heart or had you shaking in your boots, then maybe this next question will. "what if oneWord was not spiritually prepared for the studio?" i shudder to think what may have happened! together, as a band, we were spiritually ready. we prayed for God's will, we prayed for efficiency and we prayed for an end product that would bless all that heard it. but, it didn't stop there. this is where the 'strength in numbers' came into play. we reached out to all of you. we requested help and aid from countless individuals, who faithfully came through for us that weekend. we simply asked for your prayers. however, we received so much more…the presence of the Holy Spirit!

this outpour of 'strength through numbers' reminded me of a scripture passage in Ecclesiastes.

9. Two are better than one, because they have a good return for their work:

10. If one falls down, his friend can help him up. but pity the man who falls and has no one to help him up!

11. Also, if two lie down together, they will keep warm. But how can one keep warm alone?

12. Though one may be overpowered, two can defend themselves. a cord of three strands is not quickly broken.

Ecclesiastes 4:9-12 (niv)

i suppose one could accomplish something without the help of others. people do it everyday. but, why make it harder on yourself? allowing others to intercede and lend a helping hand allows the release of many feelings, such as frustration, shame, guilt and fear. personally, it was a humbling lesson i learned a long time ago. however, it didn't mean i was giving up or that i was a failure. i proved to God and to myself that i wasn't ashamed to accept the help that i so greatly needed. i couldn't help but grow into a stronger person through those circumstances. the truth is, most people want to help. the best advice i can give you is -- let them! this includes God!

as i bring this meditation to a close, i want all of you to know how much we love you and appreciate you for your prayers and support. even though we may give the appearance of having everything under control at times, please don't let that fool you. in reality, we are truly needful of the assistance of those whom God has placed in our lives. we humbly welcome your encouragement. we humbly welcome your support. and we humbly welcome your prayers. a life worth living, is one that you can share with others! to God be all the Glory!!

with heartfelt gratitude,

tamara