Go Beyond

Last Sunday we were privileged to have Christian singer Natalie Grant with us at Kingsland. There is no question that she is an incredibly talented singer and song-writer. Natalie was the GMA Female Vocalist of the Year for four consecutive years (2006-2009) and the top-selling Adult Contemporary female solo artist in 2005, 2006, and 2008. In addition to having a fabulous singing voice and writing songs that draw worshipers closer to God and connect them with His passions, Natalie is a champion for the oppressed, for the victims of human trafficking. I like that because that is an area in which our missions ministry is heavily engaged. Natalie is actively involved in raising both awareness and funds for justice initiatives. So, I was glad when I heard that she was coming to Kingsland. And, I’m glad she did. Our worship was a foretaste of heaven.

Natalie Grant | KBC Missions Offices

I have told several friends this week that I came away with something more this past Sunday. I had the opportunity to meet Natalie between services in our pastoral office suite. Just as I was about to shake her hand, my youngest daughter Gina, who is serving in Malaysia, called me. When I saw Gina’s number on my phone, I asked Natalie if she would take a moment to say hello. Of course, she was more than gracious and talked with Gina via Skype video on my phone. As you can imagine, Gina was beside herself with excitement. Later in the morning, Natalie stopped by our missions ministry office and took a moment to record another video greeting to Gina. She encouraged Gina to keep living her dream of serving God among the nations. When Gina received the video she replied with a text saying, “You’re the best Dad in the world!”

Well, I don’t know if I’m the best Dad in the world but I do know this — Natalie Grant is a kind person. She is as down-to-earth and friendly as anyone you’d expect to meet in your own hometown. And, she understood the importance of taking a brief moment to do something nice for a student living far from home and missing her family. Seeing that side of Natalie off stage made seeing her on stage even better for me. As much as I have enjoyed her music over the years, I will enjoy it even more because of her kindness to my daughter. We can all do what Natalie did every day if we will take a moment to seize even the briefest opportunities to do something kind or to offer encouragement to others. It’s those little things that we do behind the scenes that can make a big difference in the lives of others. Thanks for your kindness to my daughter, Natalie.