G’day from Steve,

Songs and Parables.

Psalm 19:14 May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.

The legendary Australian country singer Slim Dusty was once asked why he had always played country music… His reply, “I don’t play country music… I play people’s music, my songs are like stories that connect with ordinary people in the bush”.

Jesus was a man who knew the power of a short story. Wherever he travelled he told captivating stories that related to life. Stories with a simple principle of God’s kingdom for those seeking truth. On the shores of Galilee he told fishing stories, in the Judean hills he told farming stories, in the cities where people were manipulated by unjust leaders and corrupt religion he told stories that involved money, greed and honesty. He told stories that would evoke forgiveness in broken families and assure prodigal’s of a second chance. People came in multitudes to hear him tell stories and heal their sick. Jesus was a story man.

Neville turned up early as we were doing sound check for our outdoor concert in Kununurra, WA. He sat on the grass with a grin of approval as the guys and I worked through some songs. When we’d finished he came looking for Steve Grace. “I wanna meet the man who wrote them songs”,  he mumbled. When I assured him it was me and I was “that” Steve Grace he gave me a huge hug and welled up with tears. I completely ignored the stench of stale alcohol and hugged him back. Any form of substance abuse is simply a symptom of a far greater need in anyone’s life. Always embrace people as they are with the love of the Lord.

He went on to tell me that the words….”the words in them songs you sing on the CD’s, they have helped me through some tough times… I spent 4 years in prison and your songs were like stories to me, they gave me hope”. Neville, like many Aboriginal people struggle to cope with the modern world we have subjected them to. They struggle with depression, past failures, addictions and a sense of powerlessness to change. Yet simple words of genuine faith, hope and love can transform a life. Let our words be like parables, let our actions be Jesus.

Godspeed,

Pictured: Steve and Neville in Kununurra, WA this week.