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Temporary - Story Behind the Song
I was hurrying down a Ukrainian riverside street with my friend, late for work, chatting non-stop. We were in our own world with our minds on one thing, our own lives. Then out of nowhere, a lady burst into our bubble. She was completely messed up and from face value something terrible had happened to her. And we froze. In terrified tones she spoke in Russian something that didn’t penetrate my shock. Because we were frozen. We just starred at her. As quickly as she appeared, she continued running skittishly down the street looking from side to side. In silence we continued walking. In a state of shock my brain tried to process the Russian that she spoke. As we were crossing over the river on a bridge the translation dawned on me like a ton of bricks. She had asked us for help to get away from her husband. I turned around to look for her, but she was gone. We stood there on the frozen bridge, frozen in deep regret of our inaction. We were in this country to help and yet when God had put a situation right in front of us we froze! Our minds were so focused on our own lives that we were not prepared for the life, hers, that God put in front of us. We froze. We could have helped, but we didn’t. All we had left was a prayer that next time we would be prepared.
'Temporary' is a song written about those moments when we are left with the questions, "Why don't I wake up? Why don't I walk faith? Why don't I live love?" As a songwriter, sometimes the inspiration for a song is rapid and flowing. 'Temporary' was not one of those songs. It started out as a semi-continuation of the cry of 'Laodicea' - the last song on our previous album, Pilgrim - with the thrice repeated cry of the line "Why don't I wake up?" The first verse and the chorus were written quickly rather like a journal entry, but to a slightly different melody at first. As the weeks or months progressed, can’t really remember, we added the second chorus as the answer to the questions posed in the first and additional lines to the bridge that were inspired by the practical living out 1 Corinthians 13:13. In pre-production we continued to change the overall sound to one we feel matches the theme of the song. Overall, 'Temporary' was written to express the struggle of wanting to follow God in this post-modern world and is inspired by Romans 7:15-25. The beauty is that in those moments of struggle and questioning we can turn to a Saviour who has shown us how to live love and walk faith. We have a God who wants to help us, One who we can rely on and in whose example we can follow.
Goodbye South Australia
After a quick but busy 5 days in South Australia, we drove through the Riverlands stopping by the Murray River for lunch on our way to Mildura.
The Murray River
One of the tough and beautiful parts of music ministry is having friends all over the world. Often having to say goodbye, but catching up while on the road is such a treat. We've been able to catch up with some friends before leaving Adelaide and here in Mildura on our way through. While in Mildura we were invited to do a house concert at our friend's home.
House Concert in front of a warm fire
We absolutely LOVE house concerts and last night was no exception. We love the chill atmosphere of sharing some stories and songs, then after hanging out over some snacks.
Our setup last night
The Everlasting Tour: Week 1 Update
One week into the Everlasting tour and we've travelled over 1171km for 3 concerts, 2 "Message in Word & Song" & 1 radio interview.
We've stayed at a different place every night, have met countless wonderful people, experienced amazing hospitality, and seen God working. So we wanted to share a few stories with you!
Tuesday Evening at Hamilton SDA Church
One lady came up to me with tears in her eyes expressing how our message and music touched her heart. She expressed how she had been worrying about the timing of a particular life changing decision and said that our message and music spoke directly into her experience to give her encouragement; that it was like God was speaking to her and telling her to trust in His time. Praise God!
Thursday Evening at Murray Bridge SDA Church
Another lady was getting baptised at the end of the service after our "Message in Word & Song" who had a muslim background. When we were congratulating her on her baptism, she told me that our music-sermon really spoke to her and gave her further encouragement in her decision to follow Jesus no matter what.
Early Friday morning on the Life FM Breakfast Show, Adelaide
We were further encouraged by many people to keep doing music ministry and here's a little testimony we received from the pastor at Marion Christian Church: "Eric & Monique are inspired by the Holy Spirit & inspire God's people to go deeper into the things of God. Our Church was incredibly blessed by their authenticity & passion for God and we would highly recommend them to any Church."
Saturday morning at Elizabeth SDA Church, Adelaide
Saturday Evening at Para Vista SDA Church, Adelaide
Sunday morning at Marion Christian Church, Adelaide