Elias Fund

For several years, I claimed the song “Elias” by former indie jam band, Dispatch, to be my favorite song of all time.  While the song may have lost a bit of its luster to me over the years, it is still way up there on my list of greatest songs of all time.  And one of the main reasons it has remained up there is the story that literally surrounds it. The story the leads up to the writing of this great tune, and the story that has continued because of it, is truly remarkable.

It all started back in 1994 when Chad Urmston, former Dispatch member and current State Radio frontman, went on a trip to Zimbabwe where he met and befriended a simple, but wise, gardener named Elias.  As Chad watched Elias work hard and struggle to provide for his wife and two sons, he was amazed at his ability to love despite his circumstances.  He grew to care deeply about Elias and from there, one of the band’s most beloved songs was birthed.  For those who have never heard it, it is a beautifully written song, that starts off with a prayer in Elias’ native tongue Shona.

But the most exciting part of the story, is what has taken place after the writing of this great song. First there was the fundraiser, started by two friends of band, which accumulated to $13,000, guaranteeing Elias’ boys an education.  Then came the grassroots organization, the Elias Fund, which works with local initiatives to empower Zimbabwean through strategic partnership and resource allocation.  The song has also inspired the band to start the Dispatch Foundation which has a similar mission to build and support community growth in Zimbabwe.  And there have been multiple benefit concerts all because of of this one song.

The obvious conclusion is to look at this story and to recognize the impact that this song has had on Elias and the rest of his community over in Zimbabwe. As great as it is, the song isn’t what I want to focus on.  Very few of you who are reading this are actually song writers, and those of you who are can’t just go out and say “I’m gonna write a song to inspire change in an impoverished country”, and then make it happen. And Chad didn’t do anything significant when he wrote this song. He was just doing what he was created to do, what he had done before and is continuing to do today as he writes songs for State Radio.  What was significant was his choice to go to Zimbabwe, and not just to visit and take pity on them, but he chose to engage in relationship with the people there.  It was the relationship that he developed with Elias. That is what was significant.

So I encourage you. Wherever you are, whatever you do. Take the time and put forth the effort to engage in relationships and then keep doing whatever it is God created you to do. Change will happen.

Songs for Haiti

What has happened to the country of Haiti is truly tragic.  Sadly, though I have to admit that I have practically ignored what has happened. If you’re anything like me, if there is a problem that you can’t fix, you like to pretend like it doesn’t exist.  Well I have been reminded lately of how big of a difference our generosity can make in times like this.  Even though I can’t be there in Haiti to help out, that doesn’t mean that I can’t have an impact on their world.

So today I want to shine a light on an organization that has chosen not to ignore Haiti.  Instead of just sitting at home and writing a check, the people at Paste Magazine are using the influence that God has granted them and have started a campaign to raise funds for the relief effort that is taking place in Haiti right now.  They have asked artists from across the globe to donate songs that they would give away to those who donated to the relief fund.  Right now there are over 200 artists that have contributed mp3′s for this cause, with a good portion of them offering exclusive unreleased songs.

Part of me feels a little sleezy trying to entice you into giving by telling you about all of the great music you can get if you do. But then again, if writing this post means that more money will be given, and more lives will be positively affected, then that is all that matters.  I hope that those of you who are reading this recognize the great opportunity to “love your neighbor” through financial gifts and are doing so regularly. But that is another matter. For right now I have some great tunes to tell you about.

Paste has managed to get an excellent and very eclectic group of artists to participate. Of Montreal, Bruce Cockburn, Switchfoot, State Radio, Deer Tick, Andrew Bird, The Decemberists, Duncan Sheik, Ludacris and literally hundreds more have given songs to help the people of Haiti.  And these aren’t just cheap b-side tracks that would’ve remained unheard.  There are some real gems to be found in this musical smorgasbord. So head on over to SongsforHaiti.org and make a difference while you download music today.

Final Four Playlist

so in honor of tonight’s championship game I decided to come up with a nice playlist to accompany it:

1. the jayhawks – stumbling through the dark (removed 8/24)
2. survivor – the eye of the tiger (removed 8/24)
3. marc cohn – walking in memphis (removed 8/24)
4. angie aparo – memphis city rain (removed 8/24)
5. state radio – rushian (removed 8/24)
6. sufjan stevens – lo how a rose e’er blooming (removed 8/24)
7. better than ezra – rosealia (removed 8/24)

well, if my playlist has any predicting powers looks like the tigers are gonna pull it off
i hope your ears bleed (but not real blood)