MT2M

Back in 2003, I was really focused on writing contemporary Christian music and leading worship in small churches. The plan was to involve John and Meredith, and eventually Daniel. I wanted us to be akin to a traveling gospel group. If you saw "Smoke On The Water," you already have the picture in your mind.

However, in my grand scheme, we were going to be hip...with it...playing cutting edge contemporary music. Unfortunately, the family band didn't make it much further than a few lunch groups, but I was glad that God placed the thought in my head. You see, after we played at a few luncheons, John and Meredith gained enough confidence to create a band with kids their own age. They both were recruited to play in a band called Water, which led a local church in worship one Sunday. Then, the youth minister at our church decided to put together a youth worship band, and John and Meredith were recruited to be members. John played bass and Meredith sang lead vocals. Meredith eventually dropped out, but John stayed with it. The band became known as Silas and played at various churches around town...and even in a few out-of-town churches. In their prime, which only lasted about 1.5 years, they were as good as any local band. I used to joke that only two of the six members had driver's licenses, but it was true. Those kids were jamming for Jesus.

I tell you this to explain the title of this blog...MT2M. Back when the family band was still a seed in my mind, I came up with a cool name for a Christian band: MT2M...empty (MT) tomb (2M). Get it? It symbolizes why we celebrate Easter. There was no dead body in the tomb on Sunday morning! Jesus defeated death! All Christians celebrate!

The family band was just a stepping stone for other things. John has now played in various bands. He played bass for First West's Portico band several years ago. He and several friends had a band called Halieus, which played in Battle of the Bands in Lafayette. He now plays rhythm guitar in one of the contemporary bands that leads worship at North Monroe. Plus he's in another band called Second Day Jeans...a Jesus band. I'm very proud of him. Meredith chose to take another path. Although she sings beautifully, you'll probably never hear her. She doesn't like singing publically anymore, but I'm proud of her too.

Finally, I leave you with this video. The band, Downhere, wrote this song and it's on their third album. It really gets to the heart of what Jesus did for us. I hope you enjoy it. I met this band a couple of years ago, and I can attest that they are straight-up guys...very talented...very committed to their "family" band.

If anyone is interested, I still have a few baseball caps with MT2M printed on them. I had some printed in an effort to "sell" the family on my wonderful plan. Yeah, I was disappointed that our band never took off, but God had other plans. And since He's in control, I'm okay with that.