more than conquerors ... amy grant & steven curtis chapman in bowling green 2/29/16

When I first heard that Amy and Steven were doing shows together, and that they would be coming to Bowling Green, I knew I had to be there. This may seem heretical to some, but I was probably actually more excited about seeing Steven, as it’s been such a long time since I’ve seen him in concert, other than as part of Sam’s Place. It was not until after the show that I realized the appropriateness of seeing them together, because it was a Spring Break trip to Nashville nearly 11 years ago - bookended by Amy & Steven concerts - that solidified my decision to move here. The evening was such a sweet intersection of past & future, of deep heart longings & the declaration of truths, or as Steven’s song ‘Finish What He Started’ says -

Life has pulled at the seams

And you’re unraveling

And you can’t hold it together anymore

But God will, He will finish what He started

No thread will be left unwoven

Nothing will be left undone …

When He’s finished, we will SEE

A beautiful tapestry

And know that nothing has been wasted in the end

The night was, indeed, a beautiful tapestry.

Soundcheck wasn’t very long or involved. Steven did two songs, and Amy did one. There wasn’t really a chance to talk with either of them, though Amy did come back out after with money so a few of us could go buy sunglasses for those in the front rows because the lights were so bright. They unfortunately didn’t end up getting passed out, but I bought myself a new pair of pink leopard print ones that I rocked for the whole show. They made a pretty great souvenir! The venue, SKyPAC on Western Kentucky University's campus, was gorgeous, and we enjoyed a delicious dinner at Mariah's right around the corner from the venue ... you have to go and try the rolls!

In true reminiscent form, Amy started with Hope Set High. Throughout the night, they had graphics playing behind them for each song - music videos and personal pictures - most of Amy’s were the same ones I had seen at the weekend.

Great Adventure (SCC w/ AG)

Every Heartbeat (AG)

Live Out Loud (SCC w/ AG)

“Life is a continuum with no wasted experience. It takes you to so many unexpected places - thank you for coming along for part of the ride.” - Amy

Everywhere I Go (AG)

“Sometimes a song has found me when I was so alone I didn't know if I could be found.” - Amy

Better Than a Hallelujah (AG)

“We have a front row seat to watch you experience our music.” Amy had commented about how this was going to be a good show because they could actually see us (so I guess the bright lights weren’t all bad). But I had never thought of it from that perspective before. “These songs are musical mile markers ... Help to remember …” - Steven

Medley (SCC)
Let Us Pray

Speechless

For the Sake of the Call

The Change

Speechless is a sentimental favorite for me. Hearing it in concert years ago was one of the first times I had a tangible experience with the Holy Spirit. It has caused me to weep every time I hear it live, and this night was no exception. It was the beginning of many tears shed throughout the show … thank goodness for sunglasses and waterproof mascara! I only wish he had done the whole song and not just a snippet.

Oh How the Years Go By (AG)

“Everybody's creative somehow ... We're wired that way. Sing loud & proud, even if you're off key.” - Amy

Our Time is Now (AG)

This one hit a nerve for me …

Let us sing before our time runs out

The sound of your laughter, your smile

These things are never changing

The reminder that it’s okay to ‘sing’ loud and proud is a powerful one. Too often, I have allowed what others think to put a damper on my voice, my passion, my joy. My laughter and smile may not change, but it feels like they’ve been tucked away. I loved seeing all of Amy’s goofy, happy-go-lucky pictures throughout the show, but it struck me that I’ve been ‘censoring’ that part of myself. This breaks my heart, but also compels me to change …

Baby Baby (AG)

Cinderella (SCC)

The story is far from over ...

Glorious Unfolding (SCC)

Lay your head down tonight

Take a rest from the fight

Don't try to figure it out

Just listen to what I'm whispering to your heart

‘Cause I know this is not

Anything like you thought

The story of your life was gonna be

And it feels like the end has started closing in on you

But it's just not true

There's so much of the story that's still yet to unfold

And this is going to be a glorious unfolding

Just you wait and SEE and you will be amazed

You've just got to believe the story is so far from over

So hold on to every promise God has made to us

And watch this glorious unfolding

There’s not much to add to that … So grateful for music that expresses the deepest cries of my heart and then leads me to worship and declare precious truths.

When Love Takes You In (SCC)

Steven played this on piano alone on stage with videos of families meeting their adoptive children running behind him. I have always been moved by stories of his organization Show Hope, and adoption in general, believing it’s something I would love to do myself someday. But watching the videos this night moved something in me like never before. I pray that God gives me the ability to adopt one day.

* Intermission *

After intermission, they did a fun back and forth scaled-back “throw-down” of some classics. They gave years with each song, but I didn’t write them down … and am not going to go look them up ;) 

His Strength is Perfect (SCC)

Thy Word (AG)

El Shaddai (AG)

My Redeemer is Faithful & True (SCC)
That's What Love Is For (AG)

Be Still and Know (SCC)

Children of the World (AG)

Herbie Getting Beat (SCC)

Amy wanted to know the first song that Steven had ever written. This was literally about his brother getting punished, and was hilarious. It was really entertaining watching the two of them interact throughout the night. This was Steven’s first ever tour with women, so it was nice to see them so relaxed together. Amy kept saying how cute he was. It’s not the same chemistry that she and Michael have - more of a kid brother than a best friend. 

Curious Thing (AG)
This probably makes me a bad fan, but I never knew (or had forgotten that) the first verse was about Jim Carrey!

This Could Be Love (or it could be the flu) (SCC)

After being down with the flu all week, I sure hope love feels different than this!

True Love (AG)

“Makes you glad for the gift of music …” - I don’t remember who said this one, but yes, very!

I Will Be Here (SCC)

House of Love (AG)

Sometimes you listen to a song (and/or see pictures, or people) and it’s a little more difficult to be single than it usually is. Needless to say, Vince & Amy have the ability to regularly trigger that longing in me. But it also inspires me to let go and give of myself in a way I never have before so as not to let another opportunity pass me by.

Missing You (AG)

Sing Your Praise (AG)

Sing anew

The song your heart learned to sing

When He first gave His life to you

The life goes on and so must the song

You gotta sing again

The song born in your soul

When you first gave your heart to Him

Sing His praises once more

Sing aloud

The song that someone is dying to hear

Down in the maddening crowd

As you once were before you heard the song

You gotta let them know

The truth is alive to shine upon the way

So maybe they can go

Sing your praises once more

I love the live workup that they’ve done with this song. Not only is it so much fun, but also a powerful worship experience every time. And tonight, it was the perfect accompaniment to everything God had already been speaking - to sing again, not only for myself, but for others who need to hear the song that He has put in my heart.

More Than Conquerers (SCC)

And then Steven did this song from his new worship album. Wow. (I couldn’t find the lyrics up anywhere yet, so these aren’t 100% accurate.) Just let the beautiful grace of those words wash over you …

Now there is no condemnation.

Now there is no guilt or shame.

For those who have been covered

By the blood of Jesus

Now the words of our accuser

Have been robbed of all their power

And the enemy has been defeated

By the blood of Jesus

So we stand with our hearts washed clean

And we lift up our hands and sing

We are more than conquerors

We are more than conquerors

God if you are for us

Who can be against us

What can separate us

From your love

Once we were as slaves and prisoners

Now we’re children of the king

Sacred sons and daughters

Saved by the blood of Jesus

So tell me death where is your victory

Tell me grave where is your sting

You've been swallowed up in life

Forever by the blood of Jesus

So we stand as the ones redeemed

And we lift up our hearts and sing

By the blood of the Lamb

By the word of our testimony

The enemy has been

The enemy will be defeated

I have always and will always love Amy’s music, but there is not questioning that Steven’s music is simply anointed.

Lead Me On (AG)

Every Little Thing (SCC)

Love Take Me Over (SCC)

Okay, here’s another confession for ya … Up until tonight, whenever I heard the lyric “Trying to wake up, sipping on a hot cup, with the little lady in green” I thought he was talking about having morning coffee with one of his daughters. My dad calls me little lady, and he always writes about this daughters, so that is what made sense in my head. Then tonight it dawned on me that he was talking about Starbucks! But I digress …

* Grand finale *

You're Not Alone (AG)

Emmanuel (AG)

FINALLY they got the audience on their feet! These older crowds are always tough. There were plenty of moments that I would have liked to, but being smack dab in the middle right against the stage, I didn’t want to block anyone behind me. So I was grateful for the opportunity to dance and worship, and for the energy of the crowd.
Dive (SCC)
Turn, Turn, Turn (AG & SCC) I really wanted this one to be ‘Believe’, but it was still such a fantastic ending to a spectacular, God-filled evening.

I haven’t left a concert on such a high in a very long time. And it’s been even longer since I’ve felt compelled to write a review (let alone followed through on it), but I couldn’t help but share all the powerful truths God spoke to my heart … because if I had to guess, someone else needs to hear them, too. And if you need to hear them on repeat, make this setlist into a Spotify playlist or, better yet, go buy Steven’s new worship album, Worship & Believe, which was released today. Just do whatever it takes to get them deeply established in your heart!

I can't wait to see Amy with Nichole Nordeman in Kentucky in April ... I know there will be more of the same! (and I REALLY hope they do their song 'I'm With You' from The Story :)