Dave and I spend the third thursday of every month in someone’s home, surrounded by old and new friends, with the sweet melody of laughter and live music filling the air.
We have been overwhelmed by our community’s response to this unique evening that is The Bentonville Sessions. These events have evolved from an idea that our friend, JD, had a few months ago. He wanted to get a group together each month for a “house show” in our town. Essentially, he wanted to host live music in a home, in order to create a intimate experience and an opportunity for local artists to perform in an unconventional venue.
Having an overwhelmingly altruistic spirit, he knew this community would embrace the idea and he wanted the shows to benefit something good. He asked us if all of the profits {from memberships to the series} could benefit Feed Their Tummies. Um. Yes. Yes, that would be just fine.
Here we are. Four shows later. In awe of the way God has worked in this community to create something that is so, so fun to provide resources that will feed precious little ones half a world away {seriously, you guys, it is just the most fun time — everyone is so kind and welcoming and the artists are incredible and the feeling in the air is just pure joy, it feels impossible to capture in words or photos}.
We couldn’t be more grateful for this work that we have been invited into. I looked around last night and just took a deep breathe of gratitude.
I thought back to two years ago, typing these words after the conversation with God that changed the course of my life.
I remember that moment with such clarity. I want to go back in time and give myself a hug. I look back and think: this, all of this, is what you had in store for me and I had no idea what was coming. I have clung to those simple, transformative words many, many times over the past two years : Be My Light.
There is such freedom in letting go of the guilt and embracing the story He is writing in my life. And, what a beautiful story it is. Surrounded by such an amazing little tribe of world-changing, Kingdom-builders. I never saw any of this coming but I could not be more grateful for the small part I get to play in it all.
If you are local to NW Arkansas and would like to join us each month, we would love it! Find out more at www.bentonvillesessions.com.
Donna Lee Schillinger says
Wonderful testimony!
jenny.marrs@yahoo.com says
Thank you, Donna!
Sarah Wood says
So encouraging Jenny!