Christian Musician

May 3rd, 2008

From the desk of Bryan A. Stross
Jacksonville, Florida
email: strossba@sensoryllc.com
web site: sensoryllc.com

Christian Musician
4227 S. Meridian, Suite C PMB#275
Puyallup, Washington 98373
Attn: Mr. Bruce Adolph

Mr. Adolph:

On May 1st, 2008 the city of Jacksonville, Florida celebrated The National Day of Prayer at our Municipal Stadium. The event was an uplifting of music, prayer and witnessing that I will never forget and am most grateful for the organizers and participants of this true expression of Gods’ Love and Blessings.

It was here before the ceremony that I ran across your March/April 2008 edition which I purchased at a vendors’ stand. Now, this Saturday morning I have read it and sir I thank you from the top of my heart and bottom of my soul for delivering a wonderful media to the public. I was uplifted and encouraged by Billy Rays’ interview, especially the fact he was sleeping in a car the year before the 1993 Grammy’s. I was moved to tears more than once reading the tributes to Larry Norman. A man whose music and life I was not familiar with, but feel I know him and what his life stood for much clearer now, thanks to your publication.

I would like to specifically respond to your editorial “Where Have All The Disenfranchised Gone?” and your appeal to help find them and bring them back to their roots for the Glory of God and the enrichment of their spirits and those around them.
I feel the Lord brought me to that vendors’ stand and to purchase your publication. I feel the Lord inspired you to write your editorial. And, I feel the Lord has compelled me to respond to your plea for help in this endeavor.

First let me say that this “disenfranchised” attitude with many musicians in regards to using their God given talents to honor and spread His Word and Works is a microcosm of our society today. Many, many people have been turned off by the structured church environment. All you need to do is watch the news and you see the troubles with the Catholic and Mormon faiths and the issues of child abuse and sexual perversion. But it doesn’t stop there. We often hear stories of pastors and ministers who have fallen from grace by succumbing to the temptations satan (sorry, I refuse to capitalize his blasphemous name) puts before all of us. It is a sad truth these are the stories we hear most often and not the success stories and good being accomplished in our Christian environment regardless of race or religious preference. (Cont. pg 2)

(Page 2)

Another problem is that many of our fellow musicians have struggled to blend in with their church of choice in regards to using their talent before, during or after worship services. Many religions have a very structured ceremony and music (besides the choir and keyboard) is not part of the celebration. This adds to a feeling of, “my gift is not wanted here” so many of our brothers and sisters in Christ have developed over the years.

I attend services on Sunday mornings and Wednesday nights at an Anglican church close to my house. The Sunday worship is a structured service held in the church proper. The Wednesday service is informal and held in the community dining room. The Wednesday service starts with an acoustical set of several songs performed by various guitarists and vocalists playing old time hymns. I play the harmonica with this group that differs week to week but the one constant is Reverend John who plays the guitar, sings, and makes the music selections. Most of these songs I’ve never heard before, but I blend in and harmonize with the vocal track as I have not yet developed a consistent vocal range.
I must tell you that the feeling I get sharing my God given gift with the congregation is one of the highlights of my week. If this “feeling” could be experienced just once by some of the “disenfranchised” I know their attitudes would come around and be a positive addition to their walk with Christ. You’ve felt it, as have many of your readers and certainly the artists you highlight in your publication.

As I sit here and write this listening to Bruce Hornsby and the Range.."The Way It Is" CD, I must tell you that another fact many musicians fail to realize is that the power of God and the witness Christ has to offer us, is all around us, everyday and every night. I hear the message that artists deliver in sublime ways to their audience. Not every one wants to be labeled as a specific type of musician whose message may then only transcend to those in that particular category. The truly great artists appeal to the masses. The truly great song writers appeal to the world at large in ways often mystical to describe. This is how the Lord works and this is what the “disenfranchised” must soon realize. No matter what your talent, no matter what your skill level, you can use it to glorify God and enrich yourself and those around you in this mystical art we call music.

I would like to share something with you very close to my spirit. I am sure you know who Stevie Ray Vaughn is. When he passed I heard it on the radio during my lunch break as I was driving to a burger joint in Tampa, Florida. I had to stop the car as the tears welled up in me to such a degree I could not see. I sat there for a half-hour in tears as I could not believe one of my musical heroes was gone in such a tragic and untimely fashion. Many who didn’t really know him would say Stevies’ life was far from holy, but they could not be more wrong. We all have our day to day struggles, we all have our temptations and Stevie was no different in that respect than any of us. There is song of his few have heard. It was released after his passing by his family. It is on a CD called “The Vaughn Brothers, Family Style” its title is “Tick-Tock” (track # 7).

(cont. pg3)

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I would encourage any and all who may read this to listen to this song whether you are “disenfranchised” or not and take it to heart for its’ message is profound and its’ deliverance is masterful.

Time is slipping away from us as the song states. Please do not waste any more of it by sitting on the bench wasting your gift. If you can’t use it or if is not wanted by your current church, than find another one who appreciates your efforts to glorify God and our Savior Jesus Christ. Remember your works are measured in the Kingdom of Heaven. Use those works to His benefit and your life and those around you will be better for it.

Fellow brothers and sisters in Christ, I appeal to you to help bring those on the sidelines of life back to their root, back to their first calling, back to the wondrous glory that can be found in Gods’ Holy Word, which includes the performance of music and dance from Genesis thru Revelations. It is there to be found if only we seek it. To those who have found it, use it to bring those lost souls back to the Kingdom of God, the Glory of Jesus Christ and the Holy Ghost moving in the Spirit.

Thank you for your talents and your time.
Continue to harmonize in His Grace, He hears every note you play.


In His Service:



Bryan A. Stross
Fellow Christian Musician
Jacksonville, Florida U.S.A.

Psalm 98

P.S.
For those who would like to know more about the use of music, instruments and dance to worship and glorify God, Holman’s Illustrated Bible dictionary has an excellent four page description for your consideration and enrichment.

Gods’ continued blessings to you and yours now and forever more.

B.A.S. …:}…
www.bryanastross.blogspot.com