I Knew This Day Would Come

Ever since the kids picked the name for their band, I knew people would have questions… or, at the very least, a raised eyebrow. Anyone within close proximity to an evangelical upbringing understands the negative contexts of wolves in the scriptures… especially wolves in sheeps’ clothing.

The phrase is an idiom (nerding out a little bit) that is often used to describe something that appears harmless, or even friendly, on the surface, but is actually deceitful… or worse. It’s derived from a biblical metaphor (didn’t realize I would be giving a ELA lesson today) found in the New Testament (Matt 7:15): “Beware of false prophets, which come to you in sheep’s clothing, but inwardly they are ravening wolves.”

The metaphor suggests that just as a wolf would disguise itself by wearing the skin of a sheep to prey upon the flock, there are people who conceal their true intentions or nature behind a seemingly innocent facade. These individuals may present themselves as trustworthy, kind, and harmless, but their underlying motives or actions may be self-serving, deceptive, and harmful. The phrase is commonly used to caution against trusting appearances alone and emphasizes the importance of discernment and critical thinking in evaluating others’ true character or intentions.

And, unfortunately, we’ve had a ton of experiences with these types of leaders within the institution of “church”. And, if I’m honest, I’ve been a little afraid apprehensive nervous about how this whole thing would play out. Because, honestly, we still have good days and bad days. But, more than that, Sydney has been a little more vocal about our “church trauma” during the past few performances.

At a show a few weeks ago she talked about how our family had to leave Maine because sometimes the trauma is so bad that you truly can’t heal… UNLESS you leave. And while you might be tempted to think this is hyperbolic, or just a flare for the dramatic… she’s actually right. The amount of crap our family faced is just ridiculous. (Example: A youth pastor telling his students they aren’t allowed to help Sydney raise money to grant a wish for a child and only relented after parents complained about the absurdity…not to mention the un-Christlike example.)

But, believe it or not… that wasn’t the worst of it.

Not even close.

But, the most impactful thing about the show in Atlanta was the response from the audience after Sydney spoke: the cheers, the applause… what I can only assume is an unfortunate camaraderie.

What’s more unfortunate is the number of people who have left the institution of Church, which has little (if anything) to do with Jesus, and… by default… the possibility of being a part of the REAL community of saints, which has absolutely nothing to do with where you park your butt on a Sunday morning.

What I’ve come to appreciate over the past few years is how this generation isn’t blindly taking the BS anymore. One of my biggest pet-peeves is how so many people misconstrue the true meaning of “child-like” faith. It isn’t a blind acceptance, or gullibility.

It’s inquisitive. It resembles the annoyance of a 3-year-old asking WHY about 10,000 times before lunchtime. It believes that Jesus is bigger than our questions… and our doubts. (Irony: The last producer Sydney met with in Nashville… the one that reached out asking to work with her several times while on the road… did a 180 once we met with him because the subject of “doubt” was a red flag for him.)

But here’s the red flag: People who refuse to acknowledge the existence of doubt. I mean, everyone LOVES the Great Commission… but if you read a couple verses before that (Verse 17), you see that the disciples… the ones who SPENT THREE YEARS WITH JESUS… freaking doubted what they were witnessing with their own eyes. So, we shouldn’t’ be afraid of doubt. But we SHOULD be wary of people who refuse to acknowledge it, admit to having it… because when we avoid it, we’re also diminishing the power of Jesus to conquer it.

So the lesson learned here, folks: These kids’ are FIRE. They have spent years processing, maturing, healing, growing, and… discerning. Suicide is the SECOND leading cause of death for youth between the ages of 10-14 and these two have spent so much time with students who fall within this age bracket. And the stories they share about the abuses they’ve experienced from within the walls of the institution are heartbreaking, infuriating… motivating.

And they couldn’t have found better advocates than these two incredible humans right here.