EDITOR'S NOTE: In October 2021 I began a new venture writing a newspaper column titled "Finding Faith" for the Forum Communications Co. network of newspapers and websites. I was asked to contribute to the company's ongoing conversation about faith, lending a Lutheran and fairly ecumenical approach to the discussion. The column was published in several of the company's papers and websites, including The Forum of Fargo-Moorhead. This column originally appeared as a "Finding Faith" column on May 24, 2024.
By The Rev. Devlyn Brooks
I paid a ridiculous sum, but last September when I bought the two second row, middle section concert seats, I was thinking, “How often does our absolute favorite band play at our hometown’s beautiful outdoor amphitheater?”
“Just buy the tickets,” rang in my head.
I would later learn that the concertgoers who sat immediately in front of us, Shannon and her husband, Paul, and their son, Alex -- first row, middle section -- felt the same sentiment when they booked theirs: “Just buy the tickets!”
But I’d find out that night at the concert their reason for buying the best seats in the house was much more justified.
During the intermission between the opening act and the headliner, Shannon very sweetly turned around in her seat and apologized if her party’s dancing and ruckus-making interfered with our concert experience.
I assured her that all was good, especially being that Shelley and I also were there to have a good time.
And then Shannon shared that her and Paul were marking their 60th time seeing the band, but it likely would be their last as Paul had been diagnosed with brain cancer on Christmas Day, and his health is continuing to deteriorate.
“Our goal was just for Paul to make it tonight,” Shannon said, tearing up. “And we made it!”
Then Shannon introduced me to Paul, and I asked if I could come pray with him. He eagerly agreed, and there we prayed like we weren’t sitting in front of a few thousand fans, tears streaming down Paul’s cheeks as he alternately smiled and broke up in grief. ... My tears flowed as well.
No words were exchanged, but in that moment I knew that I was their pastor for the night. The invitation need not be spoken. The Holy Spirit had handled that.
I met their son Alex later, and we hit it off as well. And for the next two hours, the family allowed me all-access into their sacred moment, including allowing me to sing one of the band’s most spiritual songs with Paul, and jam out arm in arm with Alex on a tune that sings of brotherhood.
Of the four times I’ve seen our favorite band play live, this was the most memorable concert of all. And, ironically, I spent more than half of the concert just being in the moment and praying with Shannon, Paul and Alex. I saw more of them then I did the band, and I don’t regret a minute.
Sometimes being church together doesn’t take place in a sanctuary with a bunch of people you know. Sometimes being church together takes place during a rock concert with new friends you’ve only met.
Faith Family, the next time when the Holy Spirit nudges you to, “Just buy the tickets!” … Well, just buy the tickets. … Amen.
Devlyn Brooks is an ordained pastor in the Evangelical Lutheran Church in America, and serves Faith Lutheran Church in Wolverton, Minn. He blogs about faith at findingfaithin.com, and can be reached at devlynbrooks@gmail.com.
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