FIRE IN OUR HEARTS
COMMUNICATE!
us. Isaiah had once mourned that Jerusalem had ‘none to guide her’ among ‘all the sons she bore’ (Is 51:18). Zion’s sons were meant to cherish her, ‘take her by the hand’ and lead her on. Ours first needed winning, healing, and giving opportunity to express their creative energy. Nathan and Phil soon had the gathering in stitches with their memories, candour and funny remarks. During that memorable evening mums and dads faced their failures and triumphs as forgiveness, humour and hope flowed between the generations. When Nathan and Phil sat down they were clearly rebels. But, strangely and movingly, the impression that lingered was of their love for the church — and her Lord. Nathan continued to struggle. His ambitions were set on music and he’d started to play for a local band. At this point Jez came into the story. Jez had heard about one of ‘Zion’s kids’ who had a talent for keyboard, was on the way out, and wanted advice on the music scene. Rufus set up a meeting for them at Sheepfold where they could make some sounds together. The two musicians gelled from the word go. Soon Rufus had an inspiration. He’d been wondering how to capture the energy and mysticism of creation in music. Maybe... Yes. He shot off and came back with a copy of The Magician’s Nephew by C.S. Lewis. Nathan and Jez were still jamming as the December sun sank low over the hills and the little studio began to fill with atmosphere. Rufus began to read aloud and Nathan’s keyboard followed with moody, mysterious sounds. The guitar sang and soared. Caught up in the imagery of the moment, Rufus began to weep. They’d hit on something deep. 356