Jamin Rathbun & Superdink.com

Who is this Jamin guy anyway?
I am the husband of one and the homeschooling father of five. I am a singer, songwriter, and a worship leader who plays guitar and piano. I am the Executive Director of Trinity Arts Center, a small Christian Arts Academy in Eastern Tennessee. I'm also a guitar teacher and -- I spend about half my time building web sites and helping companies organize their thoughts, fine tune their products, and turn their customers into company evangelists. I've been involved with four music projects in my life -- Hot Pink Turtle, Spin Radio, Stand Like Stone, and of course, Jamin Rathbun. I'm also training to be an Ultimate Fighter (that's not true). = )

bible

Psalm 61:1-2
Hear my cry, O God; listen to my prayer. From the ends of the earth I call to you, I call as my heart grows faint; lead me to the rock that is higher than I.

I don't know about you guys but I really relate to the variation in David's prayer life. Sometimes he's praying (singing) verses filled with imagery on par with the most accomplished of poets. Other times, he just cries out to God in the simplest of terms with an authenticity that is impossible to miss. Sometimes he's a little crude. Sometimes you're a bit embarassed by him (like when he's running naked through town) but overall, you just can't help but be touched by the experience of sharing his innermost thoughts and his heart.

music

By the way...
I wanted to mention a couple modern psalmists -- David Crowder & Chris Rice.

Guys like Crowder and Rice have that same something (described above) about them. There is a certain honesty and passion in their music that overpowers their musical and lyrical talents (as incredible as they are) with something more intangible, yet very perceptible.

Both of these guys are phenomenal poets, incredible musicians, and from what I've read -- just good guys. But what really makes them favorites of mine is when, in songs like Welcome To Our World, A Lark Ascending, and many more... They really touch on something that is beyond just being a good song or good worship. They allow us a small glimpse into a heart a bit like David's, as they simply sing their hearts to God.

I'll let you listen for yourselves but... I wanted to share one little piece of Crowder's "song" that really resonated with me as a worship leader and a worshipping believer...

"I'm just trying to make you sing. From inside where you believe. Like it's something that you need. Like it means everything."

Maybe next time you have the opportunity... Rather than just sing the songs... Just close your eyes, raise your hands, forget who's watching and let your heart cry out to God.