The Jesus Band
When I was pregnant in 2014/2015 with my third child, I found myself digging deep into the origin of names for the newest addition to our family. As I looked deeper and deeper into root meanings, origins, namesakes and other considerations, I began to wonder, "What is the legacy of a name?" Further, my mind wrestled with the question of, "Are we the name we identify with?"
Shakespeare said that a rose by any other name would still smell as sweet. That may be true. But would any woman be enthused to welcome a dozen "skunk-blossoms" on Valentines day? I think not. So, although the beautiful smell of the rose would remain, without the name it might be relegated to the status of a weed! Thus, in my mind the name a person carries doesn't make the person, but it does identify them with an important part of their identity.
Thus, the Jesus Band was born.
We carry the name of Jesus as our banner into each and every note, chord and lyric. What is more important than to identify yourself exclusively with the Savior who changed your life and the world? So, we call ourselves the Jesus Band. Because Christ has banded us together, and together we stand in this world as a reminder of the Man that changed eternity, all for love's sake.
So, as we continue to live in the passion of this life and enjoy the amazing love our Savior has for us and all those who have ever lived (or will ever live), we lift the Name of Jesus as our identity. That way, no one will ever look at us and think that Mark or Sharon have it going on. No, we hope that when they look at us, they see two people who have been adopted as sons and daughters through the blood of Christ, and who stand in this world and use their talents to draw all eyes to their Beloved, Jesus Christ.
After all, we belong to Him. And everything we do is done in the freedom we have received because of His great sacrifice.
May His holy name be the identifying mark on your life, and may you, too, live in the freedom of saying, "I'm with Him".
Blessings,
-Sharon and Mark-
