Christmas Shoes

Although it is a bit (ok, a big bit) behind schedule, I wanted to share a few pictures of Josh's big night when he had an opportunity to sing with the Christian group, Newsong during their Christmas concert at the Community Arts Center in Williamsport. It really was a night we all will remember for a long time!

Sometime late in November, we got a phone call from a former pastor who also works at a local Christian radio station saying that he was working on a project and wondered if we would be interested in an opportunity for Joshua. He was responsible for finding a little boy between the ages of 6-8 who would be willing to sing with Newsong during their show. He said he had never heard Joshua sing, but had always enjoyed his "character" when he was working at our church, and especially the way he always liked to play Pastor Dave's drums after church. There would be an audition scheduled with all of the radio station people to choose from a few boys that they knew. 

Given the fact that during this particular month, Joshua's main pastime was putting on concerts for us using YouTube videos on the iPad and Lauren's working microphone (ie. the best $30 we have ever spent), I figured I knew what he would say, but I told Pastor Dave that I wouls talk to him after school and let him know. I was a bit apprehensive because Joshua had never sung anything in front of other people, and certainly not in front of a crowd like the one that was sure to be at the Arts Center. 

So we practiced the song, "The Christmas Shoes" (which I am pretty shre I sobbed through thr first 300 times he sang it because that song tries to rip your guts out) and he auditioned.  He was really nervous to audition, but had never experienced anything like that before, so I couldn't blame him. But the next day, Pastor Dave called and told us that he had gotten the part. He was thrilled. 

We were told to dress him in raggedy clothes- and this was tough for me. I wanted to find him something nice to wear, but he was supposed to resemble the little boy in the movie that was made about the story in the song. We arrived at the Arts Center a few hours before the concert and were expecting to meet with the band for a little while, and hopefully run through the song. But that never happened. A few minutes before the show started Joshua met with one of the band members and was basically told when to come backstage and what microphone he would use. He did sing through his part for the band member, but only once and without any music (his challenges were tempo and pitch with the music). But that was the extent of our prep. We went out into the audience and enjoyed the show-- Sanctus Real, Danny Gokey (awesome!), Newsong and Josh Wilson (who was amazing on his guitar).  Of course, Christmas Shoes was next to last.

The clip of the movie started and we headed backstage. Josh was nervous but seemed to be handling it all pretty well.  I, on the other hand, was a nervous wreck. I was so afraid that he was going to be scared. He stood with the band member we had met earlier, off to the side, singing along with Mr Billy (as he was referred to).  And when it was his turn, he marched out there and sang his heart out. In front of 1000 people.

I cried. And cried. Thank goodness there were a few videos rolling to capture it for us. Libby and Zig had travelled nearly 2 hours to see this little 2 minute piece of history, and Grandma and Aunt Sheri were there as well. Friends of ours were actually in the first few rows and had amazing seats for filming. We were so grateful for their help because our view was really cool- but not good for video or pictures.  Most of the photos I am sharing here were sent to me from the radio station and were taken from the balcony view.

To say we were proud of Joshua was a serious understatement.  He was so brave, and seemed to really enjoy this experience.  We are so grateful for Libby and Zig and Grandma and Aunt Sheri making the trip to support him.  Joshua's teacher, Mrs. Cross, was also in the audience.  Her story really touched my heart.  When she found out that he had been selected for this opportunity, and what the song was, she said that she thought she would go to the concert to see it.  She lost her Mom on Christmas Eve, and with the basis of the song being a little boy who was trying to make his Mama beautiful in case she met Jesus that Christmas Eve, she said that this song has been extremely difficult for her to listen to in the years since her Mom passed.  But since Joshua was going to be singing it, she wanted to hear him.  She told me afterwards that she was really blessed by being there, and we were so glad.

Following the show, apparently the radio station had listeners asking about the little boy who sang the song at the concert, so they asked if he would be willing to come and speak live on the morning show with the DJ's (one of which is Pastor Dave).  He was thrilled to be asked, and seemed to have a good time.  They asked him about singing and how it felt to be up there on the stage, they asked about Christmas and his favorite Christmas song, and his favorite sports teams.  It was really cute.