After over a year of dreaming, recording, mixing, fixing and waiting "Ruin Me" is ready to be released. I am so proud of this project. It has been just that...a project. From the writing to the live performing to the recording and mixing this album has been forged by a pursuit to creat something that is authentic, focused and mature. The song themes flow like the Book of Psalms with invitations to a journey, adoration, petition, lament, declaration and close with a benediction.
What is the Shoshben?
In the Gospel According to John, John the Baptist is questioned by his disciples why the crowds are leaving him and going to this new teacher, Jesus. This shift in popularity and attention could have been devastating for eccentric prophet who broke God’s extended silence. Yet John replies with a beautiful discourse on knowing that he is not the chosen one, the messiah but simply the friend of the Bridegroom who rejoices at hearing the his voice. John’s deep understanding of who he was and what he was to be about fueled a single hearted devotion to. He was the friend of the Bridegroom the Shoshben.
In the Jewish culture the role of the best man is so much more than it has evolved into in our modern society. Today the topic of a Best Man often conjures up images of a court jester rather than a trusted friend who has a sacred role in the wedding celebration. The Shoshben was a person whose loyalty and love for the Bridegroom guided them in realizing that the attention and adoration is to be directed to the one they serve rather than themselves. Their role involved preparing the Bride for the wedding celebration. Much different than many of us have experienced the groom is responsible for the wedding. The Shoshben presides over the ceremony as a servant host caring for the wishes of the Bridegroom and the needs of the guest. Finally the Shoshben stands guard at the door of the Bridal chamber protecting the vulnerable Bride as she waits for the intimate embrace of her Groom.
The worship leader finds their call with in the definition of the Shoshben. To be a loyal and loving friend of Jesus Christ, a trusted teacher, a servant host and a courageous guard who knows that the Bride belongs only to the Bridegroom.
