Thursday, September 10, 2009

This really moved me.

When I went to my hometown to work for my dad this week, I saw something out of the ordinary. My job is to maintain his mini storage buildings. Most of them are on his property outside of town, but he does have two small buildings behind the gas station in town also. As I was driving to check them, I noticed that there was a large tent set up in the vacant lot next to one of the buildings. The hand-painted sign told me all I needed to know about why it was there.



I don't know how many of you have been to a Southern revival during your lives, but I have certainly been to a few of them. This is the basic premise: A church plans a certain time of the year, typically about a week in duration, to invite as many people as possible to worship. It is a way for the church congregation to "revive" their faith and to share it with those around them. When I was a child, it was not out of the ordinary for me to get invited by my friends to the revivals at their churches. I actually remember enjoying them, because there was always plenty of singing, clapping, and overall enthusiasm.

Now personally, I prefer a more laid-back approach to spiritual matters in my adult life. I guess I am what you would call a passive believer. I have my beliefs, that much is true. But I am not the type of person who attempts to force those beliefs onto others. I still drew a ton of inspiration from this photo though. And I just want to tell you that I think the words painted onto this sign apply to every one of us, no matter what views we may hold.

Expect a miracle.

15 comments:

Anonymous said...

You live in an interesting town. You could make a documentary if you're into that type of thing : )

audreyscountrycrafts said...

I'm with you on the passive believe bit!! Haven't been to a revival since I was a teenager. To much pressure.

Patsy said...

I am from a Southern town also and remember the tents. It has been several years since I saw one. I love the sign also. I believe people forget that miracles happen daily. Thanks for the comments on the bibs. I thought they really turned out cute. Putting some more ribbon and fabric flowers on the next batch. Thanks for stopping by my blog. Have a blessed day!!

Heather said...

You know, i've never been to a good ol' 'out in a tent' revival. I too was invited to events with school friends, but it was all indoors ;)
I like their 'expect a miracle' slogan--- that would be cute on jewelry!
There are several stories in my family of people getting married at revivals...must have been the fashion back in the day!

Rheea said...

I'm sure there are miracles.. when you believe. Just like the song 'When you believe' by Mariah Carey. Inspiring song.

Thank you for getting all excited over my latest update! HA! You always make me feel so great about myself, Holly. Of course I'll never forget my buddy in U.S, so don't you dare forget me when you become a famous teacher too. ;)

Rheea

Wasted Wishes said...

Do you live by me? There was a revival around here a couple weeks ago. lol. Great photo though. :)

Ink Obsession Designs said...

I have never seen anything like that, but it is very cool!

Kate8085 said...

Oh, yes. The revivals. We went when we were kids for the singing and crushed ice flavored cones.
Too high pressure for me, but I do love the photo.
We could all use a miracle.

Caitlin said...

I love that! I've never been to a tent revival, but I sure enough know about southern meetin's. :D

God uses all different sorts of ways to spread his word. So cool!

Also noteworthy would be the fact that sweet comments from you keep popping up on my blog. Thanks for brightening my hectic days!

Lolo Sinclair said...

Hi Holly, I had no idea what a Revival was because that does not exist in our country, at least in the same way that you so nicely described.
But then I said the word to myself and realized the word revival is actually a variation of the Spanish word revivir, which means literally "to come to life again". And that is something I try to do everyday, to see things in a different way, or to notice things that we take for granted because we are so immersed in noise that drowns the beautiful little things that surround us, if we just take a moment to care.

I really liked the photo as well, it is like they say, a piece of "americana"

Lolo

velvetwoods said...

I've never heard of a revival before.
It's makes sense though.I like the pic ,thanks Holly.I expect miracles all the time.....Bring me the good stuff krishna,Buddha,Jesus,Ganesha,
space sausage, anyone ,who ever is out there oh except for the cheeky devil !!

Robin Thomas said...

Oh shuga, I do know about a revival! There is something about one in a tent, fanning flies, feeling moved. I love this picture. The handmade sign, well, I get it.

alexkeller said...

i'm a private person when it comes to faith as well, but it's interesting to see what other people/religions do. the tent reminds me of old time circus tents!

Christine Burgess said...

I love the sign too. It says so much really.
I remember a revival that took place in the little theatre of the small town where I was raised. It was the beginnings of a life change.

OliveStreetStudio said...

After reading about 9/11 and having all the memories flood back as I headed to work in lower Manhattan last Friday...I'm catching up on blogs tonight. Just read about 9/11 and then saw this sign of yours. It made me smile.