When I attended the Girls Night Out event at the Medina Performing Arts Center on September 12, I had no idea that I would be so blessed by Natalie Grant’s concert. Up to that day, I had never heard any of Natalie’s songs. I had gone because Anita Renfroe was performing. Also, I wanted to hang out with my friend, Jan Maxwell.
We had purchased VIP tickets, which allowed us to go to a Q&A session with both Natalie Grant and Anita Renfro. It gave me a glimpse into the heart of both women, who love their God and their families. Natalie shared that her four year old daughter, Sadie, was there with her at the concert. She said that Sadie thought she was the one on tour and that her mom was touring with her!
When Natalie came out to begin her concert, she asked the crowd if we would “press into the presence of God.” She encouraged those there to leave everything behind for the moment and focus on God. Then she sang the song “Hurricane.” It reminds us that it doesn’t matter what storms in life we face, God will meet us right where we are.
In the middle of her concert, she asked us if it would be alright to have her daughters come out on stage. In addition to Sadie, she also has a set of eight year old twins, Gracie and Bella. These beautiful, blonde haired little girls came out on stage.
At one point, the four of them, Mom and daughters, had a “family meeting.” Natalie had moved the microphone away from her, so we couldn’t hear what was said. It was obvious by the animated discussion that Sadie was making a request of her mom. The request turned out to be that she get to sing a song, without her sisters. The room erupted in laughter. Natalie asked if it would be O.K. and we all applauded our approval. It sort of freaked out the guitarist who was there, because I imagine this wasn’t on the set list. Natalie was so cool, when she told him, “Just go with it.” So this little four year old sang “Tomorrow” from the musical Annie with a little help from her mom. At the end, we gave her a standing ovation.
Everything about her concert was great. Natalie is so transparent in sharing her struggles including dealing with “mommy guilt” when she has to leave her daughters at home as she tours. My favorite song is her song, “In the End.” She reminded us that we will win in the end, when Jesus returns.
For someone who had never heard her songs before, I am glad to have heard them live. I think I’ll appreciate them more, because I have seen this incredible woman in person. And I think, I got a glimpse of heaven through her singing.
If you’ve never heard Natalie’s sing, here is a video of her song In the End.
