If you enjoy listening to K-LOVE, “The Message” on satellite radio, or any other Christian radio station you might have heard the current top-20 song, “Beautiful You” by Trent Monk.

If you haven’t heard it, his song is a wonderfully soulful pop ballad, reminiscent of John Mayer or Bebo Norman, that describes his personal perspective of his relationship with “Beautiful You.”

It is implied, in a meaningful and passionate way, that “Beautiful You” is God.

This is made evident as Monk sings lyrics such as, “Every breath I breathe, every beat of my heart, I feel so alive because of who You are. Every day I rise, every time I sing, I’m reminded of Your great love for me.”

Monk’s lyrics tell a story; and he has said, “What I’ve walked through in my life, and the way that God has used those things, I feel like people can relate with their own stories and let God do something in their lives.”

Personally as a minister, I relate to his music in a delightful way, finding encouragement and joy for my faith journey through his message.

Trent Monk is formerly part of the better-known group Monk and Neagle with their famous 2007 album release “The Twenty-First Time.”

An online review states, “‘The Twenty-First Time’…is one for the journey, showing how faith lives and breathes into the corners of everyday life.

With songs about spiritual conviction, worship toward God, and love ballads to their wives, this eclectic mix offers a balanced view of how faith transforms the whole person.” (Source: newreleasetuesday.com)

Though Monk and Neagle have decided to pursue individual careers, together their music has touched and inspired a generation of worshippers, most especially the current youth and young adult age groups.

We have a fantastic opportunity in the Miss-Lou to share an evening together with Trent Monk live in concert.

Monk will be at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church at 6:30 p.m. Sunday, Aug. 19.

This concert is free for our community to enjoy, but a love offering is appreciated!

This event is co-sponsored by Church Hill, Washington, Grace and Jefferson Street United Methodist churches.

JSUMC is located on the corner of Union Street and Jefferson Street, downtown Natchez.

I hope that you and your friends will come and enjoy this time with Trent Monk! You can learn more about him and his musical mission via his webpage, www.trentmonk.com.

 

The Rev. Karie Sue McCaleb is associate pastor at Jefferson Street United Methodist Church.