Julian Drive

The art of music plays a very important role in the life of the average American. We can believe that those results are true based on the voting turn out over the period of four years with the ever popular “American Idol.� With this in mind, we must realize that the type of music that we allow to fill the speakers of the car stereo or your downloadable mp3 player plays a large role in who you are, what you are, and what you think that you are. Since music is such a huge part of our lifestyle, I spend a lot of my “free time� trying to find new groups and bands from various genres but with one solid message, a message that honors and glorifies our creator-God the Father. We have been put on this earth for one reason, to praise God and in praising God, He will share with our hearts what He would have us to do so that His message, the story of the Gospel, will reach as many people as possible, as quickly as possible. With this in mind, I have come across a band from Athens, GA that has captured the hearts of many teens, parents and everyone in-between. They began playing together in their church and God opened some huge doors that now have them playing winter fests across the country including Alaska. Let’s take a brief look at this unique band from the deep south.

Who they are?

"Five southern boys who love music" is one of the many phrases that this phenomenal musical talent has been described as. Although, the fact that residing in Athens, GA makes them unique and definitely southern, there’s another characteristic that sums up Julian Drive, they are sold out to God and His plan for their lives. For those who have never heard of Julian Drive, they are the winners of the 2004 Exalting Him talent search that is presented annually by Daywind Records in Nashville, TN. So what makes this band extraordinary? One thing is for sure, the talent is there, and the lyric of each song is definitely anointed and inspired by God.

These southern boys started off in rural Athens, GA with nothing more than a willingness to be used of the Lord and a song in their heart. They began to lead worship in the student ministry at their church. It was there, that these young men decided to take the talent, the passion, and the calling a little bit further. They entered this talent competition and it was there that their ministry went from singing in church and working with young people to being seen on national television as winners of a prestigious Christian talent competition.

The group consists of Shane Bowers, Shaun Bennett, Jesse Triplett, Jonathan Waggoner and Jason Parnell. These young men are very unique in that there are not many men their age who spend time working with teenagers let alone write songs inspired by their Creator to lead a young person to the saving knowledge of Christ. I believe that the songs that God has placed in their heart have been the key factor that has transformed them from 5 southern boys who love to sing into a nationally recognized, notable band.

What can we learn from them?
There is so much that we could learn out of the story of Julian Drive. We could look at adjectives to describe them like endure, persevere, strong willed, and committed and although I’m sure they describe this band in a very important way, I would have to say that they were willing. They were willing to do whatever God said to do at any given moment. They might be able to be considered an over night success but the bottom line is, they were in the right place at the right time, that being God’s will. We need to strive to do the same and be exactly where He wants us to be when He wants us to be there. Julian Drive is not worried about the fame and financial stability that may accompany their success. They understand that without God there is nothing and all things are possible through the power in His name.

For more information about Julian Drive log on to www.juliandrive.com to keep up with the band as well as an opportunity to purchase their self titled release, Julian Drive that is available online or at your nearest Christian Book Distributor.

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