Rend Collective

Checking an item off the bucket list! My family and I made an impromptu trip to Bartlesville, OK, to see Rend Collective live in concert this past weekend!  I realize this is a more personal post, but it’s foundational to Holy Barre . . . trust me.

Rend Collective’s music has been a core part of my life for the past 8+ years. Funny how He has used a simple Irish band with unique instruments and lively beats to impact this Oklahoma gal so deeply.

I first remember hearing and loving their version of Oceans, as that was my anthem, prayer, and praise song during a season of waiting to become a mom while we lived in Temple, TX. 

I remember playing their music in Cleveland, OH, during a season of just getting through the days with His joy as I cared for a newborn and toddler far from home where it got dark at 4:00pm.

I remember playing their music during a season of uncertainty as I would shower, pray and cry in my Edmond, OK, bathroom after moving back and trying to figure out life as a SAHM with littles while my hubby struggled to launch his practice. 

I remember doing barre routines in my kitchen and bathroom to their powerful rhythms and lyrics in a season of needing community and wondering if others would find value in this combo. 

I remember playing their music in the car every day during a season of ‘2020’ and hearing my kids sing along to their truth, knowing they might not fully grasp it or even believe it but praying it sticks for when they need to love others, stand firm and feel Him near. 

I remember dancing to their songs at home with my family during a season of seriousness when I realized just playing some upbeat music could turn the mood around for us all.

I remember playing their music at All Fit Collective as I led Holy Barre and truly feeling His presence in the room and within me. The majority of the many original Holy Barre playlists contain their songs and end with This Little Light of Mine by Rend Co. 

As I remember, I’m also reminded of His faithfulness in ALL the seasons!  And the power of His truth as I danced to the rhythms of His grace. Looking back, I’m truly in awe. The Lord has used Rend Co’s music to stir my soul like never before and to worship, inspire, heal, rest, encourage, love, trust and truly burn bright.

I joke that I can tie most adult or family interactions to a Friends or Bluey episode. But I can also tie most seasons or spiritual scenarios or scripture references to a Rend Collective song as well. I’ve even gone so far as to consider including lyrics to a different Rend Co song with each chapter of a book I’ll eventually write.

And yes, the concert did not disappoint!  Worshipping with my family was the icing on the cake.  Yet as the band mentioned, gathering together for a worship session is just the icing on the cake.  Let’s make sure the cake of living each day as worship is delicious too.  Let’s taste and see that the Lord is good . . . ‘oh so good to me’.

So here’s my application . . . what music stirs you?  How do you worship each day? What rhythms help you remember His faithfulness?  What’s your icing on the cake?  And how’s your cake in THIS season? 😉 

PS – I’d love for you to actually comment to this post with your answers . . . 

PPS – I had time this week to record a YouTube Holy Barre workout . . . full of Rend Collective music!  Below you’ll find the link to the YouTube workout as well as the specific playlist.