“Stop pursuing opportunities – start pursuing Jesus and let opportunities pursue you.”

This sentence, I from a sermon by Mark Batterson, put words to that which I have been striving to live for the last couple years.  Of course, as Christians it’s the guiding principle by which we should live each day, but one that is often high-jacked by budgets, board-meetings, and conventional wisdom.

Scripture tells us to taste and see that the Lord is good. (Psalm 34:8). This verse requires action and necessitates risk. And the degree to which we savor God’s goodness is fully dependent upon our level of trust. For years I said I trusted God, and indeed I did, but prior to last fall my financial risks equated to nothing more than dangling my feet over the edge of the deep end – or maybe nibbling on the crust of a coconut cream pie would be a better analogy given the Psalmists metaphor.

But – no matter the phraseology – at the end of the year after literally everything fell into place perfectly (except the finances) the Frye Family Band jumped headlong into the deep end and committed to a new recording project with Mulit-Grammy Nominated songwriter and producer Michael Farren.

This project is different from any of our past recordings in so many ways, but the biggest difference has nothing to do with the writing or recording but rather in the way the songs were written.

In the past we wrote out of a response to what God had been teaching us, knowing we would eventually record some of the songs. This time, not only were we writing not knowing if we would record again, but we were inspired to write songs which were not only about what God had been teaching us, but songs which continue to challenge us in this new season of learning to trust Him more.

These songs are a call to believe when we cannot see and hope even when what we face seems insurmountable.  2017 is proving to be a year of some pretty big changes for our family: recording a new project, a college graduation, a wedding, and a move to Nashville. And through this whirlwind of emotion we have been amazed at how many times these songs are not just songs currently in our set list but expressions of the emotion welling up in our soul.

Recently I received a message from a friend who is dealing with a very aggressive form of cancer. He texted to say as he laid down after a tiring day, “I noticed a melody floating through my brain and realized it is “Things Unseen.” I am reminded of God’s sovereignty over my health. Thanks for your ministry.”

Our prayer is that the songs on our new project will serve as a call to faith, hope, and perseverance for all who hear them. They include: A Martyrs Prayer – inspired by a story of a lady martyred by ISIS after refusing to renounce her faith in Jesus and the college students who were killed in the Umpqua Community College Shooting in 2015 for claiming the name of Jesus. Better Things (fronted by Jonathon), That’s Good News (fronted by Tom) & Full Moon (fronted by Maggie) – songs about living in the fullness of Christ in spite of our circumstances, and the title track Things Unseen (also fronted by Maggie- the chorus of which says; “I will trust though I cannot see this road ahead where You are leading me. My wandering heart looks to You my King. I fix my eyes on the things unseen. And a cover of the classic Harry Chapin song Cat’s in the Cradle (performed by Tom & Jonathon), reminding us of the importance of right priorities.

These songs – though dealing with some pretty heaving subject matter – are really full of hope. Hope that even in those times we’re tempted to give up we need to press in to our Father and rest in His love.

During this process – as we have stepped out into this unseen place – we have seen God’s faithfulness lived out in the generosity of others; Our producer who believed in us enough to commit to recording knowing we had zero money in the recording budget, Business men and women who have caught the vision and partnered with us as corporate sponsors, individuals who have seeded into this project through support through our 501c3, and others who have joined us as a backer and those who have preordered the project at our concerts. Each one is a blessing.

I believe the message in this project is one many need to be both challenged with and comforted by – it’s one which continues to challenge us too! 2017 is proving to be more than a bit scary, but whenever I am prone to fear I ask myself “what do you trust more, your plans or God’s plans?” So, I trust. I trust God knows what He’s doing, I trust others will catch this vision and join us on this journey, I trust these songs will minister to the hearts of those who hear them, and I trust that His faithfulness in this process will lead to a new season, new songs, and new opportunities to taste and see.

To join us on the journey visit:

https://actintl.givingfuel.com/frye-family – to partner with us through a tax deductible contribution.

www.pdpsupport.com/projects/frye-family-band/ – to pre order or back us and receive various FFB rewards.

And for information on corporate sponsorship email info@fryefamilyband.com

Tom & Family