Todd Agnew, Barlow Girl, and Warren Barfield
In the Name of Love Tour
Madison, WI
May 14, 2005
by Michelle Malone

Satisfaction comes when eternal truths are tied with creative expressions, passion, and joy. This is what the artists delivered and the audience received at the In The Name of Love concert in Madison, WI on May 14th, 2005.

Warren Barfield ignited the evening with his truthful lyrics and wholehearted performance. Light-hearted banter put those in attendance at ease, and you may have mistaken his encouragement for that of Jesus’.

The same flame rose as Barlow Girl took their places and belted out their reaction to lessons from life. A full rock sound triggered senses, and hearts were shaken loose to hear words of feverous sincerity, as modern-day lighters swayed. “Look to the Lord for your image” was Becca’s counsel, Alyssa communicated the need to let go of your dreams, and to be open to the Lord’s plan, which He has for everyone, now, wherever you’re at. Lauren imprinted upon girl’s hearts the need not to submit to today’s barely there fashions to keep boy’s minds from temptation. Their set was a reminder that a porcelain heart once clothed with Christ’s love, is never alone.

With the sound of thunder, Todd Agnew brought the night fire to new heights. Donning the face of blues, knee slaps of country, and hands of praise, all were engaged. The performance was astounding. Energy was infused into the atmosphere as Todd, with his booming voice and his guitar, Jonathan Chu, on his violin, Cody on the bass and Brian on the drums cut through silence to the deep parts of hearts. Todd painted a picture on how we can know deep acceptance from the love God has shown us by choosing us. There is power in that, and we are to worship God by letting all our actions reflect the life of Christ, not by simply singing a song on Sunday morning and then acting in an unloving way the rest of the week. The boldness Todd had to give an invitation to accept Christ and to rededicate lives to Christ is to be commended. The blaze of the Holy Spirit present through these artists brought many to trade their sorrows since they didn’t need to wait any longer for the power of God’s love to come to town and transform hardness into passion to live a life of worship.

God truly moved mightily thanks to the desire that each of these artists had to share what had for His glory. I am grateful to God and each of them and everyone involved for an unforgettable evening that continues to ripple through my mind bringing my heart and soul to smile.

Complete Slideshow

*Michelle is the Traffic Manager for WWIB 103.7 in Chippewa Falls, WI and an avid CCM fan.