The Singing Echoes started this web site in order to expound upon the song
currently on their latest project titled "Our Heritage." The name of the
song is "I'm A Used To Be". To better understand the message in the
song, I feel its important to tell you the story behind the song.
While getting prepared for a concert The Singing Echoes were to perform at, We
knew we would be singing early in the program. Gary, Jeremy, Josh, Matt,
and I went to the bus to get changed. If you've never been to a Singing
Echoes concert, perhaps you don't understand the process and effort it requires
to set up. We are one of the few groups on the road today that has a full
band. We play with an old upright bass, piano, dobro, guitar, mandolin,
and other instruments that a lot of people have never seen in person,
but only heard on a recording. It takes quite a bit of time to get
everything plugged in and ready for a concert. We don't perform, per say,
as some others do. We still look at our singing as a "ministry" and not
another show or gig. Sometimes we aren't perfect, but there isn't another
group that enjoys telling others about the love of Jesus like our family does -
and has been doing so for over 39 years. We all left the bus at pretty
much the same time, walking into the exhibit hall together. As we entered
in the hall I noticed that everyone in the place seemed to almost stand still, a
hush came over the crowd in the building and I looked on as some even scoffed
and looked away with a sense of hostility. You see, we are "Old
Fashioned." We are used to being viewed and judged accordingly. I
knew when we entered the room, some took offense to the fact that we came there
to worship. We came with a purpose. We all went our separate ways,
each having business to tend to.
As I walked just inside, I was immediately stopped by a gentleman. I had made his acquaintance a few years back. I didn't know him very well, but we know each other well enough to talk to each other and call each other by name. He pulled me to the side as he shook my hand in the isle and said he wanted to talk to me. Now what I'm about to talk about is by no means a dig or a judgment on my part towards certain people or groups of people that sing Gospel Music. He said that he wanted to tell me how much he appreciated me and my family for "dressing the part." He told me that he had been at that weeklong concert from day one, and had not seen anyone my age or younger dressed in a suit. He went on to say that instruments were few and far between there, noting that most groups had relied on mini disk tracks. He said that he could barely recollect a single shout or tear that had been shed the whole week. He said...you know, I've been looking forward to hearing you guys get on the stage because I know some rejoicing in the Lord is going to occur when the Singing Echoes sing tonight. From there, another gentleman, that I don't really know, joined in the conversation and started to explain the reason that groups have changed for the better. He told me that most groups have started dressing differently in order to appeal to the audience. As he continued his great explanation about how to attract to the younger crowd and how to build your fan base, he went to great detail in letting me know that shouting and rejoicing in the Lord just isn't necessary. People now days get scared when things like that go on in a church service. People don't want to hear all that noise."
I could not help but think about Romans 12. The passage of scripture that says: I beseech you therefore, brethren, by the mercies of God, that ye present your bodies a living sacrifice, holy acceptable unto God, which is your reasonable service. And be ye not conformed to this world: but be ye transformed by the renewing of your mind, that ye may prove what is that good, and acceptable, and perfect will of God. As the discussion progressed, I gave him the rock solid foundation that I have tried to build my ministry around. You see, God is timeless - and timely. I understand the importance of reaching a young crowd. I realize the importance of not offending folks, but I also know that I should not become as the world to win someone to Christ. Sanctification - to be set apart... that says it all.
I tried to explain the things that I remember happening in the church that I grew up in. I told him about how the choir used to sing to the height of their vocal capacities...how dear old ladies used to just squall at the mention of the Blood that their Savior shed for them. I remember men walking the backs of pews, and saints of God just obeying the Spirit of the Lord. Some would run, some would shout, some would just sit and cry. We talked at great length about the "future" of Gospel Music. He said, with no disrespect - mind you, that the way we do things is a bit old fashioned. Knowing that the way I think and feel will never transform his way of thinking, I stated my final thought. I told the gentleman that "I know that the way we do things is not considered industry standard anymore. I know that some people may not like the way we sing. Some people may not think that we will ever be as successful as others will, knowing that a lot of crowds aren't used to our kind of worship. But I cannot conform to the things or ideas of this world. I cannot become as the world to win them over. I guess if these are your ideas of the way things have to be now, then I am just stuck in the past. I'm not part of the in crowd. I guess I'm just a used to be!"
The idea for the song didn't just hit me at once...but as
I thought more and more about the conversation we had that night, it just kept
coming. Not only is the idea behind this song based on the fact that we
believe in the old time way, but also that I used to be a lot of things.
The chorus states:
I used to be a sinner, till
Jesus saved me by grace,
I used to be lost without hope, till Jesus took me in.
I used to be on the road to hell, till Jesus died in my
place.
I’m a used to be, and that’s fine by me, Thank God for the
old-time way.
Can I just say
thank-you? When I think about people calling me a used to be...I can't
help but just be think that Jesus made me that way. If it weren't for Him,
We would all be in hell - a place prepared just for the Devil and his angels.
Hallelujah for the Mercy and Grace of God that saved me from that awful place.
We just recorded this song, and it has already been a blessing to so many
people. There are still people that believe in the old time way of
worship. There are certainly people that have heard these sorts of things
being told to them by those looking to please men. This song is for the
multitudes of people that have been laughed at, disapproved of and mocked for
staying true to
God's word. This website is for those of you who would like to share with
others what and where God has brought you from. I can tell you....I used
to be on the road to hell, till Jesus died in my place. That's why they
call me a used to be. Are you a used to be? If you are, I would like
for you to tell others about it. This is a discussion forum that lets you
tell others just what God has done for you. follow the threads and tell
others just how much of a used to be you are! Remember, Jesus made you
that way!
Adam Epperson
Singing Echoes
This is an on-line discussion forum called I'm A Used To Be.
The contents frame shows the titles of all articles posted to the discussion. Selecting a title will cause the corresponding article to be loaded into this frame. Note: journal entries will be monitored and approved before posted to the website.
You may also:
In addition, each article has links to let you reply to it (continue the thread) and navigate the article list.
 Please be sure to listen to your favorite radio stations and request the song "I'm a Used to Be." May the song be a blessing to you and the others that may hear it as a result of your song requests!!! |