Casting Crowns just released a music video for “Slow Fade” one of their songs off their latest album The Altar and the Door. I previously blogged about this song, but I’m gonna repost part of that entry after the video. Below is the dramatic “Slow Fade” video…
From Jan. 8, 2008’s entry, “It’s a Slow Fade When You Give Yourself Away“…
At the beginning of November, I had the pleasure of attending Casting Crowns current tour, The Altar and the Door (based on their latest album by the same title). The tour also includes Leeland and John Waller. I had listened to the new album a few times before I saw the concert, but not enough to have truly melded into the music. It’s when lead singer Mark Hall began to sing “Slow Fade” that tears started to well up in my eyes. As the song continued, the lyrics rang so true to my life, that I was a sloppy mess by the end of the song.
Ever since I first experienced the song that night, I’ve realized how sin in our lives can take us on that slow fade into unbelief. How each and every little compromise we make in our faith is one step closer to collapse. Fortunately, we have a merciful and loving God who is always faithful to welcome us back into the arms of grace. However, what about those who suffer along the way due to our actions, and what if we fade so far we never choose to come back?
In relationships with both of my parents, I can see their slow fade into something else and how that’s truly damaged the family unit we once had. Of course, now my parents are divorced and with other partners, which leads into complicated family dynamics. Yet it’s a slow fade when a daddy uses the internet to chat, ends up chatting with women, bears his soul to someone other than his wife, talks to that woman on the phone, meets her in person, has a romantic relationship with her, leaves his family, and gets a divorce. Each and every step along the way adds to the slow fade.
I love that Mark Hall has his daughter sing the last stanza of this song on the album (which by the way, if you don’t have it, you should pick it up). It serves as a reminder to Daddies (and Mommies) everywhere that a compromise is not just about you, but it’s about your kids, too. Children don’t choose to be “children of divorce”–it’s just thrust upon them. Kids don’t have a say when a new step dad comes into the family; they have to accept it. There is so much hurt, pain, abandonment before the divorce, during the divorce, and after the divorce that children (not just minors–any children, even adult children) must carry around. The little girl’s singing has a haunting effect serving as a reminder how choices affect others, especially the ones we love. Yet the song rips out the very heart of someone who can see the anguishing slow fade of a parent, friend, mentor, and a loved one.
She is Beloved 
Hey Amy, I have always been amazed at the intensity of Casting Crowns. So much of the Holy Spirit in their music. Two of their songs have deeply impacted my life: “Praise You in this Storm” and “Voice of Truth.” Great article … thanks!
Hey Amy, I have always been amazed at the intensity of Casting Crowns. So much of the Holy Spirit in their music. Two of their songs have deeply impacted my life: “Praise You in this Storm” and “Voice of Truth.” Great article … thanks!
Thank you for such thoughtful and searching words. As a child of divorce myself, I can appreciate what you have to say.
Thank you for such thoughtful and searching words. As a child of divorce myself, I can appreciate what you have to say.
As the child of divorce and, recently, a wife whose heart was broken by my husband’s own “slow fade”, this video really touches my heart. Although I am committed to my family and have accepted my husband’s apology and we are putting our marriage back together, it’s a pain I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to feeling. I’m glad you posted this video on your page. The more men (and women) who see it, the more seeds will be planted with the understanding that families don’t crumble in a day… Don’t ever, ever give Satan a foothold, he will take it and run with it!
As the child of divorce and, recently, a wife whose heart was broken by my husband’s own “slow fade”, this video really touches my heart. Although I am committed to my family and have accepted my husband’s apology and we are putting our marriage back together, it’s a pain I don’t know if I’ll ever get used to feeling. I’m glad you posted this video on your page. The more men (and women) who see it, the more seeds will be planted with the understanding that families don’t crumble in a day… Don’t ever, ever give Satan a foothold, he will take it and run with it!