I woke up in darkness, surrounded by silence
Matt Maher, who is a Catholic musician and one of my favorites, is currently performing in space! Well, not exactly, but pretty close:
Alive Again is currently orbiting aboard space shuttle Atlantis, servicing its final scheduled journey after almost a quarter-century of missions. Atlantis launched from Kennedy Space Center on May 14, 2010, and will spend 12 days in orbit and 7 days docked to the International Space Station where astronauts will deliver a Russian research module, along with other equipment and replacement parts.
Maher’s music has become a staple carry-on item for NASA astronaut, Mike Good, who has officially selected Maher’s song “Alive Again” as one of his “wake-up songs” — not only reviving Good from an outer space slumber but the rest of the STS-132 and International Space Station crew as well.
Astronaut Good relayed a message of inspiration after a recent wake up call from NASA headquarters, “Good morning Houston! It’s great to wake up here in space again. We’re looking forward to another beautiful day docked at the International Space Station. I thank God for this opportunity to view the glory of His creation from this perspective — and thanks to Matt Maher for that song, ‘Alive Again.’”
This marks the third year in a row that Maher’s music has visited the cosmos. In June 2008 and 2009 Matt’s previous album Empty & Beautiful (4/8/08) found its way onto shuttle Discovery for NASA Mission STS-124 with astronaut Ron Garan and aboard Atlantis STS-125 with Mike Good.
“I had the pleasure of meeting Mission Specialist, Mike Good when I was in Houston last year thanks to a friend of mine; seeing the NASA facility and hearing about the work that everyone there does was amazing, especially since, as a child, I always aspired to be an astronaut!” says Maher. “Music intersects with people’s lives and inspires something unique from every person, so really, it’s such an honor that he would choose one of my songs to start his day. Having my song played in space is one thing, but in context with what he says reminds me of what a great Man of God Mike is. It is such an honor to have my music start anyone’s day.”
H/t: Aggie Catholics
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I met Matt Maher early in his career as I attended the (Life Teen) parish in Mesa, Arizona where he served as one of our music ministers. It gives my heart an indescribable joy to see where his music is today. What a testimonial of what God does for His children when they walk in His love and do His will. Congratulations Matt, and thank you. You are truly an inspiration. (Tiki)