Holding The Boom

Tuesday morning I was at Patch Reef Park in Boca Raton. I was filming a promo for an upcoming sermon series at Spanish River entitled, Lead Where You Are.

It was a wonderful morning in August, meaning it was hot and humid. A soaring thermometer and steamy air are no big deal - unless one happens to be holding the boom, the long pole with a microphone attached.

“Is it heavy?” I don’t know. I didn’t have to hold it! That job was reserved for Christian, a member of our church and a film student at Florida Atlantic University. To get a bit of perspective, try this: Take a broom and tape a flashlight to it. Then lift up your makeshift boom and with arms outstretched hold it perfectly still above your head. Then keep holding it there for about an hour. Yeah, it gets heavy.

That’s why I was just a little concerned for Christian. I knew we would be shooting and re-shooting this video to get it right. In fact, this particular filming required forty takes. Yes, F-O-R-T-Y.

Finally, with my part done, Christian lowered the boom and I was able to walk back to my car. That's when it hit me: you can put Martin Scorsese behind the camera and Cameron Diaz in front of it, but if there is no one to hold the boom, what you've got is a silent film. I've seen some of those -- no thank you! And yet how easy it is to forget the quiet acts of service.

Paul didn't forget! Writing to the church in Corinth, he took time to point out the boom operators:

Now I urge you, brothers—you know that the household of Stephanas were the first converts in Achaia, and that they have devoted themselves to the service of the saints— be subject to such as these, and to every fellow worker and laborer. I rejoice at the coming of Stephanas and Fortunatus and Achaicus, because they have made up for your absence, for they refreshed my spirit as well as yours. Give recognition to such men. 1 Corinthians 16:15-18 ESV

Directors bark commands and actors bring a story to life, but someone has to hold the boom. Enter Stephanas, Fortunatus, and Achaicus. Like Christian, God used these first-century "boom operators" to sweeten the sound and refresh the church. Paul said, "Thanks" and we should too!

Christian, THANKS for holding the boom!