TobyMac shakes it up at Chick-Fil-A drive thru

WASHINGTON, D.C. (Christian Examiner) – TobyMac gave away free copies of his newest album, This Is Not a Test, in a local Chick-Fil-A drive-thru line; but the real impact of his gift was the smiles and laughter of all the people whose lives he touched.

Customers who just wanted a quick meal were surprised when the musician told them, "Your money's no good here today." Their reactions when they learned their food was free ranged from surprise, smiles, laughter, and even tears.

TobyMac's infectious smile and obvious joy at the drive-thru window was a testimony to his love for people. He chatted with customers and Chick-Fil-A staff, gave out high-fives, refused money, joked, and shook hands.

And he shook it up a little: "Shake it don't break it -- it took your momma nine months to make it," he joked with one young woman, handing her a milkshake.

The D.C. radio station WTGS 91.9 asked TobyMac to be a part of their Drive-thru Difference, which challenges listeners to pay for the order of the person in the car behind them. "You never know how a simple act of kindness might brighten someone's day," the station's website said.

TobyMac said, "Man, I've never done anything like that. To deliver the food at the drive-thru window was great, but to see the look on the people's faces, just the joy."

One woman was moved to tears by the gift, while children in back seats often grinned and laughed.

And TobyMac handed out a lot of fist bumps with bags of chicken bisquits.

He was elated to share his music at the window and give autographs inside the store. "There's people out there working hard, and when they get blessed like that it means a lot."

The musician was happy to think the music on his newest album in the customers' cars would continue to remind them that life is a blessing. "You just never know what you're going to do to somebody's life when you just all of a sudden bless them with something like that," he said.

"It just lifts their spirit, it makes them feel like somebody cares about them."

TobyMac told customers that he wanted to bless them with the Drive-thru Difference, but at the end of the day, he was just as moved as they were.

"It blessed me probably more than it blessed them," he said. "For real, it was a great day."