August 19, 2020
When I was growing up, I absolutely with all seriousness asked God to make me a singer. I pictured myself on a stage as I rehearsed in front of my bedroom mirror, hairbrush in hand. It would have taken a miracle for this wish of mine to come true. Main reason: I could not and still cannot sing. I mean, I can. It just doesn’t sound good.
I’m supposing that at some point I came to terms with the fact that I was not going to become a famous singer. I moved onto the dream of performing in a band as a keyboard player. My piano teacher graciously guided and supported me through lessons. I slightly broke her heart when I shared the news that I was trading in my songbooks for basketball sneakers.
Mark this down as one of my major life derailments. At least I had an inkling of talent with the piano. My basketball career was devoid of any skills or stellar moments. Well, I do remember my mom screaming with delight any time I fouled another player. Those were the only features on the highlight reel.
But you know, you can’t keep a good woman down. My love of music and my desire to belt it out could not be stopped by a mere lack of talent. My boys can attest to the fact that my kitchen often becomes my concert stage. There’s nothing like a little praise and worship to get you through washing the dishes.
And boy have I washed some dishes these past few months. Life has been so much about home. The cooking, cleaning, staying in, not going out. Staring at a blank calendar. That is life for so many of us during 2020. Who could have imagined a virus infiltrating the world, clearing our schedules, and reducing many days to the latest headline?
In an attempt to drown out the quiet, I’ve turned on some music. It’s brought some noise. It’s brought some entertainment. Sure we’ve listened to 80s tunes and some really old country songs that have caused my boys’ eyeballs to almost roll out of their sockets. And I’ve choreographed my own routine to “The Greatest Showman” soundtrack.
But mostly, I’ve turned to praise and worship music. It’s brought my heart and my head comfort. Songs that remind me to cling to the Lord in these times. Some days feel heavy and endless. My off-key contributions seem like all I have to offer at times.
And while no miracle has occurred concerning my voice, God has worked wonders. Only He can take our mourning for life as we knew it and turn it into dancing. Let me encourage you. In these strange times, turn to what you know. The Lord is good and deserves to be praised. Put on some music and sing.
Hearing the Truth put to music deafens the lies spouted from the news and social media.
Belting out victory defeats fear and doubt.
Declaring God’s Kingship shifts our focus from ourselves to Him.
Hearing praise echo from the walls quiets the voices that don’t belong within them.
Singing about eternity changes our perspective to the things that last.
Turn up the music and praise Him. You never know, maybe your family will sing with you…or dance along…or leave the room. ???
Tell us! What songs have you been listening to these days? Let us know so we can add them to our playlists.