Pausing To Sing

There was always that one person.
The one person in elementary school who wasn’t afraid.
The one person who had no trouble raising their hand.
The one person who asked the question we all wanted to ask.

There is always that one person.
The one person in a meeting who asks the question.
The one person who has no trouble respectfully interrupting when something is not right.
The one person who makes the comment we all wanted to make.

What gives them their courage?
What gives them the carefree attitude that seems to disregard public opinion?
What gives them the confidence that what they say will make a difference?
What gives them the backbone to do the right thing?

I thought of all of this after I alluded to it during Bible study.
I was remembering a wonderful little book, The Drummer Boy, by Ted Dekker.
The book is not the typical genre in which he usually writes.
The book has lingered with me, since I read it to my youngest daughter many years ago.

I actually gave the book to my youngest son because of the main character.
The book is about a little boy and his drum.
Since my younger son plays the drums, I thought he would enjoy it.
More than that, the quiet strength of the main character reminded me of my son.

I mentioned the book to the women at Bible study.
I gave them a brief synopsis.
When I got home, I pulled the book off the shelf.
I realized I left something very important out of my description.

In my summary, I stressed that the book was about music and the courage to play a song.
In reality, the book was about Jesus.
It was about a town, in which Jesus’ name was forbidden to be spoken.
It was about a town that had forgotten all about Christmas.

Christmas was forgotten because it was illegal to talk about such things.
The name of Jesus had been forgotten because many did not know anything about Him.
Those that may have known many years ago, had buried the memory.
Forgetting was easier, because then you never caused any trouble.

I talked about the book because of something I always dream of doing.
In all the chaos that swirls around us, I imagine doing something to make everyone pause.
I imagine standing in the midst of the noise, and the anger, and the violence, and singing.
I imagine singing so softly, the angry din around me has to stop in order to listen.

I imagine this, not because I sing beautifully.
Others sing far better.
I imagine this, not to be the center of attention.
I imagine this, and want it to be so, because I want HIM to be the center of attention.

Everyone is yelling.
Everyone is pointing fingers at each other.
Everyone is using their hands for violence instead of healing.
I want to sing.

What if one of us had the courage of the elementary school student?
What if one of us had the courage of that one child who asked the question we all wanted to ask?
What if one of us respectfully interrupted with the quietness of a song?
What if one of us was brave enough to stand up and sing?

When peace like a river, attendeth my way,
When sorrows like sea billows roll
Whatever my lot, thou hast taught me to say
It is well, it is well, with my soul.

“Great is Thy faithfulness!” “Great is Thy faithfulness!”
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided—
“Great is Thy faithfulness, ” Lord, unto me!

Holy, holy, holy
Though the darkness hide Thee
Though the eye of sinful man thy glory may not see
Only Thou art holy; there is none beside Thee
Perfect in power, in love, and purity.

What if singing is the only answer?
What if singing, so that everyone will pause, is the only way for people to listen?
What if Jesus’ name was spoken, over and over again?
What if, in that pause, Jesus’ powerful name shined a light that pushed back the darkness?

The LORD is in his holy temple; let all the earth be silent before him. (Habakkuk 2:20)

Silence.
What a wonderful word.
Jesus.
What a powerful name!

In all the noise, the only way people attempt to be heard is to speak louder.
When everyone is speaking over everyone else, no one is listening.
When everyone is pointing, and punching, and beating, no one is lifting their hands in praise.
When no one cares about the name of anyone on the other side, Jesus’ name needs to be spoken.

Salvation is found in no one else, for there is no other name under heaven given to man by which we must be saved. (Acts 4:12)

No other name.
No other answer.
No other way.
Sing about Him.

Jesus.

 

4 responses to “Pausing To Sing”

1. When I sing about Jesus, the clamor of the world fades. I need that joy in these turbulent times.
   Thank you dear Gina for sharing this gift!
   Nancy

   Reply

   • Amen, sweet Nancy!
     Push back the darkness and sing!
     Gina

     Reply

2. What a fantastic message!!! 🙂

   Reply

   • I’m glad the message resonated with you, Janna.
     Now the challenge is on to sing!
     Blessings,
     Gina

     Reply