What I Remember Then; What I was Reminded Recently.

Backstory:

I can remember it like it was yesterday.  They were ALWAYS there for me Every.Single.Time. Every.Single.Surgery. It didn’t matter to them what was on their agenda, I was their “princess” and I was important enough that they would be there for my surgeries, not only to see me before surgery, but after surgery.  I’m also sure they were there for my parents.  This couple, Warren and Erma Johnson, basically adopted me into their family. They were considered my Virginia grandparents.

Warren knew that every surgery brought so much fear into (back then) a little girl’s heart.  I mean who wants to be poked, especially when a little girl faced surgery 2-3 times a year back then?  Warren did what he did best: held me, hugged me, prayed with me, and never let me go until the “sleepy med” got a hold of me.  But he also did one thing that I will NEVER EVER forget…..He ALWAYS sang to me. Oh, how I loved his voice of comfort. I loved how he sang “Jesus Loves Me” or “Amazing Grace”.  

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This past spring, all of the members of the Worship Team were invited to attend the very first Getty Conference—Sing! on September 18-21 that was located near Nashville, Tennessee.  After much praying, I decided that I did want to attend this conference.  It wasn’t a major health risk, but I knew that I would probably have days of chronic pain flare up; however, I also realized that even during my chronic flare-ups, I could use the time to be worshiping God, hearing the Word of God, and  learning important things about songs and singing.  After all, that is the purpose of this conference.   And do you know what, friends? I’m so glad I went despite my pain days before our trip.  We had 14 of team members going together on this trip.  It was great time of bonding, talking, and just fellowship.  The team looked out for each other and I can tell you that they offered the best extra support for me, when I needed it.  Our team is awesome; we are brothers and sisters. We are family.

The conference had a lot of different breakout sessions as well as “Large group/Plexus” sessions where everyone gathers to worship, learn, and sing. 

 

 

I shared the above story to make a parallel connection.  One of the breakout sessions I attend was one led by Joni Erickson Tada.  She was talking about how one can use music/song in the midst of trials and pain.  She explained how there were many times that she was in the hospital and in pain, yet she found comfort in singing hymns to glorify God.  She went on and explained how every time she had to have surgery, she also faced it with hymns.    When I heard this, I was able to relate and understand.  

 Warren always sang to me when I was little; He sang to me through everything I endured—and now, most of the time I find myself singing or listening to music whenever I’m facing surgery, feeling poorly, or just having an emotional breakdown from depression.  I can say for sure that I sing to myself as they wheel me into the operating room every time I have surgery.  It’s almost like a natural thing for me to do.   I am so thankful that Warren embedded that practice in my heart.  And sometimes, I can still hear his voice.

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The conference was what this weary soul needed.  Learning about God through music is so vital. We learn that it is not only important to be instruments for God through singing or playing; but it’s just as important to actually understand what meaning of the song is about. How can we truly minister to others with our talents and abilities if we can’t grasp the importance of the songs that we sing?  I came back with a deeper understand about God and music and I am sure that there is much more to learn.   We aren’t the worship leaders; don’t ever think that we are.  We are merely God’s instruments. Ultimately, it is God the Father who is the Worship Leader in every single aspect.  God deserves all the praises.