Oh, who will come and go with me?

What are you afraid of?  No, I don't mean spiders, snakes, and creepy crawly things.  I want to know what scares you so much that you are afraid that if you confront it that you might actually be good at it.  Are you scared that if you let someone know that you can sing, for instance, are you afraid that they will pester you into joining the choir?  Or, if you can draw, are you fearful that someone will want you to come paint and/or decorate their house?  Are you apprehensive that if someone knows you are really good with woodwork that you will be asked to build them a cabinet, a railing, or some other type of furniture?

Last night at church, our congregation sat closer together.  Our church is really growing--and I don't just mean in numbers.  There is a sweet spirit there and folks are genuinely enjoying getting to know one another more and learning about the things that make us tick (and some that have the potential to tick us off as well).  We sang the song "On Jordan's Stormy Banks" and it was...melodious.  I don't know why, but the comfort of being closer together in body allowed voices to rise, to not hold back, and to blend in harmony.  I noticed that on Sunday as well.  Perhaps it was one who normally sings in the choir but has been holding back and she heard voices around her, lifted up to Christ, that allowed her to sing a little more louder, a little more assuredly.  It's tough to stand in front of the church with only a handful of others, with eyes on you, and to not just belt it out.  Scary even!  However, when others are beside you, behind you, and in front of you, you can't help but get caught up in the music and while you may not sing at the top of your lungs, you do find yourself with more assurance, using your voice to sing praises to the Worthy One.  And it sounds great!

There's this fella and his wife there also.  Their talents are many and they had put together a slide show of past pictures from the church's family.  Now, some may say that anyone can do that but...I disagree.  Otherwise, why were so many folks fascinated and wondering how they could get a copy of this remarkable CD?  Technology is not everyone's bag and for those who have been blessed with getting around it, kudos to you!

These are just a couple of things that show how the quote from Mandela is effective.  Can you just imagine if we all let our lights shine?  Shine, not barely illuminate.  Shine, not just cast a little brightness but a flood of light that radiates the whole environment?  Can you picture in your minds how effervescent our worlds would be if we all would not be afraid to use our gifts to glorify our Jesus instead of just giving people sneak peaks?

Don't be fraidy cats, friends.  If you can sing, sing!  If you can sew, do so for the benefit and glory of God.  If you can play an instrument, don't just do it in the privacy of your own home:  share those melodies!  If you can garden, share those crops with those who can't.  If you can encourage, open your lips, your heart, and your spirit to those in need.  I'm positive you will be glad you did!

Let's pray!

Oh what love You, our Father, has lavished upon us!  You call us Your children.  However, we are not known because the world does not know You.  Oh Lord!  Increase our boldness to use the gifts You have given us so we reflect Your Son Jesus Christ and others are drawn to You.  We have a voice.  May we use it to shout, sing, and tell of Your excellent greatness?  May we hush the voice of the evil one who tells us we are nothing and may we instead radiate with the love You have placed in our hearts?  Our talents are useless, Father, unless we share them.  Help us today, I ask, to be fearless, to be willing, and to be instruments in Your band.  I ask these things in the name of my Jesus.  Amen!