I’ve always had a desire to dance. I enjoy watching people turn on music and just “let go.” I, however, have 2 left feet, especially in front of other people besides my husband and close family. I couldn’t even muster up enough courage to dance at our wedding. I stood on Cody’s feet as he twirled us around the dance floor. True story.
Our squad is full of people who love to dance. Training Camp was one big dance party. Every so often, most of our squad would break out with moves. I felt especially uncomfortable during our squad dance-off. I just gritted my teeth and got through it. Our last night in Tennessee, the camp came alive with dance. Only a few people, Cody and myself included, didn’t join in on the fun. I chalked it up to the fact that they were dancing to secular music. We only listen to Christian music, so I didn’t know any of the songs. I remember telling our teammate, Abby, she needed to teach me to dance by the time the Race was over.
Here we are in Swaziland, headed up the mountain to our ministry site when this all comes back to mind. I started feeling frustrated with myself for not being comfortable dancing during these times. I started thinking, “Steph, is your pride really THAT big that you won’t/can’t dance with your friends?” I started getting down on myself when I heard a voice say, “When do you like to dance? When do you most want to do it?” I knew this answer: WORSHIP!! I literally can’t stand, or sit, still during worship! I heard God tell me that this was the most worthy reason to dance. He showed me a picture of David unashamedly dancing before Him and told me that I was like David. The Lord’s love for me makes me want to move my body and express myself in front of Him without shame. How cool is that?!
I will no longer watch my friends enjoy dancing while I sit aside with embarrassment, sulking in the fact that I don’t feel comfortable joining in. Instead, I will enjoy watching their talent and thank God for their ability to express themselves in such a way. I will patiently wait for my time with the Lord and bask in my inability to stand still in His presence. Then I can express my love for Him unashamed.
