If the Lord set me free in a Romanian park by giving me a voice to sing (read about it in Singin' for the Lord), he has certainly set me free tonight in a Kenyan women’s conference by giving me feet to dance. Dancing is just good for the soul. I’m discovering how much I like to move to the beat – it’s another of those things that was hidden inside that has been waiting to burst out. This seems to be happening a lot on the Race…
For those of you who have not met me personally, you might not know that I am one of the whitest of all white girls. I’m tall, uncoordinated at times and I don’t really have much rhythm… well, at least I thought I didn’t. You know, I don’t really dance much. In middle school I was taller than all the guys and middle school “dances” are just awkward. High school only offers the prom, which is still awkward and really just an excuse to dress up in gowns that are far too expensive. In college I found a little more courage and rhythm as my friends encouraged me to dance at our spring formals.
Recently I thought back to one dance in college. It feels ridiculous to write, but hey, I’m being honest in these blogs, right? I remembered the fun dances – the Cha-cha slide, Cupid Shuffle, the upbeat songs…then came the dreaded slow song. At that time I started dancing with a friend and before 30 seconds had gone by another girl cut in. He didn’t object. I just walked away and checked out the cookies and punch bowl. Dancing has been pushed farther and farther back as the years go by, but these past few months may be bringing a bit of change…
I had a random dream this week that I was at a Dave Barnes concert (not a big surprise…I love Dave!), and someone beside me asked me to dance. We danced for a while and had a lot of fun, but another girl came along to cut in. He was polite but firm in rejecting her invitation. Tonight he was dancing with me. It was such a good and reaffirming dream, even if it was a bit unusual. This whole dancing thing must be a big deal if I’m dreaming about it…
In India, the same night that I was weeping like a baby because I understood God’s love for me was the night that I let loose and danced for Him. The guys played “Undignified” and me and Sachi and a few others started jumping around like crazies. A few weeks ago at church there were people dancing everywhere. I had no idea what the lyrics were as it was in Swahili, but the dancing was their worship of the Lord. Dancing in church? Let’s face it, I’m a Baptist…we just don’t have much rhythm.
Today the team drove about an hour through the rain and mud, over potholes and crammed into a car made to carry four. We ended up at a church where 300 women were meeting to praise the Lord and hear the Word of God. After a warm welcome and an escort to the front of the church we were introduced and Bishop Moses turned to me: “Hannah, you can share now.”
I was a bit nervous but the Lord is so good. He gave me the words to say that were from my heart. It felt right. What a blessing to be able to encourage godly women in their walks with the Lord. Then came the time for me to be encouraged in Him as well.
After I spoke there was more time for praise and worship. With the first song we girls had clapped along from the stage, but this time I wanted to join in and dance with the women in the crowd. I looked at Taryn as I could see she was itching to join as well. Finally we decided to go for it. We jumped in and it was fantastic. Smiles all around. What a way to worship Jesus! This may not have been the dancing I had been dreaming about, but what freedom it brought! My heart was exploding with joy and satisfaction. I know that you at home will never be able to understand what that moment was for me, but I can give you a little glimpse through the video below.
If I could offer any encouragement to you it would be this: take a look at what you really desire to do. No matter if it’s been buried for years or on the forefront of your mind…What has God given you a passion for? Whether it’s painting, singing, gardening, writing, dancing or whatever else that has been put on your heart – do it boldly and do it for the Lord. Find your satisfaction in Him because “He is most glorified in us when we are most satisfied in Him” (John Piper).
