Last Sunday morning, I had the privilege of getting up to sing and play guitar for the church my host family attends. I will tell you though, it wasn’t for me, or about me. I was horribly nervous, and messed up because I let the nerves get the better of me, but I believe God doesn’t care about that. He sees His daughter using her gifts He bestowed upon her, to glorify Him, and Him alone. I didn’t even really want to do it, but He is glorified in it, and I pray He used it to bless others. Also, in our ministry, I got to play worship songs for kids, both teens and teenie boppers, and they all love it. Their eyes light up at the sound, and they get to hear the gospel from the words. It is really something.
You see, I came from a church background that has stifled out creativity in the church, no instruments, no expressions, no creativity or freedom in worship. This is a crime in my opinion. What is God? Our creator! And He made us in the image & likeness of Him (Gen 1:26) which means He has blessed us with creativity, among other attributes from Him. Shouldn’t we use what the Father has given us to glorify Him, and use it to spread His gospel?!
Even though I grew up in this strict sort of church, my home life was different. We are a colorful family of music. Ever since I can remember, I have been singing with my papa while he plays guitar, and my mom sang me to sleep almost every night for the first 6 years of my existence. I am convinced as soon as I could talk, I was singing. They instilled a love of music in me, as well as a love of our Father. What beautiful gifts for a family to give! There aren’t many better than those.
When I was 13 years old, I started learning how to play the guitar, taught by none other than my own papa. This gift of music that he gave me is one that will last forever, that his grandpa gave him and that I will give my kids. This is a good gift that God gave, and I believe he gave us all good gifts that he wants us to use to further His kingdom, music is only one tool.
For my Church of Christ friends and family, I just want you to know, any time when I got up to sing, play, and worship about our Lord for others, its not about me, its about Him. Its about glorifying God with what He has given me. And as an Artist, I am looking for new ways to encourage and use my visual creativity in worship. God didn’t make a mistake when he gave me these talents, its all for a purpose, just as he blessed you with specific talents for a purpose. Public speakers preach, teachers teach, tech people run sound and video, cooks prepare food, and people with all sorts of talents use them to serve the kingdom. I hope you don’t feel badly towards me because I did this, as I know sometimes it is a controversial issue within our circle, but I just want to encourage ALL of you, no matter who or where you are, God has given you something special to use to serve others and serve Him. Lets not let our tradition get in the way of spreading God’s joy and truth.
Remember it’s not about you, it’s about the Kingdom.
