I went to a pow wow at my church this weekend.
It did not involve spirit worship or anything spooky. It was a simple, inter-cultural celebration. There was honoring of elders, children, and men and women who served in the military. People celebrated life by dancing in traditional regalia, or just in street clothes.
The dancing was all kinds from jumping around, to just walking perposely to the beat of the drums.
It was not a traditional pow wow and it was not limited to one tribe. Anyone could come and join in the fun. And it was fun. Fun to see people dressing up in their finest fringed shirts and moccasins and with feathers in their hair. Fun to enjoy each other and honor the people who were here first. Fun to listen to the huge drums pounding out invigorating rhythms while the drummers chanted and sang.
A woman I know from church who is a wildlife vet, brought some birds of prey since they are often symbols of good things in the Native culture. Ruby, the red-tailed hawk seemed to be enjoying herself immensely.
And the best thing about it was that it was all done to glorify God! The songs played were written to glorify him and bless his name. The people danced in worship and praise. The prayers in English were prayed to "Our Creator" Father God, and the prayers said in native tongues called on him by his native name Gitchi Manitou.
My favorite part was Sunday morning. Unfortunately, I was not feeling well and so could only watch, but it was worth watching. Almost all the people had crowded into the center ring to dance around the drums. Those left in their seats clapped and sang. And outside the rings of chairs people were waving flags of all sizes and colors. It was beautiful.
Everyone I could see was physically engaged in worship. I think something special happens when body, mind and spirit and unified in worship. I understand this because I am a dancer and when I use my dance for prayer or praise I can feel God closer than if I'm only singing.
I have been praying that my church as a whole could enter into that kind of worship. I just never expected a pow wow would be the conduit.
And so I watched the familiar sanctuary erupt in color and song like I'd never seen it before, and I wept. Tears streamed down my face as I saw my prayer become a reality. A lady I know saw me crying and came to give me a hug, and I briefly explained why I was imitating a waterfall while everyone else was joyfully praising. She said that this must be what Heaven looks like. I couldn't agree more. All the best of all cultures mushed up together before the throne.
Yes. This is Heaven.
If any of this sounds questionable to you, if you're wondering if Christians should participate in this kind of thing, please believe me when I say it was all done to God's glory. If you were there and could feel what it felt like, you would understand that it was not wrong.
Also at the pow wow there were venders selling feathered hair accessories, wooden flutes, fried bread, and things like that. They allowed me to set up a table to sell some baked goods which my amazing mother made. I also sold chocolate covered pretzels and chocolate suckers which were donated by another amazing woman, Marie. And I received threads of hope bracelets in the mail the other day and sold them as well.
(Threads of Hope bracelets are made in the Philippians and some of the proceeds will go back to the people who made them. If you want to know more about this ministry go to http://www.threadsofhope.com.ph/about.htm)
All in all I made almost $400 to put towards my trip!
Praise God and thank you to all who have donated and for all the prayers that have gotten my this far!
