Feet were tapping, women were swaying, children were clapping, and cameras were snapping. My visit today to a church in Swaziland was a soul-filling experience if ever there was one.
As I sat in my seat, I could just feel my heart jumping with joy because the atmosphere was so full of it. Worship began with the children standing at the front and leading songs in the native language of Siswati, but soon local women joined in singing and praising God. They would beautifully sing one line and right on cue, everyone would join in the call-and-response with clapping and dancing.
Before one song was finished, a woman would start another, and it would flow so graciously because it was genuine praise from a grateful heart to God. I was so moved by how the women praised God with everything they had, and the praise in their voices filled the deepest parts of my heart. I could tangibly feel their love and appreciation for God, and what made it even more meaningful was that, by American standards, they had little to be happy for.
So many of the women of Swaziland have had and still have very hard lives. 70% of the population of Swaziland is HIV positive; this means many of the women may be HIV positive and have children who are. Large amounts are single parents and/or widows who work for very little pay and have few possessions to their name. They have very little food in their household and prize any clothing they receive. There are also large numbers of go-gos (grandmothers) who are raising 5+ children all on their own. The everyday lives of these women (and men) can be disheartening even to an outsider, yet, despite these realities, each day they choose joy and humility. It’s truly a beautiful thing.
One woman walks 1.5 hours up and down a mountain each day to get to work, but she does it with a good heart. Everytime I greet a Swazi woman, I receive a smile in reply. I am so encouraged by the fact that these women can choose to smile, have hope, and praise God despite having a really hard life. The way they praised God showed their dependence upon and appreciation for Him. It inspired me to get out of my seat and praise Him as well—because He is beyond worthy! If they can find a reason for their souls to praise God, why can’t I? Why can’t you?
I want to challenge you to praise God with everything you have just like the women of Swaziland, and not just in song or worship at church, but in your daily life as well.
