I’m not a crier. Not because I’m super macho or anything…I just don’t get too emotional. There are very few things that instantly hit me square in the chest, causing my eyes to well up with tears. Perhaps it’s because I’ve done my best to guard against such an event. Or, perhaps I’m just plain prideful.
Until last week…
April and I have been visiting a church for the last couple of months. Two of the five (or so) services are equipped with an ASL interpreter, providing several of the deaf church attenders the ability to worship and understand the message. I’ve noticed people in the congregation worshiping with sign language, and every time I see this I am completely overwhelmed with emotion. I saw proof that God is so much bigger than I gave him credit for. He’s so far beyond any handicap.
I think I was so overwhelmed because I thought about not being able to hear the worship music, and literally having to focus on the words that were being sung. And the passion when they were signing! Unbelievable. Do I sing with that kind of passion, or do I hold back because it may look weird? You cannot do sign language with your hands in your pockets…
He deserves our worship, and the lack of sight, hearing, etc. cannot hinder that. I saw proof last week.
Thank you Lord.
**image: Lifeprint
Worship is a beautiful thing. Sometimes we think that it has to be done with words and electric guitars and seven piece bands ~ until we’re smacked in the face with the reality that worship is about so much more than a song. Wow! Those would make some great lyrics… “I’ll bring you more than a song… I’ll bring you more than a song.” Keep stretching our reality of worship Josh! You’re doing a great job! GP
Greg–I, in my supreme power over this site, just fixed the typo. It’s a post-Christmas miracle!!
Dude – love this. Did you know I’m starting an ASL class this month? I want to become a certified interpreter… partially because of this very reason you’ve illustrated here.
You know, I believe I remember you mentioning ASL on Facebook or something a while back. That’s awesome! Went to said church again yesterday, and again…weeping like a little baby watching them sign. I don’t know why God’s choosing to reveal some things via ASL, but I do know that I’m thankful he is.
I had a moment, well actually a few moments in life today that made me reflect back to this blog…
I was doing something that I dont often do (or just dont do often enough), while listening to music today I began listening to the lyrics and not only interpereting what they might mean, but what they might mean to me and my life. The first moment I had was while listening to a Creed song of all things (I dont care what anyone says, their new album is pretty rocking), , but the song “Full Circle” really hit me. Especially at the bridge:
“Don’t be suprised and dont deny, hear every word I say
Close the door and dont look back, or you will fade away”
This hit me because, I just recently put God in my life. I was on a path where I realized I needed change, I had already started fading away into a person I did not like. This whole song is about change, and putting God in your life. It might not be as profound as what you experienced Josh, but I also at that moment felt moved and encouraged, and like I was being spoken to, and it seemed a very personal message to me, as I am/was in the same predicament as the story that the song tells.
The second time this happened today, was not as uplifting of a time, but more of a song that spoke to me about a tough situation and decision in my life at the moment. Even though it was not an uplifting or happy thought that it put in my head, it was a perspective change that I needed, something new to consider.
I dont know that this is exactly what you had in mind with your blog, but my thoughts reminded me instantly of this entry, because as you pointed out, its not about the song, but about the words. And I thought it was interesting the way God was speaking to me through music today. Sorry for the long rant, just wanted to share.
Different strokes for different folks, man. I’m sure many wouldn’t be moved by people signing the words in church, but it hit me like a Mack truck. For you, it was in a different scenario. God is not in the business of duplicating. He innovates, creates, redeems. He’s in the process of making all things new, including us. I think these moments happen a lot more often than we even know. I think sometimes, through various trials/circumstances/etc. our hearts are softened to the point in which they’re penetrable again, and when that happens we must remember them, for there will be days where we don’t feel anything from Him.
I heard it said once from a pastor that when someone says, “I just feel like God is so distant” he says, “well, who do you think moved?” The answer is always us. So, be encouraged that something happened (even if it’s bad) that allowed for you to be more open to hear His whispers, and remember it on those days where the silence is deafening.