I will sing...

Unashamed...

I grew up with music. I can remember my biological father and his brothers playing in a band. One played drums, several played guitars, and there were various other instruments. I tried to learn to play the guitar, but life was too messed up to focus on any instrument. I sang though. I sang to the old records like Loretta Lynn, Conway Twitty, George Jones, Tammy Wynette, and the Grand Ole Opry on the radio. I sang all the time in church. I always sang because music and books were the only outward source of comfort. I took voice lessons in college and private voice lessons as well. I always sang solos in church. If you know me, you know I love my Jesus music and singing along.

I used to sing in church all the time. Then I quit. A music director told me, after a really really bad performance one morning, that he wanted me to only sing on Sunday nights because there weren't as many visitors. I was in college and was going to a really large church. I didn't sing again. I still haven't sung a solo in church. If we don't use what God gives us, we lose it. That I firmly believe. Now, my voice is weak. I can't find my keys and I am often out of tune. Something like that old piano that is never used.

I felt the Lord asked me to share this for several reasons. Not the least of which is in Luke. "For whoever is ashamed of Me and My words, the Son of Man will be ashamed of him when He comes in His glory"... (Luke 9:26)

You see, singing to me is testifying. I was ashamed to sing and I gave away that glorification. When I sing, I testify to His love and mercies and His word through song. Just as David did in the Old Testament. We need to freely glorify and worship our Heavenly Father. When we worry about how we sound or those around us, we take our focus off who we are worshipping. We become afraid or even feel embarrassed when we mess up. Obviously, I now know I can't sing well. But I know I can lift up my voice to Him and He knows my heart. I can do this in my car, on my lawnmower or tractor, in my house, my classroom, or couch. He knows I'm unashamed of His gospel and my love for Him. I am unashamed of making a mistake or being off key. Sometimes I stop singing at church and just listen to others glorifying God. What a sweet sound. All the voices raised together. We should never be ashamed that our voices crack or we are off key. We are not singing for others. We are singing for Him. Be careful if you are nearby. I will raise my hands and I Will Sing...