Got the Music in Me!

     Thanksgiving Day had begun with listening to the new Fred Hammond and one of the songs got me going as I prepared to go to be with my other family here in New Mexico. I had made up my mind I wasn’t going to allow the things I miss to keep me from enjoying this holiday. It was actually easily obtained with the company and the fabulous meal.

     I decided I needed to start my morning with a replay of “I Will Trust”, as usual Fred Hammond did not disappoint. All nine cuts are good (added to my Christmas wish list).   Taking advantage of the holiday, I was also enjoying the best apple-caramel-pecan pie with my coffee. I began my regular Friday routine with a little different direction.  Because music is a part of me, deep in my soul. The study took me back further back than I had considered. My love of music almost leads me to believe my lineage is connected to Jubal, son of Lamech and Adah. Jubal meaning the father of all those who play the harp and the flute. Translated to the father of all music. Genesis 4:16-18.

     When I began looking up the name Jubal, all I kept thinking about was the word jubilation. I wanted to be jubilant and find every reason I could to rejoice for this day of giving thanks. Music has played an immense role in my life. From my desire to sing to writing while listening to a good mixture of my favorite gospel. My love is music and my passion is the written word, so for me putting them together…priceless.

     I have gone so far as to have playlists for all my moods. I have my pick me up list, writing music, get your praize on, back in the day and love songs. It didn’t surprise me to find music is mentioned in the Old Testament eighteen times and twice in the New Testament for doing exactly what I had been do my entire life. Growing up in Motown…yeah baby!  

     I’m not sure if it was the excess sugar this morning or what actually brought me to this amazing revelation. Not sure why it wasn’t clearer before. All the HOURS I spent yelling at the Lord I had to sound like nails across a chalkboard. Then a confirmation came as the light bulb went on - Kirk Franklin’s “Reason Why I Sing!”

     I wasn’t sure which direction this was going to go, but I knew the message is always first to me! Psalm 149:1-6a “Praise ye the Lord. Sing unto the Lord a new song, and his praise in the congregation of saints. Let Israel rejoice in him that made him: let the children of Zion be joyful in their King. Let them praise his name in the dance: let them sing praises unto him with the timbrel and harp. For the Lord taketh pleasure in his people: he will beautify the meek with salvation. Let the saints be joyful in glory: let them sing aloud upon their beds. Let the high praises of God be in their mouth,”

     Whether my voice is scratchy or I miss a note I’m grateful for the lesson. It is not so strange that the one thing I find annoying is exactly how I’m treating my Provider. Thankful for the love which pushes me past ineffective to productively moving in my purpose.

     So no longer will my high notes have the undertones of despair, loneliness and disappointment, but with a lifted voice I sing a new song of thanks. Thankful for the glimpse of what was and what is now. Not letting my memories out weight my awesome present. Surrounded by love, mercy, grace, peace, laughter and music!

All I can do is shake my head it took me this long to grasp such a simple concept. Better late than never, I suppose. Just singing a new song Friday! Smooches~~