NIGHT OUT

Wyomme Pariss phoned and asked if I was available to sing a song with the Spirit of Faith Christian Center-Brandywine choir. Soloists from the praise team were otherwise engaged in their church's "Born to Be King" winter production, and she didn't want to perform the leads to Richard Smallwood's "Anthem of Praise" by herself. Frankly, I understood her plight. The song is a bit of a work out! I've been tapped many times to fill in for a soloist who wasn't able to make a concert, and my respect level for Renee Adams, Darlene Simmons and Charrisse Nelson-MacIntosh grows exponentially every time I pinch hit for either one of them.

I was glad to go last night. One--People don't have to ask you to do anything--especially when you know who they could have asked. Two-- It's always fun to sing a song you already know and like with capable singers and musicians. Three--it was another test of my "hangability". This has been a busier than usual week. Four--I knew it would be a pleasant event.
It really was the first day of Winter yesterday. I remember the time that nothing could make me go out on a night so cold, but there I was yesterday evening, getting ready and not even thinking about using the weather as an excuse to curl up with a cup of Swiss Miss cocoa. Not having to drive to Brandywine was a wonderful thing, too.

After hearing some of the SOFCC singers, it occurred to me that there was no urgency for me to be there at all. One young lady in particular had such a powerful voice, I thought to myself, "The next time they decide to sing the song, they really should allow her to do it". She was teriffic! Any one of them, actually, (including the little ones) could have done just fine.  I appreciated the invitation, though, and was honored for the opportunity.  The band was fantastic and the children's vocal and dance performances were simply delightful. It was obvious that the production took lots of time, energy, sacrifice and effort. It reminded me of the plays and assemblies we used to participate in at my childhood church and in elementary school. It's the kind of thing kids look back on fondly--their first solo, first speaking part, first public performance.
The kids who performed last night were so talented and well behaved. It says a lot about their parents and those tasked to lead them.
Kudos to the parents and adults who work with the children of the church so patiently, and encourage their gifts and talents. Kudos to anyone who works with children, for that matter, and have a genuine interest in their moral, social, and artistic development.
Oh, yeah--and a very special shout out to the SOFCC popcorn ministry for faithfully popping corn the old fashioned way. I don't know that I've ever enjoyed a bag of hot, fresh popped corn while sitting on a church pew! That was a little bit of heaven.
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