Silence vs Singing

Saying "yes" will at times bring a person to the crossroads of fitting in or standing out. A few hours ago, I passed through one such crossroad. Being asked to sing at a university 'open mic night', I questioned within my heart what song to sing. I would love to be able to write that I boldly chose the song days ahead of time and proclaimed to all what I would be singing. The truth is quite different. I tried to think of any and every other song to sing.

On Sunday nigh while C&I met with a small group of couples, one of the men encouraged me to share my heart. I knew the message was not from him. It emboldened me and made me realize I was about to put myself on the line. There would be no question in the minds of students and staff as to where I stand and for whom I stand. The song I knew to sing is one I've sung on many occasions and within many places, including a small village wedding in Syria.

The 'Open Mic Night' began with a 77 year old professor reciting a poem in French and English. His first poem led to a second poem he penned after meeting with Palestinian friends. The Palestinian students cheered as he spoke in Arabic and English. The student erupted in applause for their beloved professor. He was followed by an Egyptian student performing a traditional belly dance. Not kidding. I was terrified that I would have to follow her. A sigh of relief came when a group of boys, led by a Bangladeshi, went up to the mic with guitars to play an original song. Songs by Fairuz, Oasis, The Beetles, and other regional favorites were played throughout the night.

After an hour, I was called up to the mic. Students were cautiously gazing up at me-the new girl. Covered girls were seated next to western girls and young men in thobes stood next to western students in shorts and t-shirts. Now this was a different crowd! After introducing myself, I plunged into the song that has carried me through many moments in life. It starts with the phrase "there is a name I love to hear..." By the chorus, students and staff were quieting down to listen; yet with the name being sung, some turned their heads. Others smiled and encouraged me along. At the close, I bowed to the applause and walked to the back of the room to stand with my colleagues.

My drive home was spent in thankfulness. It was also full of questions as to why I was hesitant in sharing the song of my heart in the first place. It's an easy declaration to make in an atmosphere filled with like-minded friends, but another story in a room packed with those whose minds are at times against my heart beliefs. And yet, He loves us all and spent that which was most precious to Him in order to have a relationship with us. Why would I be afraid to sing for Him? At least no one pulled out a revolver to shoot off a celebratory round--that's what happened after singing this very song at a village wedding in Syria.


Moments for E:
--thankfulness in allowing me to sing
--memory in learning the names and faces of students and staff
--focus and insight as I story to our youth group this Thursday night