Jewells of Thought

Arriving at church with my Uncle gave me such a sense of relief that morning. In my morning stupor I had forgotten to make and bring a gallon of sweet tea. I was told though by a couple different ladies it was okay and not to worry about it.

Due to the fact it was Homecoming and ladies were in the kitchen that morning and were fixing their food and coming just for church we didn’t have Sunday School. I went back and forth about when to get there and if I should try to make it for Sunday School, but my decision was set once I knew when my Lasagna would be in the oven.

Talking to the church ladies helped me to unload my thoughts and emotions. A part of me after talking to Dad still had hoped they would make it to church. That was still to be determined, however, my niece would help alert me in the middle of church to help them know when the sermon was nearly finished.

Two of my Dad’s sisters would make it for Homecoming. I know Grandma was happy, but she came in late and I didn’t get to speak to her when she did come in. Being in the music ministry I needed to be able to get out and allowed Aunt Martha to sit next to Grandma and my Uncle sat next to him so I could easily get out for my solo and for choir music.

Somehow I was first on the list to sing my solo. I was not expecting that, but I was ready. Like I said though I had hoped my parents would be able to hear it and they were not there that quickly at all. When I did get up to the microphone I was there and ready for it, but I didn’t bring my choir music up with me just my solo music.

Anyway halfway through the song the words started to affect me. Not as noticeable as the last page though. The couple of pages reminded me of Charlie Kirk and the fact that a Memorial would be taking place that day for him. So my mind went there and I got emotional. The last few measures I was looking at my choir mates sitting in front of me encouraging me with their looks to keep going while my eyes were filling with tears but they didn’t stream down my cheeks. Not until I finished the song and made it back to my seat. I would go back there to retrieve my choir book, but there was another solo before the choir commenced our singing thankfully.

“When God’s People Pray” is a song I have practiced and listened to since I was 13 years old. It’s also a song that has been in my heart since the night I heard that professional group from Life Action sing it for us at Bethel Baptist. Charlie was the embodiment of a generation that prayed for his movement. It is so incredible to watch what he has created and even more miraculous about what has happened since his martyrdom.

I picked this song days before Kirk’s execution. I had kind of put this book away and been out of sight and mind for a few years unfortunately. Something spoke to me about this song, before Wednesday 10th. I thought it might be a long shot to find the book before Homecoming, but God allowed me to find it quickly.

Still the silver lining for me that morning is just about to take place…