MTC Week #57 - Connecting with Emotion

The Giver: Just like music, there's something else you can't see with your eyes. Something that's deep inside you:  emotions.
Jonas: You mean, like "feelings"?

The Giver: Feelings are just fleeting--on the surface. But emotions, they are very deep. Primal. They linger. Jonas, you might not understand where you are or what is happening, but don't think about what you are seeing. Listen. Listen to what's calling inside!

(from the 2014 film, THE GIVER)

An interesting aspect of our humanity is how we influence others and let others influence us--through emotions. Such emotions find their way to the surface in various ways--through conversation, through experiences, through anticipation, and through various modes of expression, such as music.

Choir this past week was full of connecting with that emotion.

At Chorale every Tuesday, after we have been rehearsing for awhile, Ryan

Murphy pauses for 5 minutes for what is called "Joys and Concerns". This is a time when choir members can share joys they've experienced or concerns/trials they are having. Personally, I must admit that I found this weekly ritual both interesting and perplexing. I kept thinking "We all know probably less than 10% of the people in this room. So why would anyone want to open up and risk sharing personal feelings?" After awhile however, I gained respect for what this ritual was trying to accomplish and for the people who chose to participate each week. 

Individuals stood up and told of sons or daughter getting called on missions; of anniversaries being celebrated; of those who were just diagnosed with cancer or other life-threatening diseases and needed prayers; of getting promotions at work. There were the funny joys of having a car heater finally fixed so journeying to the Tabernacle each week could be more enjoyable. And there were some very open concerns shared--one who shared it was his goal to lose weight, or one hoping to conceive after years of not. As I listened and connected with the emotions being expressed, I realized the importance of "Joys and Concerns": such sharing helps us connect with others and helps us love them. Which in turn helps unite us as missionary choir members. 

And as human beings.
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Emotions seem to be running high with ACDA on the near horizon. Our beloved directors are, shall I say, a little stressed out. And understandably so. (For all of you who may not appreciate what performing at ACDA is all about, it's like having all of the best football coaches come together to watch YOU play with reporters ready to call out your best--or not so best--plays). As they strive to help us sing the very best we can sing, we as choir members are faced with the continual opportunity to connect with that emotion being expressed and let it work within us for our good. In so doing, our hard work will lead to musical excellence and a feeling of confidence as we perform at these ACDA concerts. More importantly, we'll be prepared to change lives and influence those who listen. They'll connect with us, and us with them.
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Speaking of emotions, I did want to make mention of one of the pieces we sang today. It has a rather plain title: "Psalm 148". Most of those who are familiar with Christian music would recognize it's tune as "All Creatures of Our God and King". But there's just something about the notes and the arrangement and the words (which, by the way, don't follow the lyrics of "All Creatures..."). This piece is heavenly and wonderful and very much worth connecting to emotionally. As the last note is sung and Bro. Wilberg motions for us to cut off, the notes we had been singing just reverberate through the Tabernacle. It's simply amazing. 


Until next time, God be with you!

Singing "Psalm 148".