MTC #241 - What's in a Name

With The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints announcing, this past week, that it plans to discontinue the use of terms and phrases that include the word "Mormon" in them (in an effort to emphasize the true name of our Church), I've been bombarded by friends and family members asking me what the new name for the Mormon Tabernacle Choir will be (or if it will even change at all). Simply put, I don't know. And our wonderful Choir president, Ron Jarrett, has asked us not to speculate--so I will not. There is plenty of speculation going on however, by members of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and non-members alike, and one only need look to social media to find it.

In the end, I have every confidence that whatever gets decided, it will be sanctioned by the Lord and we'll be able to continue producing uplifting and high-quality music that inspires and gives hope to many around the world. Yes, names are important, which is the whole purpose for the announcement to begin with. And if the name of the choir changes, it will take much effort to let the world know about it. But, the choir behind the name is not changing, nor its mission to be an ambassador for The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. That, at least in my opinion, is what matters the most.

Today's broadcast included a wide variety of songs--as is normally the case. From Beethoven's stirring "Hallelujah Chorus", to Irving Berlin's "Count Your Blessings Instead of Sheep". The one that resonated with me the most, though, was "Come, Come Ye Saints", which is interesting because we just sang that one a few weeks ago at our Pioneer Day Concert. Given some trials my family and I have been going through lately though, the words brought me comfort and hope and motivation. 

...no toil nor labor fear...
...why should we mourn or think our lot is hard...
...our God will never us forsake...
...fresh courage take...
...all is well...

So I'm thankful for being able to sing that song today, with dear friends to the side of me, and behind me. What a blessing to sings songs I love, with people I love. And what a blessing to serve other people through the precious gift of inspiring music.

Until next time, God be with you.