Hello my friends. Just wanted to check-in with some recent thoughts--three thoughts, to be precise!
The first thought was regarding the Music & the Spoken Word broadcast last week. For those who saw/listened to it, you surely noticed the absence of traditional patriotic music that has normally been part of this annual Independence Day "special". The one patriotic song we did sing was "Battle Hymn of the Republic"--though it could be argued that even though this song is considered patriotic by many (and indeed came about because of the civil war and the abolitionists decrying slavery ("let us die to make men free...")), it's also a very religious song that talks about what God and Christ have done for each one of us. At any rate, I personally had some mixed emotions about it all. On a general level, I've always thought that because the Tabernacle Choir represents a global Church, it shouldn't cater its programming to celebrate just one particular country. That said, I am a big fan of utilizing US holidays as launching points into themes such as freedom, justice, remembering our loved ones, celebrating mothers and fathers, and gratitude (to name just a few). So, I think it was the right call to center the program on the theme of FREEDOM. Here's an excerpt from the spoken word: "Freedom, it is often said, is not free—either to obtain or maintain. And what is the price of freedom? Well, certainly freedom of expression comes with the price of kindness and civility, even toward those who express views we don’t share. The price of freedom of worship must include respect for religions and faiths besides our own. The price of freedom from want includes sacrificing and serving those in need. And the price of freedom from fear surely includes facing our fears with faith and courage. Freedom is not just a feeling or an institutional pronouncement. Freedom is found in what we do each day, in the efforts and actions of free people: respect, compassion, peacemaking, and understanding. It’s true, freedom is not free. But as long as you and I are still willing to pay the price, the future of freedom is bright."
Pretty awesome right? No mention of the United States (good), just mention of an important word and its applicable/relatable, universal meanings: freedom.
My only lament in what was sung for that program was "I Think the World is Glorious". Sigh. I just really don't like that song. Ah well. I'm sure plenty of people do.
My second thought was regarding the fact that today we celebrated the anniversary of Music & the Spoken Word and have officially launched into our 94th year! In 2029, we'll celebrate 100 years. In honor of that anniversary, we sang "The Morning Breaks"--which was a song sung at the first MSW so many years ago.
My third thought is that this week is our Summer Concert! All of you who live close, now is the time to get your tickets. And if you don't live close by, you can catch the live stream on Saturday night. All the info on this fun event can be found HERE.
That's it! But before I go, I just wanted to share something I relearned today. Typically, being the introvert I am, I go to Choir and hope that during the non-singing time--like the breaks we have, or the before and after) people just come to me (not a lot of people! but just enough people that I feel validated and loved). That doesn't always work so well. So, today I decided to proactively reach out to others and it ended up being a good experience. At least three good conversations wouldn't have happened...and who can put a price on a good, uplifting conversation? It might just turn your whole day around.
Until next time, God be with you.
