A Saint Unleashed Through A Gift Released

There is something about seeing people express themselves for the good of many.

A friend of mine shared an episode that highlights the point.

Cassie had visited the services on a few occasions. She eventually became a regular without ever raising her voice or making herself known. My friend got Cassie involved in some admin work for the church. They worked together and whenever they worked together, my friend noticed that Cassie sung as they worked and Cassie not only had a good voice, but one that seemed to make a difference to their working environment. Strength and sweetness in one voice. My friend wondered why Cassie had not used her voice elsewhere, but Cassie explained that she was too shy to sing in public. She didn’t think she would be able to serve through her singing especially as there was an established singing group in the church who she felt were way ahead of anything she could offer. My friend gently encouraged her, but Cassie remained reluctant.

My friend is the praying type and didn’t want to force or impose herself on Cassie or look to manipulate things for Cassie to be placed in an uncomfortable setting. My friend just got to praying.

There was a gathering where the host offered an open mic for people to just share whatever was on their heart, a testimony, an inspiring scripture or whatever. A number of people came up to share to varying responses. The host offered the open mic to Cassie to come and share. She was reluctant at first, but saw an encouraging glance from my friend – you know the sort that said just give it a go. So Cassie took the mic, closed her eyes and sang the first verse and chorus of the hymn How Great Thou Art. Starting softly her voice grew into the song and seemed to fill the whole room with listeners totally transfixed by the awe not of the singer, but of the song. When she finished the verse and chorus, she finished somewhat abruptly. It wasn’t uproar and applause – there was a hush among those who listened. The host pleaded with her to sing the rest of the song, and with encouragement from the audience more than receptive, she opened her mouth and expressed he greatness of God through the hymn. When she finished there was not a dry eye in the place and those in attendance stood to their feet to celebrate God.

It was a blessing to see the gift released and be a blessing to many. Cassie herself was moved by the experience and recognised that what she had was not for herself. It was not to be kept to herself. It was something that could benefit those beyond her to the glory of the God she loved.

It was a saint unleashed through a gift released.

It’s a wonderful thing to see. It’s a wonderful thing to hear. It’s a wonderful experience to support in others.

(Photo by Michelle Jimenez on Unsplash)

For His Name’s Sake

Shalom

C. L. J. Dryden