I have a friend. She’s having trouble speaking, on occasion. Its not all the time, it hits her at odd times and its very frustrating. We’ve been praying and she’s been seeking answers from doctors, but its something to learn to live with at the moment.
Today, at church, it had hit. Pretty hard. But she shared with me that she’d sang alone in the car, and had been surprised at how the lyrics flowed fluidly right out of her mouth. I nodded, its different parts of the brain, speech and singing.
Right after, I watched her sing worship songs. Initially, I watched in a mix of concern and curiosity. I had just witnessed the stilted speech, the concentration on her face as she searched for the next words. But this was different. She closed her eyes, lifted her face and I heard the music come out. I saw the words form without hesitation on her lips.
I was surprised at the change, too. But what really struck me was her authenticity. I could see her pouring herself out before God.
I was immediately grateful for this preserved ability. How amazing that God had placed – purposefully placed — the ability to speak in a separate area of the brain? That singing praises was still possible, even when speaking them wasn’t?
Scriptures of singing praise, lifting up words in songs, came to my heart.
“speaking to one another with psalms, hymns, and songs from the Spirit. Sing and make music from your heart to the Lord…” Ephesians 5:19
“My lips will shout for joy when I sing praise to you – I whom you have delivered” Psalm 71:3
“Sing to Him, sing praise to Him; tell of all His wonderful acts.” Psalm 105:2
“My heart, O God, is steadfast, my heart is steadfast; I will sing and make music.” Psalm 57:7
Witnessing this steadfast heart, I led was led into a place of deeper worship myself. I paid more attention to the lyrics as we sang. She was the picture of sacrificial worship, of walking in faith and in obedience. Of finding the joy and gift in the midst of pain.
She blessed me today. She encouraged me today. She moved me today. God, make my heart steadfast like that.
Thank you, friend, for your transparency with me, your obedience, for the power of the Holy Spirit working in you and through you. Thank you for your willingness to be used by Him. Thank you for your tenacity and your spiritual fortitude today. Thank you for fighting against the forces of darkness, even though your flesh surely felt weak today.
Thank you for your hard faith.