Was My Face Red?
Last Sunday morning I was sitting in an isle seat, in the third row from the front, in our church auditorium. My daughter was sitting next to me. The praise band was fired up and rockin’ out. The worship music was loud and energetic and I knew every word. I sang with gusto making a loud noise unto the Lord.
My eyes slipped closed as I sang in my soprano voice, How Great is Our God. The melody and lyrics transported my spirit before the very throne to worship the Lord. I just knew the Lord must be overjoyed by my tremendous offering of praise.
The song slowed then ended. I opened my eyes and they settled on the petite woman standing in the row in front of me. It was Charlotte, a redheaded woman of about 75 years. The band fired up the next song and it was then that I saw it. Sweet Charlotte had her ears plugged.
I thought, I agree with you lady, the band is loud this morning. Another thought followed on the heels of the last. Is she plugging her ears because of my singing? I could feel the heat rise on my cheeks. I was absolutely certain the entire congregation standing behind me could see this woman’s fingers hanging from her ears. Could they be snickering to themselves, relieved they are sitting in the back of the room instead of in front of me and within earshot? The curl in my hair began to wilt. Beads of perspiration popped up on my lip.
I mentally shook myself and thought, No, it’s definitely not me. It’s got to be the band. That is precisely when I looked to my left, my daughter had scooted down the row a considerable distance from my side. My inside voice screamed, NOOOOOOOOOOO! I stood mortified.
Now don’t get me wrong, I may not be the best singer in the world, but I can hold a tune. After all, I sang in the youth choir and the adult choir for many years. It was an all volunteer choir but still……I can’t be that bad. Maybe I am. It doesn’t matter because by this point the entire church can see dear, sweet, Charlotte and her arms are definitely dangling from her ears.
Was my face red?
I think the Lord orchestrates these uncomfortable situations to bring about humility in me. His wise lessons occur in such a manner that I definitely know the message is from Him. The Lord knows that I struggle with pride. I am one of his regular students in the classroom of, Humble Pie-101.
Standing behind Charlotte was one of those moments. I heard a voice in my heart say, “Lynn, you are not all that.” So true.
The Lord works through us when we serve His agenda and not our own. He moves powerfully in our lives when it is all about Him and His glory.
I am purified through these small and sometimes perspiration filled moments. However, I am thankful for the Lord’s consistent humbling because I want more than anything to serve only Him.
Lord, bless sweet Charlotte.
I know You pursue me with a relentless passion to make me a better woman. You fill my life with life lessons I desperately need. You are crafting in me a new heart. I love you my King.
And Lord it was the band, wasn’t it?
Praising You in word and deed. In Jesus name, Amen
Thank you my friends for joining me here today. I know you are busy. I am wondering if you have had a “Charlotte” moment? Would you share it with me today. Tell me about a life lesson the Lord is giving or a Kingdom Classroom you are currently visiting and tell me how I may pray for you.
Oh Lynn, you can stand next to me in worship anytime! 🙂 We can sing our hearts out to the Lord and not worry what everyone else thinks! I can remember someone asking me why I sang so loud. It took me a minute, but I finally got it – am I that bad? Hey, I was in choir too! Oh well, it’s supposed to be a joyful noise unto the Lord, not a perfect one!
Let’s not even talk about pride. For real.
My lesson right now (and has been for several months) is my view of people. Are they good enough? Do I think I’ve arrived? Aren’t I outta their league? Yeah. and EVERYTIME I pose such a foolish question, the answer undoubtedly is, ‘you were good enough for me. You are outta MY league. And you are a work in progress just like them.’ But Lord, they hurt me… ‘But Rosheeda, you hurt Me.’ But Lord, they are so NOT getting this. And I am SO tired of being the scape-goat while they learn this SAME lesson again and again… ‘But Rosheeda, My Son has been your ‘scapegoat’, while you learn the SAME lessons again and again.’
Yeah. Need we go further?
Lynn, this made me laugh out loud. I get all into the worship experience also, and HOw Great is Our God is one of those songs that you just can’t sing quietly:) About those Charlotte moments, as a teacher I have them just enough to keep me humble, like when I misspell a word on the chalkboard and my students have to correct me… nothing makes you eat humble pie like 25 fourth graders pointing out your mistake.
Thanks for sharing this dear one.
Lynn….couldn’t help but laugh…I have had many “Charlotte” moments….what about when you keep singing the chorus and everyone else moves to the verse???? Well, it could be worse…we could be the little lady that walked up to the platform with her dress caught in her pantyhose…slipp shinning….yes, I believe that happend in our church when I was young.
So, slip shinning…voices raised making a joyful noise….for whatever reason we are humbled and tumbled….we are striving to do our best for the King….after all…don’t you think He needs a laugh now and then?
I love you!!!
boy I wish there was spell check in this! I ALWAYS mess up! But, you overlook it …. don’t you???
Lynn, this was so good.. Humble Pie, can I have milk with mine?
Yes, I could write for days about the many fruits used in my pie…
And I wonder if it’s God popping me on the head with a stick trying to refocus me…
This was great… thank you
Connie