Easter Time... Just sing!

My dad, Leon Williams (front left) and the group, The Astronauts.

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 It is good to give thanks to the LORD, 
          to sing praises to your name, O Most High; 
to declare your steadfast love in the morning, 
          and your faithfulness by night, 
to the music of the lute and the harp, 
          to the melody of the lyre. 
For you, O LORD, have made me glad by your work; 
          at the works of your hands I sing for joy.
~ Psalm 92:1 - 4

Growing up in a musical family, you learn a lot about music, what sounds good, and what sounds like a joyful noise.

My father has four brothers, and the group was encouraged (I would use the word "forced" but I'm going to be talking about my grandparents and church!) to sing at church where my grandfather was the pastor.  My grandmother worked to create arrangements and the boys as they grew older, created harmonies that only brothers could.

The boys not only sang in church, but also entertained crowds at the Indiana State Fair and many other places. 

My dad became passionate about his music.  He got his masters in music and became a band director at a high school.  He also played in a rock group entitled, "The Astronauts."

Later in his life he joined the Banks of the Wabash Men's Barbershop Chorus, becoming the director for many years, and was a part of several quartets.  My stepmother would often tell me that he was at his "religion" when I would call and if he weren't home, that was her response for him being at the hall singing barbershop music.

When my stepmother died, the chorus came and sang.

You might say that music has been a part of my life always.  To this day, I am moved when that four part harmony creates a fifth sound.  To me, that fifth sound is God.  It is a sound that only occurs when the harmony is so clean and pure that it begins to take on a whole new meaning.

While I would like to think that I have some musical ability, when it comes to us sharing our joy with one another in our lives, that is where a special type of harmony begins.  It is the kind that we all need.  It calms the anxious, and invokes peace to the angered.  It can bring comfort to those mourning, and joy to those who are down.

Whatever seems to be surrounding you this day, take a moment and just make a noise.  Joyful, soft-spoken, or an outright yelling session!  The sound of our voice raised to God is what God seeks from us each day.

May you sing while remaining in God's grip!

G. Todd Williams (c) 2017

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Dear Lord, today let me sing!  Amen.

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