SINGING BACKUP

Now, anyone who has ever sat beside me in church knows I cannot sing.  And just think about my poor hubby who has no choice but to sit beside me.  (Although I do notice he stands at arm’s length when holding his side of the hymnal.) 

My one sister asked me, “Why do we sound alike when we talk but you cannot sing?”  My own children (bless their hearts) once told me, “Yes, mom, the minister said sing out, but he did not mean you.”  Family can be brutally honest. 

Although that is the reputation I have locally, it is another story in the larger world of music.  What most people do not know is that I have sung backup with many famous artists.  No.  Really, I have but I will not give you my entire resume.  Neil Diamond and the Statler Brothers allowed me to join in on more than one occasion.  I am waiting to hear back from Matthew West and Garth Brooks.  Hopefully, they will also be repeat performances.  And tomorrow night I am singing backup for Casting Crowns!

Are you wondering how those closest to me cannot appreciate my hidden musical talent?  It is not that they cannot appreciate me.  It is the fact that the musical greats I have backed up ---- Well, they cannot hear me.  I am sure Garth Brooks was not aware of my joining in when I was in the first row of the lower section of a big venue.  And, although he was standing in the aisle right beside my chair, Matthew West must have heard about my musical un-ability because he did not offer me the mic while he sang “Hello My Name Is.”

I know who these people are but they do not know me. The “knowing” must be on both ends to have a real relationship.

I do not sing back-up for Jesus from the front row of the lower balcony.  I sing back-up for Jesus from my heart.  From my soul.  I want His ears to hear the joy with which I sing.

I want to have a real relationship with Jesus.  I do not want him to only know me because I sat in a row or section at a service or bought a ticket.  I want him to know because He has heard my voice when I prayed and I have felt His companionship in my soul.

I want a real relationship with Jesus.  I want to know him through His words.  I want to see Him in the glory of a sunrise and hear Him in the laughter of a baby.  And I want Him to know me through my tears and my joys.

I want a real relationship with Jesus, the Shepherd.  I want to know the Shepherd’s voice so I can follow Him.  I want the Shepherd to know me so I will not be lost.

He calls his own sheep by name and leads them out.

…his sheep follow him because they know his voice.

I am the good shepherd; I know my sheep and my sheep know me

– just as the Father knows me and I know the Father –

and I lay down my life for the sheep.

John 10: parts of verses 3-4 and verses 14-15

I do not just want to “know” Jesus.  I want a real relationship with Jesus!!!!!!!