Baton Rouge Chapel
I grew up going to the Baptist church and attending Catholic school (from third through eighth grade). At the age of 19, I joined The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-Day Saints. As a member of the LDS church, music is a very important part of all our meetings. 
LDS Chapel in Rye, Colorado
In Psalms 98:4, it says, "O sing unto the Lord a new song...make a joyful noise unto the Lord." In Psalms 105:2 "Sing unto him...sing Psalms unto him." Alma, the prophet in the Book of Mormon encouraged the people to, "sing the song of redeeming love" because of their faith in Jesus Christ (Alma 5:26 and Alma 26:13). In Doctrine and Covenants 133:56, we learn that the saints, "shall stand on the right hand of the Lamb, when he shall stand upon Mount Zion,...and they shall sing the song of the Lamb."
LDS Temple, Rexburg, ID
While attending the Catholic school, I had many opportunities to sing. My friends and I joined the choir. I was a bit hesitant, because I have never been one that can sing very well, and probably mostly because I was VERY shy. But I wanted to be with my friends, and besides, the choir had an end of the school pool party, which meant they got out of school for that. I think that is why just about EVERYONE in our class joined the choir. I participated, somewhat. I was there, I listened, I was a good girl--never caused any trouple, and I was quiet...but maybe a little too quiet. I was always one of those kids that was mostly looked over. I was never any trouble, just shy and quiet. One day, while in class, we were practicing this one song and Sister Joan was walking up and down the rows and finally stopped--right next to me. She stood there a second, then cocked her ear my way. Seeing that my lips were moving and no sound was coming out, she leaned her ear closer to me. I was very nervous and scared, and YES!!!! I was caught. Because I was lip synching, I received a D. I feel quite certain that if she would have heard me I would have not only got a D, but kicked out of the choir too. That is just one thing I was not blessed with...a good singing voice.
my younger sister in one of the many plays she has participated in through the years
Many times as I sit in church and listen to people sing, I think how much I wish I could sing. I have a younger sister that has a beautiful voice, so I know the genes are there.
In one of our classes this past Sunday, our lesson was, Becoming Perfect Before The Lord: "A Little Better Day by Day." I love the quote by Lorenzo Snow..."Do not expect to become perfect at once. If you do, you will be disappointed. Be better today than you were yesterday, and be better tomorrow than you are today." As I sat there and listened to many of the comments, one really stood out to me. We were discussing how we are practicing to be perfect. We will never get to that place here on earth, but we need to keep working at it.
Ouchaita River, Monroe, LA
As we were discussing our lesson, one lady (the choir director) said something about singing in the choir and how just because you may not be the best singer, the Lord still wants us to rejoice in song to Him. As the week has gone on, and I have the song by the family stuck in my head, I almost feel as if someone is trying to tell me something. Yes, I wish I could sing with a beautiful voice, but for so many years, I have not wanted to embarrass myself, but maybe, just maybe if I start going to choir, I might be able to develop a nice voice...hmmm I don't know. Should I go? She did say we should all sing. I might think about going, maybe. I think the next time she mentions the choir to me, I might say, "Well, ok, but promise me you won't kick me out..." I'll just have to give her a fair warning about my deep ugly singing voice. Hey, maybe she'll put me with the Tenors or even the Bass...lol ;)
Terry, everyone should sing, every day! It is never too late to start. I could go on and on, but I'll just make two quick points. I have sung since I was a child, never had any training, taught myself to "read" music. Singing has been such a joy, if I couldn't sing I would be a sad, sad soul!
ReplyDeleteYou refer to your "deep, ugly" voice? Would you be surprised to learn that most choirs/singing groups value deeper voices? I learned to sing alto because there is such a need. Deeper voices are that "richness" you hear in mixed voice choirs. The experience you had as a child should NOT be the basis of your decision. Girls' voices change, too. A skilled director can help you maximize your own unique gift. And don't be put off if the first person you try doesn't have the skill to do it. Keep trying!
Secondly, you will not be singing only for yourself. You are obviously someone who wants to lift your voice as worship. That is an incredible feeling, Terry! Listening to others sing is uplifting... but knowing your own voice is part of that gift of song? That is indescribable! Do what you need to do and get your voice heard. Good singing to you!
Thank you for your advice. I grew up dancing, and still love it. I try to dance as much as possible, in some ways, I feel dancing is like singing with my body. I know I have the ear for music, but just got to exercise my voice now.
ReplyDeleteYou are absolutely right, Terry... it sounds like you feel about dance as I do about singing. If I want to understand your reluctance to sing publicly, I just have to imagine myself DANCING in front of others... not a pretty sight LOL.
ReplyDelete