Make a Joyful Noise

Today's blog reflection comes from Alisha, one of our Discern Summer Staff. One of the ministries she has been working with this summer is the Friendship Center at Holy Comforter Episcopal Church. At DOOR Atlanta, we believe that service always includes both giving and receiving. Alisha's reflection points out one way we receive abundantly through service.

~Jannan Thomas, DOOR Atlanta City Director

""Who would like to lead us in a song?" asked Robby." I would, I would!" replied Marty. Marty proceeded to stand before the congregation to lead us in song. Everyone was ready to join in with Marty but no one could quite follow him because he mumbled the words and rushed through the song. But after his selection everyone cheerfully applauded. Several other guests led songs that the congregation joined in with, everyone singing to their own beat and own key. The whole experience reminded me of my days in middle school band when everyone would warm up their instruments independently, unaware of each other. As I sat in the congregation trying to sing along I could not help but wonder how this sounded to God. And by looking at the smiling faces I knew God was pleased.

What you do not know is those gathered here at the Friendship Center for noon day prayer are all dealing with some form of mental disability, ranging from severe to minor disabilities. The Friendship Center offers a safe haven for this population of people in Atlanta, Ga who are often ignored, shunned, forgotten about and abandoned. But today they are reminded that God has not abandoned them. When everyone else left them or mistreated them God was still there with open arms. Because of God's unfailing love, they sing praises. Their praise is not dependent upon a mass choir, or vocally trained soloists, or pianists. But their praise comes straight from their heart. Some of the guests at Friendship Center are musically inclined and they offer their gifts, like Ms. Mary who recieved no formal training but one day when she was a child hopped on the piano and started playing, fulfilling a need that was unmet in her local congregation. Those who are not as gifted in music and singing also lift up their voices unashamed, creating a sound that to a trained ear may sound like discord but to an ear that hears beyond the notes sounds like sincerity of worship. I can truly say my understanding of a joyful noise has been changed. God just doesn't delight in the melodies made by our voices and our instruments but God delights in the music that flows from our hearts as a communitiy of believers." *Names have been changed.

~Alisha, Discern Summer Staff