The whole world is at war. Not the kind of war where nations throw their armies and weapons against each other in desperate attempts to destroy and dominate. No, the enemy is invisible, but its deadly casualties reach every nation on earth. Whole sectors of the economy are shut down. People shelter in their homes, unable to gather because of fear of the enemy. We need a connection opportunity now.
Modern-day Pearl Harbor
Like a modern-day Pearl Harbor, COVID-19 exploded into our consciousness. Unprepared; we scramble to assemble resources and to develop new ones to defeat the relentless pandemic. We also horde toilet paper!
Though never better connected online, we nevertheless feel disconnected. Self-distancing is the new normal. Schools are closed; sports are shut down. Restaurants are shuttered. Christians no longer gather for worship, perhaps not even on Easter Sunday. We all long for the day when we can again express our love and friendship through touch and presence.
Inspiration, Music, Memory
Until that day, we can explore a connection opportunity—traditional hymns. Why hymns? First, writers wrote hymns to express their faith, sometimes in the most challenging of circumstances. Second, hymns are inspired, beautiful expressions of faith in God, often directly connected to biblical scripture. They inspire us because we can relate that what happens to us, happened to other people in history. And, their faith helped them survive challenging situations. Third, we can sing hymns! The music itself, connects and reconnects us. Finally, hymns reconnect us with memories of family members and friends who may have sung them.
Connection Opportunity Now
Click link below for a connection opportunity.
Singing traditional hymns reminds us that we are singing the same words that previous generations before us also sang. Their song is our song. Their mission to be the voice of Jesus and the hands and feet of Jesus to the world is our mission. Again, a great connection opportunity.
Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee
Click below for The Hymn of the Week radio show episode of "Jesus, the Very Thought of Thee." This hymn provides a great connection opportunity now.
Keep Singing!
Dr. Larry