My perspective was different than most everyone else. From the front of the room I saw neutral-hued hands lifted high, the glory of God filling the place. Four countries represented, one hundred and eighty chairs filled with people unified by international partnership. Voices of every tone, many tongues, one language -- worship.
I believe with all my heart that God knew exactly what He was doing when He placed sound in our voice boxes, music in our souls. He knew that for most, just words preached or hands clenched or eyes closed wouldn't be enough. That song would bring Heaven to Earth, washing unending love and grace over His people.
I could hardly make out my own words as tears streamed from the corners of my eyes, down my reddened cheeks. "How Great Thou Art" echoed into our ears, strengthened our cause, unified our hearts. In that moment, as some sang in English, others in Spanish and Creole, I could feel a glimpse of the Eternal Home so many of us long for.
Some wept and some smiled, while others swayed their burdens away. You could feel His peace, sweeping through a chilled conference room that has perhaps previously hosted weddings or business meetings. But this night, at this hour, it was God's Temple. A place where people gathered and were reminded of God's awesome power spanning into our troubled world. If only for a moment, all pain, sorrow, troubles -- vanished. If our souls could carry us, we may have lifted from the ground.
There is something indescribable about community, regardless of race, language or background. As this broken world continues to struggle, emerge by its lonesome, we found something that night that binds and bonds. God's ultimate redemption plan laid out for all to see through the thankful words of adoration to a Father who adores His children.
How Great Thou Art, those words have healing power.
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