As Only Your Mama Can…                                 January 18, 2014

Life Lesson Number 5:  Worship for Him

Sixteen years ago or so, I went to a Christian Women's Conference with Mrs. Helen, her  mother, and a few other women friends.  It was to be a weekend of "girl-time", worship, and fun.  As the mother of three young children all under seven, I struggled to even go but Helen ignored my concerns and booked me along with the rest of the women.

I am forever grateful.

I come from a faith background which was considered more stoic and quiet.  They came from a faith background which was "charismatic" and open.

So, it is no surprise that I felt a little overwhelmed that first night as the majority of women in the audience were dancing and singing and raising hands in praise to God, that I felt a little out of my element.

Okay….a lot out of my element.

The speaker led these women to a type of worship I did not understand because I had never before experienced it…

They lived out their joy….happiness….excitement for being a daughter of Him in a way which I had never before experienced.

For the first full evening and the following morning, I stood with the women…and watched.

I took in the words of God as shared through the speaker….and listened.

But, I did not move.

And, then it happened…..

Helen's mother leaned over to me and asked, "Lesa, are you okay?"

I nodded, yes.

It's not that I didn't want to participate….its that I did not know how.

She leaned back over and said, "Honey, I promise you this….some day, when we all get to heaven and see Jesus….we will be celebrating His life in ways we cannot even imagine today."

Later that evening, we talked a little more.  She didn't pressure me to "behave" outwardly in a way in which I was uncomfortable.  She didn't belittle me for my need to be more reserved.  She didn't treat me as immature in my faith because I didn't worship the way she did.

But, she did encourage me to think about all Jesus has done for me.  All that He has given me through his life.  All that He sacrificed…..for me

She talked to me about how he willingly made himself lower than the angels…for me

How He left the security of His Father....for me

How He was made into man so that He could example for me how to live on this earth in the short time I will be given.

She shared about His willingness not only to die for me…but, to die in what was then considered one of the most horrible of deaths…reserved for the lowliest of criminals…

Crucifixion on a cross which He carried after being unholy beaten….

For me

Her warm hands held fast to my cool ones and she looked into my eyes…way way deep into my soul and she said, "Lesa, when I fully and truly understand all that Christ has done for me…for you…I realize that it is cause for celebration!"

"The gift He has given us is Holy….Eternal…."

"You do not have to worship the way we do.  You do not have to lift your hands…or sing at the top of your lungs….or dance with joy to worship God."

She said, "But, sweetie….when you finally, truly, fully understand way deep in your soul where God lives, what He has done for us….you will celebrate in your own way…don't be afraid to let go and rejoice in all you have been given because of Him."

I never did dance and sing the way they did at that conference….

But, what I did learn from Mrs. Jacoby that day forever changed my worship….

Before, I worshiped for me…..for my growth and needs

Now, I worship for HIM….in celebration and gratefulness for who He is

For the days I have been given on this earth are precious….sacred days given to me so that my every breathe may be given over in worship of Him…..

There is an abandon….a freeing up of myself….my soul….my heart in my worship……

There is a gratefulness….a thanksgiving…..a humble gratitude for the life He has given me…

When you let go of worshipping for self….and, move into worshiping for Him…

When you give over your heart in total submission and appreciation…

When you open your mind to the wonder and joy and amazing grace of God….

You cannot help but be changed….

And, it may be that in that change, you are freed up to worship in ways you can only imagine….

Celebrate Him as you worship, daughter….

There is no greater gift given to you…to me…to us…than to have someone lay down their life for ours….

He has done that….

What a day of rejoicing that is!

And, personally……

                                                                      

 

                                                                       I hope you dance…….

 

 

Blessings,

Mama