Metropolitan Detroit Youth Chorus
Respectfully submitted,
Gary S. McLachlan, M.D.Y.C. Founder and Director
November 2, 2000 (edited in 2016)
"ORIGINS"
The First Six Years
Reflecting on the humble beginnings of the chorus brings back many rich memories. Hopefully, these words will reveal just a few of the many experiences that helped mold the ‘backbone,’ the foundation years, of our proud heritage.
While enrolled as a "Music Major" at Michigan Christian College (now Rochester College) in the fall of 1964, and working as song leader for the Westside Central (WSC) congregation, I was asked to provide a group of young people to sing at a planned youth rally at Battle Creek, MI. With the help of ‘word of mouth’ by some of the WSC teens, eighteen young, fresh, and willing teens (and one sub-teen) practiced and eventually sang their hearts out, presenting 2-3 hymns of encouragement during one of the evening sessions.
That initial gathering formed what was to be the beginning of our history. After our presentation, on the way back home, the consensus was to form a chorus that would be open to any and all teenagers in the Metropolitan Detroit area. The elders at WSC encouraged me by providing the space for weekly practices (held each Sunday afternoon). We initially utilized hymns from ‘Great Songs of the Church" as our repertoire`, slowly venturing out into choral music as our abilities grew. By the end of our first year, 25 brave and energetic teens called the MDYC their place to belong.
The Fields were "Ripe unto Harvest"
The church in the area was slow in developing meaningful programs for teenagers at that time. Prior years had seen a "Downriver Chorus." A few talented young people from Rochester and MCC developed the "TAB" (Teen Age Boosters) of Michigan Christian. This core served admirably at providing a Christian gathering place, including their "Saturday School" on the campus in Rochester. They provided a valuable service to the church in the region of southern Michigan.
My emphasis was more in the immediate Detroit area. With most congregations lacking "youth" programs, the MDYC was a natural draw for those active teens who just wanted somethingconstructive to do. When local congregations eventually started their own programs for teens, we willingly yielded their teens to such efforts, even visiting their congregations to sing together. Although we missed some of those original members, we supported their desire for local congregational activities, instead of a generic youth program via the MDYC.
Our aims and progression at that time were driven by the naïve` notion that we didn’t know it couldn’t be done. The second year enrollment doubled the size of the chorus. We accepted singing opportunities anywhere and everywhere we were invited. The only audition at that time was the requirement for commitment to regular rehearsals…no musical talent was required.
In fact, one of our early participants, Mark Ide, lacked what might be called "a musical ear," when he joined us. (Mark was a delightful monotone!) What a spirit he mustered. (He also liked manyof our girls…eventually marrying one of them!) I still can picture him smiling and singing his heart out at our presentations. The only reason I mention Mark by name is the proud fact that after a few years with our chorus, he was accepted into the Acappella Chorus at MCC. (I’d selfishly like to give the MDYC a little credit in his accomplishments.)
Stories like Mark’s are woven throughout our history. Friendships were made. Seeds of relationships grew and eventually bloomed to marriages; "best-friend" friendships that endure to this day were cemented during those early days. Through the humble beginnings of the MDYC, relationships with Christ were cultivated…and even consummated by baptism into Christ.
And the Lord added to their numbers…
We didn’t know that it couldn’t be done. So we, with God’s blessings, just did it. By 1967, our number had swelled to over 100 members. Musical auditions were instituted, with only the basic requirement of "matching vocal pitches." Emphasis was placed on Christian service as being the thrust of the chorus. Weekly rehearsals, an annual weekend encampment, and a calendar of bi-weekly presentations beginning in December of each year were our mandate. We also provided recorded music for "Words of Life," a local preaching program on Detroit radio that was sponsored by the Westside Central congregation.
The northern suburban congregations provided large numbers of participants, even busing local contingents to each rehearsal at Westside Central. One concerned mother even drove her daughter from the far northeast side of the area just to provide her with Christian singing opportunity. Parental cooperation was essential to the growth of the chorus. The growth in numbers required a transfer of rehearsals to the Strathmoor congregation…we had actually outgrown Westside Central’s building.
A wedding Ensemble was formed from within the ranks of the MDYC. The young voices contributed much to the ceremony at many weddings across the metropolitan area in those years. (We used the donations we received to eat a hearty meal afterwards.)
Servant Leaders
How grateful I am to this day for the involvement of our parents. From the initial informal "Board of Directors" Austin Gilley, Coy Green, and Doyle Earwood, (my elders and preacher from Westside Central) I received counsel and encouragement. (I didn’t always follow counsel, but really appreciated their encouragement.) My wife, Nancy (Earwood), quietly endured weekly rehearsals and presentations, spending many an afternoon studying in the back row of some congregation, while I expended all my energies with my "gang" of students.
Other names come quickly to mind as the MDYC developed and expanded in the early years. Leo Hindsley, Benny Jamison, Ted McElroy, Bob Threlkeld, Jeff Green, and SO MANY other personal mentors helped mold the direction of the chorus. (I vigorously apologize for not listing each and every parent and friend who contributed such vital service to God via their participation; but names and faces are beginning to blur after all these years.)
Shortly after the beginning, help with logistics and musical direction was needed. Dan Ferguson, an MCC student from Ohio was my first assistant in those early years. Then, my longtime friend, Joe Maxwell joined our ranks. Joe eventually stole one of our altos (Kay Jordan) to be his wife. Eventually, Ellis Bonner came on board with Joe and me to add even more dynamic to our directing staff.
Europe Bound
In 1967, a giant opportunity was laid at our feet. A Christian tour promoter asked if we would take the MDYC to Europe to make presentations at various mission points, encouraging local attendance and contact opportunities for the located missionaries. Once again, our naïve response was "Why not!" As I look back on that invitation and the subsequent struggles, I admire my Lord’s understanding and use of our labors in His vineyard. We learned so much about Faith and commitment of sacrifice and prayer. Those parent-leaders who stepped forward to support and encourage taught me lessons that endure to this day.
We mustered all the help we could imagine to try to provide a minimum cost-per-person sacrifice to allow each member to make the trip. Suppers were held, fund raising items were sold door-to-door, contributions were solicited. Many of those funds were invested in what we hoped would "…put us over the top" in providing our needed funds. We asked Pat Boone to provide a concert in Detroit prior to our departure. He graciously accepted the invitation and traveled at his own expense to be with us.
The Snowstorm of the Century(?)
With the kind guidance of a Christian who was in the public relations business, we plotted and planned for a successful concert with Pat as our featured entertainer. We rented Cobo Arena for the festive event. Tickets were offered via Sears and other outlets. We both advertised and received free mention on various media outlets in the metropolitan area. Jack Harris, a local radio personality was hired as our M.C. for the evening. A full orchestra was hired via the local musician’s union. Mickey Rooney (and a young protégé) agreed to appear. What an evening we planned!
Then came the snow.
More like an avalanche.
Busloads of Christians from the west and north were snowbound from the early spring blizzard. Traffic was at a standstill across the area. Only the most fool-hearty souls ventured out that evening. The chorus and orchestra almost outnumbered the crowd. Our investment had failed. Pat Boone and all the other participants provided a wonderful evening of entertainment. However, we had to re-group and reconsider our goals and plans.
I must admit that my prayer life had never been so intense. Nancy and I sat (or kneeled) with others at the home of Leo and Darlene Hindsley one evening shortly after the Cobo Arena event. We were stymied. All our efforts seemed to have collapsed because of our financial failures at investing in the special evening. We all submitted our wills to that of God, wanting to please and honor HIM. We struggled with the fact that all our labors were not enough to put this effort on track. Our aim was pure. Our goal was honorable. Our bank account was barren. Our trust was no longer in our own talents or abilities.
The tour promoter whittled down the already reasonable cost to a bare minimum. A subsequent parents meeting committed to trying to provide funding. The MDYC leadership had committed to aim toward the trip "…unless the plane would not leave the runway at Detroit Metro Airport!" We trusted. God provided the opportunity of a lifetime for the chorus members and chaperones. 115 precious souls flew from the airport on April 8, 1968, bound for Europe.
Our tour covered 11 concerts in six countries over a 17 day period. We traveled in three buses across The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France. The route included twisting roads that had to be maneuvered very carefully to assure our safety. We often had to back the buses up two or three times, just to make a near-180 degree turn in some mountain roads.
To conclude our outreach, we crossed the English Channel to London for our final concert. Our tour lodging included many youth hostels and a few hotels enroute. "Grass Soup" was a delicacy that we learned early to enjoy. We guessed at the content of some meals, giving "Thanks" for them. Other experiences etched unique memories for each singer and chaperone.
Our bus drivers quoted an old proverb as we enjoyed a delightful spring (sunny) weather. "The Heavens Smile when Angels Travel" was their oft-spoken phrase.
We returned to the States exhausted, but thrilled at the opportunity of service and the experience of a lifetime. Our effort drew publicity within the region, causing a swelling of auditions for the coming season of outreach. The 1968-69 chorus boasted 225 members. (Uniforms became a problem because of the lack of available matching outfits.) One of our suppliers, JL Hudson, provided a local representative who not only helped fit our girl’s blazers, but also took a liking to (and eventually married) one of our sopranos. He was also baptized into Christ because of our meeting.
Onward and Upward
The closing two years of my involvement with the chorus were very fulfilling, but tiring. We not only traveled locally during each year, but we also added trips to Christian colleges within our reach. Michigan Christian, Harding, Lipscomb, Southwest Christian, and Freed-Hardeman were all visited, hopefully to provide exposure to our members for future reference. We also traveled extensively to youth rallies around the tri-state area.
The MDYC also became the model for the formation of two other city choruses within the setting of the church during those early years. Dayton, Ohio and Denver, Colorado churches also started up choral programs for teens, based on our model of activity.
Reunions, either accidental or planned, have taken place between chorus members over the years. A 25th anniversary celebration was held in 1989, featuring singing groups formed by year of participation. We held a banquet in downtown Detroit, and a picnic in the suburbs. "Accidental" reunions have also occurred–like the unlikely reunion on an aircraft between Atlanta and Dallas, when Jeff Schlender (1966-69) tapped me on the shoulder to renew friendships. In May of 2015 MDYC celebrated yet another anniversary as we came together for the 50th reunion. We had a concert at the Rochester Church of Christ and a banquet together at the Oakland Community Banquet facility.
The Changing of the Guard
I "retired" in 1970, leaving the chorus in the hands of a great Board of Directors and under the musical direction of Joe Maxwell. Don Tice joined with Joe, and then George Oliver brought his talents to the fore as a director for many years. George was followed by Robert Martin, a public school Choral Director, and then by Matt Johnson. Tim Meixner was then hired and served for several years, "retiring" briefly for a two year stint which was filled by Joe Bentley, Choral Director of Rochester College. Tim Meixner then returned as Director and has taken the chorus to an even higher plane of organization and service. The 2015-2016 season was the last for Tim Meixner. Jason Debandt co-directed with Tim for the 2015-2016 season and took over starting the 2016-2017 season. In 2020 Sara Berger, a past MDYC member, became the interim director. Bill Nichols also assistied Sara Berger as director in 2020. In 2021 Sara Berger became the musical director and still is as of today.
Our "Living Hope"
The Metropolitan Detroit Youth Chorus has a rich heritage of faith and action. Through the years, literally thousands of teenagers have either been a part of the chorus or have been touched by the example of service and dedication exhibited so clearly. Through the years, we have been blessed to see many children of our "founding years" members joining the ranks, preserving the legacy of their parents. This alone speaks volumes for the solid foundation on which the MDYC was built.
The founding principles have been followed and expanded upon with humble efforts of many. I proudly salute each and every member, director, and parent who entrusted their youth to our leadership (our humble example of servanthood). May God be glorified FOREVER by the echoes of our songs of praise.
Our final reunion, as we gather around the Throne of Heaven to render Praise and Adoration, will be an exciting time for all of us. We will have had years of practice.
(This monologue is subject to correction by others who might have more detailed memories or clarifications that need to be made. I yield to fresher minds than mine.)
Our Song
Sitting in the darkness,
My life held no light.
The silence pressed in on me
And I was afraid to speak,
But then—I saw you
With your encouraging smile,
And the darkness around my mind lightened.
You said “Hello” and shattered the still silence of my life
And even then I would not speak.
So afraid of saying something wrong,
Terrified the darkness would come crawling back.
And even in my silence
You stayed by me for years.
Until the day that I began to sing.
Our voices together lifted to the heavens,
And God himself smiled down on us.
My world has never been so bright.
We walked together singing in perfect harmony,
The road curved up and down
But still you stayed and sang our song with me.
And now—I can feel the song is ending,
I can feel the music quieting,
Winding down about to stop.
I wish I could cling to you,
So this beautiful tune will never have to end.
I’m so afraid of the darkness without your song,
So terrified by the silence of my future.
But our paths are leading us to different places.
And when that day comes when I’m without you,
I will still walk on, singing our perfect song.
I promise I’ll never forget the words,
Never change the melody.
Thank you all—now I can sing alone because of you.
What you have given me can never be stolen, lost, or broken.
You’ve given me the courage to stand alone
And raise my voice,
To sing our song into the darkness of this world.
And that song will stay our song,
Until at last when we meet again,
And a chorus a thousand times more beautiful than we could ever be will sing it with us.
And it will be just as it was before,
Only this time,
The singing will never have to stop.
--Erin Surginer, James 5:13
Respectfully submitted,
Gary S. McLachlan, M.D.Y.C. Founder and Director
November 2, 2000 (edited in 2016)
"ORIGINS"
The First Six Years
Reflecting on the humble beginnings of the chorus brings back many rich memories. Hopefully, these words will reveal just a few of the many experiences that helped mold the ‘backbone,’ the foundation years, of our proud heritage.
While enrolled as a "Music Major" at Michigan Christian College (now Rochester College) in the fall of 1964, and working as song leader for the Westside Central (WSC) congregation, I was asked to provide a group of young people to sing at a planned youth rally at Battle Creek, MI. With the help of ‘word of mouth’ by some of the WSC teens, eighteen young, fresh, and willing teens (and one sub-teen) practiced and eventually sang their hearts out, presenting 2-3 hymns of encouragement during one of the evening sessions.
That initial gathering formed what was to be the beginning of our history. After our presentation, on the way back home, the consensus was to form a chorus that would be open to any and all teenagers in the Metropolitan Detroit area. The elders at WSC encouraged me by providing the space for weekly practices (held each Sunday afternoon). We initially utilized hymns from ‘Great Songs of the Church" as our repertoire`, slowly venturing out into choral music as our abilities grew. By the end of our first year, 25 brave and energetic teens called the MDYC their place to belong.
The Fields were "Ripe unto Harvest"
The church in the area was slow in developing meaningful programs for teenagers at that time. Prior years had seen a "Downriver Chorus." A few talented young people from Rochester and MCC developed the "TAB" (Teen Age Boosters) of Michigan Christian. This core served admirably at providing a Christian gathering place, including their "Saturday School" on the campus in Rochester. They provided a valuable service to the church in the region of southern Michigan.
My emphasis was more in the immediate Detroit area. With most congregations lacking "youth" programs, the MDYC was a natural draw for those active teens who just wanted somethingconstructive to do. When local congregations eventually started their own programs for teens, we willingly yielded their teens to such efforts, even visiting their congregations to sing together. Although we missed some of those original members, we supported their desire for local congregational activities, instead of a generic youth program via the MDYC.
Our aims and progression at that time were driven by the naïve` notion that we didn’t know it couldn’t be done. The second year enrollment doubled the size of the chorus. We accepted singing opportunities anywhere and everywhere we were invited. The only audition at that time was the requirement for commitment to regular rehearsals…no musical talent was required.
In fact, one of our early participants, Mark Ide, lacked what might be called "a musical ear," when he joined us. (Mark was a delightful monotone!) What a spirit he mustered. (He also liked manyof our girls…eventually marrying one of them!) I still can picture him smiling and singing his heart out at our presentations. The only reason I mention Mark by name is the proud fact that after a few years with our chorus, he was accepted into the Acappella Chorus at MCC. (I’d selfishly like to give the MDYC a little credit in his accomplishments.)
Stories like Mark’s are woven throughout our history. Friendships were made. Seeds of relationships grew and eventually bloomed to marriages; "best-friend" friendships that endure to this day were cemented during those early days. Through the humble beginnings of the MDYC, relationships with Christ were cultivated…and even consummated by baptism into Christ.
And the Lord added to their numbers…
We didn’t know that it couldn’t be done. So we, with God’s blessings, just did it. By 1967, our number had swelled to over 100 members. Musical auditions were instituted, with only the basic requirement of "matching vocal pitches." Emphasis was placed on Christian service as being the thrust of the chorus. Weekly rehearsals, an annual weekend encampment, and a calendar of bi-weekly presentations beginning in December of each year were our mandate. We also provided recorded music for "Words of Life," a local preaching program on Detroit radio that was sponsored by the Westside Central congregation.
The northern suburban congregations provided large numbers of participants, even busing local contingents to each rehearsal at Westside Central. One concerned mother even drove her daughter from the far northeast side of the area just to provide her with Christian singing opportunity. Parental cooperation was essential to the growth of the chorus. The growth in numbers required a transfer of rehearsals to the Strathmoor congregation…we had actually outgrown Westside Central’s building.
A wedding Ensemble was formed from within the ranks of the MDYC. The young voices contributed much to the ceremony at many weddings across the metropolitan area in those years. (We used the donations we received to eat a hearty meal afterwards.)
Servant Leaders
How grateful I am to this day for the involvement of our parents. From the initial informal "Board of Directors" Austin Gilley, Coy Green, and Doyle Earwood, (my elders and preacher from Westside Central) I received counsel and encouragement. (I didn’t always follow counsel, but really appreciated their encouragement.) My wife, Nancy (Earwood), quietly endured weekly rehearsals and presentations, spending many an afternoon studying in the back row of some congregation, while I expended all my energies with my "gang" of students.
Other names come quickly to mind as the MDYC developed and expanded in the early years. Leo Hindsley, Benny Jamison, Ted McElroy, Bob Threlkeld, Jeff Green, and SO MANY other personal mentors helped mold the direction of the chorus. (I vigorously apologize for not listing each and every parent and friend who contributed such vital service to God via their participation; but names and faces are beginning to blur after all these years.)
Shortly after the beginning, help with logistics and musical direction was needed. Dan Ferguson, an MCC student from Ohio was my first assistant in those early years. Then, my longtime friend, Joe Maxwell joined our ranks. Joe eventually stole one of our altos (Kay Jordan) to be his wife. Eventually, Ellis Bonner came on board with Joe and me to add even more dynamic to our directing staff.
Europe Bound
In 1967, a giant opportunity was laid at our feet. A Christian tour promoter asked if we would take the MDYC to Europe to make presentations at various mission points, encouraging local attendance and contact opportunities for the located missionaries. Once again, our naïve response was "Why not!" As I look back on that invitation and the subsequent struggles, I admire my Lord’s understanding and use of our labors in His vineyard. We learned so much about Faith and commitment of sacrifice and prayer. Those parent-leaders who stepped forward to support and encourage taught me lessons that endure to this day.
We mustered all the help we could imagine to try to provide a minimum cost-per-person sacrifice to allow each member to make the trip. Suppers were held, fund raising items were sold door-to-door, contributions were solicited. Many of those funds were invested in what we hoped would "…put us over the top" in providing our needed funds. We asked Pat Boone to provide a concert in Detroit prior to our departure. He graciously accepted the invitation and traveled at his own expense to be with us.
The Snowstorm of the Century(?)
With the kind guidance of a Christian who was in the public relations business, we plotted and planned for a successful concert with Pat as our featured entertainer. We rented Cobo Arena for the festive event. Tickets were offered via Sears and other outlets. We both advertised and received free mention on various media outlets in the metropolitan area. Jack Harris, a local radio personality was hired as our M.C. for the evening. A full orchestra was hired via the local musician’s union. Mickey Rooney (and a young protégé) agreed to appear. What an evening we planned!
Then came the snow.
More like an avalanche.
Busloads of Christians from the west and north were snowbound from the early spring blizzard. Traffic was at a standstill across the area. Only the most fool-hearty souls ventured out that evening. The chorus and orchestra almost outnumbered the crowd. Our investment had failed. Pat Boone and all the other participants provided a wonderful evening of entertainment. However, we had to re-group and reconsider our goals and plans.
I must admit that my prayer life had never been so intense. Nancy and I sat (or kneeled) with others at the home of Leo and Darlene Hindsley one evening shortly after the Cobo Arena event. We were stymied. All our efforts seemed to have collapsed because of our financial failures at investing in the special evening. We all submitted our wills to that of God, wanting to please and honor HIM. We struggled with the fact that all our labors were not enough to put this effort on track. Our aim was pure. Our goal was honorable. Our bank account was barren. Our trust was no longer in our own talents or abilities.
The tour promoter whittled down the already reasonable cost to a bare minimum. A subsequent parents meeting committed to trying to provide funding. The MDYC leadership had committed to aim toward the trip "…unless the plane would not leave the runway at Detroit Metro Airport!" We trusted. God provided the opportunity of a lifetime for the chorus members and chaperones. 115 precious souls flew from the airport on April 8, 1968, bound for Europe.
Our tour covered 11 concerts in six countries over a 17 day period. We traveled in three buses across The Netherlands, Belgium, Germany, Switzerland, and France. The route included twisting roads that had to be maneuvered very carefully to assure our safety. We often had to back the buses up two or three times, just to make a near-180 degree turn in some mountain roads.
To conclude our outreach, we crossed the English Channel to London for our final concert. Our tour lodging included many youth hostels and a few hotels enroute. "Grass Soup" was a delicacy that we learned early to enjoy. We guessed at the content of some meals, giving "Thanks" for them. Other experiences etched unique memories for each singer and chaperone.
Our bus drivers quoted an old proverb as we enjoyed a delightful spring (sunny) weather. "The Heavens Smile when Angels Travel" was their oft-spoken phrase.
We returned to the States exhausted, but thrilled at the opportunity of service and the experience of a lifetime. Our effort drew publicity within the region, causing a swelling of auditions for the coming season of outreach. The 1968-69 chorus boasted 225 members. (Uniforms became a problem because of the lack of available matching outfits.) One of our suppliers, JL Hudson, provided a local representative who not only helped fit our girl’s blazers, but also took a liking to (and eventually married) one of our sopranos. He was also baptized into Christ because of our meeting.
Onward and Upward
The closing two years of my involvement with the chorus were very fulfilling, but tiring. We not only traveled locally during each year, but we also added trips to Christian colleges within our reach. Michigan Christian, Harding, Lipscomb, Southwest Christian, and Freed-Hardeman were all visited, hopefully to provide exposure to our members for future reference. We also traveled extensively to youth rallies around the tri-state area.
The MDYC also became the model for the formation of two other city choruses within the setting of the church during those early years. Dayton, Ohio and Denver, Colorado churches also started up choral programs for teens, based on our model of activity.
Reunions, either accidental or planned, have taken place between chorus members over the years. A 25th anniversary celebration was held in 1989, featuring singing groups formed by year of participation. We held a banquet in downtown Detroit, and a picnic in the suburbs. "Accidental" reunions have also occurred–like the unlikely reunion on an aircraft between Atlanta and Dallas, when Jeff Schlender (1966-69) tapped me on the shoulder to renew friendships. In May of 2015 MDYC celebrated yet another anniversary as we came together for the 50th reunion. We had a concert at the Rochester Church of Christ and a banquet together at the Oakland Community Banquet facility.
The Changing of the Guard
I "retired" in 1970, leaving the chorus in the hands of a great Board of Directors and under the musical direction of Joe Maxwell. Don Tice joined with Joe, and then George Oliver brought his talents to the fore as a director for many years. George was followed by Robert Martin, a public school Choral Director, and then by Matt Johnson. Tim Meixner was then hired and served for several years, "retiring" briefly for a two year stint which was filled by Joe Bentley, Choral Director of Rochester College. Tim Meixner then returned as Director and has taken the chorus to an even higher plane of organization and service. The 2015-2016 season was the last for Tim Meixner. Jason Debandt co-directed with Tim for the 2015-2016 season and took over starting the 2016-2017 season. In 2020 Sara Berger, a past MDYC member, became the interim director. Bill Nichols also assistied Sara Berger as director in 2020. In 2021 Sara Berger became the musical director and still is as of today.
Our "Living Hope"
The Metropolitan Detroit Youth Chorus has a rich heritage of faith and action. Through the years, literally thousands of teenagers have either been a part of the chorus or have been touched by the example of service and dedication exhibited so clearly. Through the years, we have been blessed to see many children of our "founding years" members joining the ranks, preserving the legacy of their parents. This alone speaks volumes for the solid foundation on which the MDYC was built.
The founding principles have been followed and expanded upon with humble efforts of many. I proudly salute each and every member, director, and parent who entrusted their youth to our leadership (our humble example of servanthood). May God be glorified FOREVER by the echoes of our songs of praise.
Our final reunion, as we gather around the Throne of Heaven to render Praise and Adoration, will be an exciting time for all of us. We will have had years of practice.
(This monologue is subject to correction by others who might have more detailed memories or clarifications that need to be made. I yield to fresher minds than mine.)
Our Song
Sitting in the darkness,
My life held no light.
The silence pressed in on me
And I was afraid to speak,
But then—I saw you
With your encouraging smile,
And the darkness around my mind lightened.
You said “Hello” and shattered the still silence of my life
And even then I would not speak.
So afraid of saying something wrong,
Terrified the darkness would come crawling back.
And even in my silence
You stayed by me for years.
Until the day that I began to sing.
Our voices together lifted to the heavens,
And God himself smiled down on us.
My world has never been so bright.
We walked together singing in perfect harmony,
The road curved up and down
But still you stayed and sang our song with me.
And now—I can feel the song is ending,
I can feel the music quieting,
Winding down about to stop.
I wish I could cling to you,
So this beautiful tune will never have to end.
I’m so afraid of the darkness without your song,
So terrified by the silence of my future.
But our paths are leading us to different places.
And when that day comes when I’m without you,
I will still walk on, singing our perfect song.
I promise I’ll never forget the words,
Never change the melody.
Thank you all—now I can sing alone because of you.
What you have given me can never be stolen, lost, or broken.
You’ve given me the courage to stand alone
And raise my voice,
To sing our song into the darkness of this world.
And that song will stay our song,
Until at last when we meet again,
And a chorus a thousand times more beautiful than we could ever be will sing it with us.
And it will be just as it was before,
Only this time,
The singing will never have to stop.
--Erin Surginer, James 5:13