THE FACES

         I could not help but to now just look at the faces. As the morning worship service began and the first hymn had been selected the people, with reluctance and obvious hesitation, very slowly began the stand. I recognised the old hymn "Standing on the Pormises", and as I had raised my voice to sing with spirit and rhythm, it was my voice alone. Surrounded with questioning stares and ill-tempered glances, with personal embarrassment, I lowered my voice and greatly slowed my pace, but so did my mind and heart. With the hymnal slowly folding and my voice growing still, I felt the final awakening as to why my back would be facing a churches closed doors again.
 Were they here to worship GOD?
*Yes, they were standing, they were singing, yet they appeared void of inspiration, their hearts empty of the meaning of the words. I began to understand why the heavy sweat and hard full voice of the leader in trying to guide them in a song.
*As I searched each member of the choir, I saw feeble dividuals appearing timid as each body stood in only a bare stance, not erect with dignity to sing with praise to our Father above. They were only reading the words, reading not singing.
Were they here to worship GOD?
I began to search for an instrument, so, where is the piano? I could not hear nor feel the deep full depth of its beautiful cords, why? Then as I watched the woman present the music the reason for its loss was obvious; her shoulders barely moved, her expression never changed. It was if a duty not an honor to be blessed with the talent of touching those ivory keys. It's muted sound and muffled cords were not for the encouragement of a Hymn to be sung in praise.
Were they here to worship GOD ?
       As the service came to an end in closing prayer. I gently held the Bible and prayed for one last hope. I will offer my hand Lord, in friendship and recognition surly someone will join their hand with mine. As the prayer ended, I stood and looked around only to find that I was  alone, in an instant the church had emptied. I hurried to the door, for there must be someone still here, isn't there ? Yet the people were moving quickly to their cars or already in them or already gone. It was as though they had made their appearance, yet only with their bodies, not with their hearts.
Is no one looking, no one listening, no one watching ?
Yes, God !

iePinto0510

Note: I have been a piano player since the age of ten I know how music can stir the soul. Through the last decade to wittness churchs installing electronic equipment instead of pianos' and screens replacing hymnals my opinion is that gospal "music" is an inspiration that has vanished.