Sharing a New Song

Today started like many days. I work at a ministry called HCJB Global and we have chapel every morning (a great priviledge I have enjoyed for 4 and half years). On Thursdays we have chapel in smaller groups with our departments. Today was one of those days and I went with no particular expectations. But I received a gift of generosity that blew me away!

Jessica, one of our Creative Services team members, lead chapel. She had her guitar with her and I immediately worried that I would have to sound good before my coffee really sank in.

As our time started Jessica read us several passages from the Psalms that talk about singing a new song to God. Then she shared how God had given her a new song the night before as she was driving in the car. I realized that Jessica was about to generously share something that God had given her.

She passed out papers with the song on it and we sang it several times together. It was a comforting and encouraging moment. I was fully ready to move on with my day when Jessica did something brave and very unexpected . . .

She challenged each of us to think of a new song. That challenge is nice and all. Many speakers end with a challenge. But she went beyond the challenge. She explained how the song that God had given her was very easy to modify. She asked us who would share something that God had been teaching us recently and she offered to put our ideas into her song and give it to us as an encouragement. I don't know about you but the thought writing new words to a song in front of others would terrify me. But she boldly challenged us.

Three people shared and she bravely worked with what God had put on their hearts. Each time it was miraculous. I saw as the new song was sung how the person who had offered their idea was touched and blessed.

Jessica shared what God had given her with others, but she went beyond simply being generous with her ideas. She used what God gave her to empower others to share.

So as you go about your day, remember that being a generous mind is more than just sharing what is on your heart. It means giving others the opportunity and context to do the same.

Bravo Jessica, thank you for being a generous mind!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Your story was an encouragement to me as I read it. It's funny, because your use of words like "bravely" and "courageous" struck me. I don't usually think of myself that way. It was encouraging to see how God has worked in my life to bring me to this point where I am brave and courageous without even realizing it. :) I thank Him for putting a new song in my heart. Thanks for sharing how it ministered to you, Jon.
Thanks for sharing Jessica. The bravery and courage that come from a faith and obedience in God, don't necessarily seem all that brave. I think this is partly because we are not doing them in our own strength but in the strength Jesus provides.

It was a priviledge to recieve such generosity from you this week!
I recieved this comment on the story on my facebook wall after posting the link there:

From Amy Minnich: Thanks, Jon. I've had another rough night after another epidural and as I was lying here, I just felt compelled to cry out to the Lord and to sing a new song from my heart. The praises of the Lord on our hearts and minds truly helps us to stay focused and not to be discouraged.

Psalm 19:14: “May the words of my mouth and the meditation of my heart be pleasing in your sight, O LORD, my Rock and my Redeemer.”
Anonymous said…
I love Amy's testimony! That is so how God works! Hang in there, Amy! God is working.