“The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in God which made David dance.” C.S. Lewis
My mom’s family is a family of musicians, and my dad’s family is a family of vocalists…put them together and you get me. I grew up HATING piano lessons and, believe it or not, I was ridiculously timid and afraid of performing in front of people. Needless to say, a lot has changed and God’s grace has allowed me to be comfortable in my own skin and with my own voice and talents.
When I was still in the states, my involvement in music ministry was slow and steady. I started playing piano at mass for the youth choir, and then became a pianist at our parish for various masses. Since I was coordinating the youth ministry program, I also had the opportunity to lead worship for youth group events and holy hours. I then had the task of leading the band vocally for a Youth 2000 retreat in January of 2009, right before I came down to Honduras.
Since I came down to Honduras, God has allowed me to grow so much in my music. When I left the states, my guitar skills were basic, and though I was classically trained from a young age, my piano skills were not enough to keep up with the musicians around me who pretty much NEVER carried written music on them. Three years later and none of this proves to be problematic for me anymore, and I’ve added a number of instruments to my list of things I can play. All of this, through God’s grace and Him bestowing upon me such a beautiful gift.
BUT, this really isn’t about me. It’s about doing all of this for God’s glory.
I’ve learned in the past 3 years that I am not a concert musician. The thought of singing songs in front of others still freaks me out and though I do sing, I chicken out in front of a karaoke mic unless I’m with family. God has given me this gift to use for HIS glory… and I have realized that I am most comfortable in my musical skin when I am leading a mass, Holy Hour, or time of prayer. Don’t get me wrong, I still love to jam out with friends for fun – but I know that its not written on my heart to become some famous musician. It is written on my heart that I will be a missionary, spreading God’s love by means of my music, my relationships with people, and my joy.
